Red tides sighted
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On April 18, a mariculturist spotted the first red tide at the Sham Wan fish culture zone. On April 22, staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spotted the second red tide at the Tap Mun fish culture zone. On April 22, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) spotted two red tides at Golden Beach and Kadoorie Beach, Tuen Mun, respectively. On April 23, LCSD staff spotted three red tides at Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach, Ting Kau Beach, Lido Beach and Casam Beach, Tsuen Wan, respectively. On the same day, AFCD staff spotted a red tide in the western waters of Hong Kong. On April 24, members of the public spotted a red tide in Victoria Harbour.
The red tides at the Sham Wan fish culture zone, the Tap Mun fish culture zone, the western waters of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour still persist, while the other five red tides have dissipated. No associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tides at the Sham Wan fish culture zone and the Tap Mun fish culture zone were formed by Gonyaulax polygramma, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and is non-toxic. The other seven red tides were formed by Mesodinium rubrum, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and is non-toxic."
The AFCD urged mariculturists at the fish culture zones of Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai East, Yung Shue Au, Lo Fu Wat, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Sham Wan, Ma Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Cheung Sha 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/Friday, April 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:30
Issued at HKT 14:30
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