Press Releases

Red tides sighted

Friday, March 17, 2017

Two red tides have been sighted over the past week, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 17).

The red tides were reported by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Stanley Main Beach on Hong Kong Island and Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung on March 13 and 14 respectively.

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

A spokesman for the working group said, "Both 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) urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi, Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan, Tung Lung Chau and Po Toi O 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.