A red tide was sighted during the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (February 14).

     On February 13, staff of the Marine Department spotted a red tide at Tolo Harbour. The red tide still 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 Asterionellopsis glacialis, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic."

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

Ends/Friday, February 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:21

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