Press Releases
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Red tides sighted Five red tides were sighted in Hong Kong waters during the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (February 4). Staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) observed a red tide at Tolo Harbour near Yuen Chau Tsai on January 28 and another at Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone on January 30. The one at Tolo Harbour dissipated the following day. The one at Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone dissipated on February 2. Marine Police observed a red tide at Port Shelter near Kui Tsui on January 28. The red tide dissipated three days later. On January 29, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department observed a red tide at Hap Mun Bay Beach and staff of the Government Flying Service observed a red tide at Chek Lap Kok and Sha Chau. A red flag was hoisted at the beach. The red tide at Hap Mun Bay Beach dissipated on January 31 and the one at Chek Lap Kok and Sha Chau dissipated on February 2. "The red tides at Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone and Chek Lap Kok and Sha Chau were formed by Mesodinium rubrum. The other three red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans. Both species are common in Hong Kong and non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said. The AFCD has urged mariculturists in the Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone 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.
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