Press Releases

An inter-departmental red tide working group confirmed today (March 24) that a red tide observed at Silver Mine Bay Beach yesterday had been formed by Karenia digitata, a species harmful to fish.

Leisure and Cultural Services Department staff observed the red tide at Silver Mine Bay Beach yesterday (March 23). A red flag was hoisted immediately. The red tide still persists.

"The red tide has been formed by Karenia digitata. The toxic species has been recorded in Hong Kong waters before. The red tides caused by this species were associated with serious fish kills in Hong Kong in 1998. Since then no red tides caused by this species has been recorded," a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said.

"AFCD immediately alerted mariculturists of all fish culture zones to the red tide and urged them to monitor the situation closely. No associated death of fish has been reported so far," the spokesman said.

Early detection and warning will allow mariculturists to have sufficient time to take necessary measures to minimise loss. AFCD will, therefore, closely monitor the possible spread of the bloom in Silver Mine Bay to other areas and has also stepped up the monitoring of all fish culture zones, especially the ones near Silver Mine Bay including Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Lo Tik Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. Water samples have been collected for analysis.

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

The department has also notified the Mainland authorities regarding the red tide occurrence in Hong Kong.

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