Press Releases

Two red tide occurrences have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (December 31).

The first occurrence at Deep Water Bay Beach was reported by a staff member of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on December 28. A red flag was hoisted immediately.

Separately, a mariculturist observed a red tide at Tai Tau Chau Fish Culture Zone yesterday.
Both occurrences still persist and no associated death of fish was reported.

"The red tide at Deep Water Bay Beach was formed by Phaeocystis globosa, which is non-toxic and seldom found in Hong Kong waters. The occurrence at Tai Tau Chau Fish Culture Zone was formed by Karenia papilionacea, which has not been bloomed in Hong Kong waters before. Overseas studies showed that the species might be harmful to fish and human, however, no such reports have been recorded in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the working group said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Leung Shuen Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Kai Lung Wan and Kau Sai Fish Culture Zones to monitor the situation closely.

Red tide is a natural phenomenon. 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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