Press Releases

Red tide sighted
Friday, May 19, 2023

A red tide was sighted during the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (May 19).

The red tide was spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on May 15 at Long Harbour (including Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan and Sham Wan fish culture zones). The red tide persists and no associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.

A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide was formed by Vicicitus globosus, which is not commonly found in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, Vicicitus globosus may cause respiratory damage in fish."

The AFCD urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Sham Wan, Wong Wan, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, O Pui Tong, Kat O, Sai Lau Kong, Ap Chau and Sha Tau Kok 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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