2023/04/28
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Red tides sighted
Friday, April 28, 2023

Two red tides have been sighted over the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (April 28).

The first red tide was spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on April 24 at Tolo Channel (including Lo Fu Wat Fish Culture Zone). On April 25, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department spotted another red tide at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung. Both red tides have dissipated and no associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.

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

The AFCD urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan and Po Toi O 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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