Three red tides were sighted during the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (April 17).
 
     On April 11, staff of the Marine Department spotted the first red tide at Sai Kung Public Pier. On April 15, staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spotted the second red tide in Kau Sai Fish Culture Zone. On April 16, the public spotted the third red tide at Port Shelter.
 
     Apart from the first red tide, which has dissipated, the other two red tides still persist. No associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
 
     A spokesman for the working group said, "Three red tides were formed by Gonyaulax polygramma, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and is non-toxic."
 
     The AFCD urged mariculturists at the fish culture zones of Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan and Tiu Cham Wan 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/Thursday, April 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:25

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