Press Releases

Red tides sighted
Friday, October 28, 2005

Two red tides have been sighted in Hong Kong waters in the past few days, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (October 28).

The red tide at Yim Tin Tsai (East) Fish Culture Zone reported by a mariculturist there on October 24 dissipated the following day.

Another occurrence at Tolo Harbour and Tolo Channel, which still persists, was reported on October 26 by a mariculturist at Lo Fu Wat Fish Culture Zone.

"Both red tides were formed by Ceratium furca. Red tide formed by it is common in Hong Kong waters and it is non-toxic," a spokesman for the working group said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has urged mariculturists at Lo Fu Wat, Yung Shue Au, Yim Tin Tsai and Yim Tin Tsai (East) Fish Culture Zones 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.