Five red tides have been sighted, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (March 15).
One red tide was spotted by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at Hoi Ha Wan on March 10.
In addition, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department spotted two red tides at Kwun Yam Beach in Cheung Chau and Approach Beach in Tsuen Wan on March 11. The red flag was hoisted at Kwun Yam Beach in Cheung Chau immediately.
Staff of the Marine Department also spotted two red tides at waters off Tung Chung and Rambler Channel near Hoi Hing Road on March 11 and 12 respectively.
All five red tides have dissipated and no associated death of fish has been reported so far.
A spokesman for the working group said, "Five red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic."
The AFCD urged mariculturists at Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Sham Wan, Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Cheung Sha Wan and Ma Wan 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 monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
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