Press Releases

Four red tide occurrences have been sighted in Hong Kong waters over the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 19).

Staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed two red tides at Clear Water Bay First and Second Beach respectively on March 15. Red flags were hoisted immediately and the red tides dissipated on March 17.

Separately, the third red tide at Sai Kung Tai Mong Tsai reported by a member of the public dissipated today while the last occurrence at Hoi Ha Wan observed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staff still persists.

No associated death of fish has been reported in the four occurrences.

"All four red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans which is common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.

The AFCD has urged mariculturists at Po Toi O, Tung Lung Chau, Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Sham Wan, Sai Lau Kong and Tap Mun 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.