Press Releases

Several red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (May 6).

The red tides were spotted at Silverstrand Beach, Kiu Tsui Beach, Hap Mun Bay Beach, Clear Water Bay First Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach and Wong Mau Chau to Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung; Shek O Beach, Turtle Cove Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach on Hong Kong Island; and Tolo Harbour to Long Harbour (including Lo Fu Wat, Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai East, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan and Sham Wan fish culture zones), Double Haven to Tung Ping Chau (including O Pui Tong fish culture zone), Tai Miu Wan to Sheung Sze Mun (including Tung Lung Chau fish culture zone) and Junk Bay.

Red tides at Silverstrand Beach, Kiu Tsui Beach, Hap Mun Bay Beach and Junk Bay have dissipated while the others still persist. No associated death of fish has been reported so far.

A spokesman for the working group said, "All red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up monitoring of the fish culture zones in the close vicinity of the red tides. Mariculturists have been reminded to monitor the situation closely.

Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.

Ends