2023/02/28
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Press Releases

Red tide sighted
Friday, February 24, 2023

A red tide has been sighted over the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (February 24).

The red tide was spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on February 20 at Peng Chau Public Pier. The red tide has dissipated and no associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.

A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide was formed by Phaeocystis globosa, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, the algal species can produce foam that may affect fish."

The AFCD urged mariculturists at Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Lo Tik Wan and Sok Kwu Wan 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 to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.

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