Press Releases

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

The first occurrence was reported by Marine Police at Chek Lap Kok near The Brothers on February 20. The red tide dissipated on February 25.

Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff observed red tides at Clear Water Bay First Beach and Second Beach on February 24 and Silverstrand Beach on February 25. Red flags were hoisted at the beaches. The red tides still persist.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staff spotted a red tide at Tso Wo Hang, Sai Kung, on February 25. It dissipated on February 27.

Separately, a mariculturist observed a red tide at Po Toi O Fish Culture Zone on February 24. It dissipated on February 27. Another mariculturist reported a red tide at Kau Sai Fish Culture Zone on February 26 and it still persists.

No associated death of fish was reported in all seven occurrences.

"The red tide at Chek Lap Kok was formed by Mesodinium rubrum. The occurrence at Kau Sai was formed by Gonyaulax polygramma while the other occurrences were formed by Noctiluca scintillans. These three species are common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.

The AFCD has urged mariculturists at Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Po Toi O, Tung Lung Chau, Tai Tau Chau, Kai Lung Wan, Kau Sai and Ma Nam Wat Fish Culture Zones 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.

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