Press Releases

Red tide sighting report
Friday, January 9, 2004

Two red tides were sighted in Hong Kong waters last Friday (January 2), an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (January 9).

Staff of the Environmental Protection Department observed a red tide at Shing Mun River and staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed another one at Deep Water Bay Beach. Both had dissipated by the following day.

"The red tide at Sing Mun River was formed by Cylindrotheca closterium and Prorocentrum minimum. The one at Deep Water Bay Beach was formed by Phaeocystis globosa," a spokesman for the working group said.

"Cylindrotheca closterium had not been sighted in Hong Kong waters before. Prorocentrum minimum is common and Phaeocystis globosa is rare in Hong Kong waters. All three species are non-toxic."

Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry.