Press Releases

Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 27).

One of the red tides was spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on January 20 at Pui O Beach, Lantau Island, while the other one was sighted by a mariculturist on January 23 at Tolo Harbour near Pak Sha Tau.

Both red tides have dissipated and no associated death of fish has been reported.

A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide at Pui O Beach was formed by Phaeocystis globosa whereas the one at Pak Sha Tau was formed by Akashiwo sanguinea and Tripos furca. All species are non-toxic and commonly found in Hong Kong waters."

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Cheung Sha Wan, Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au and Lo Fu Wat fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.

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