Red tides sighted
*****************
On February 1, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department spotted a red tide at Deep Water Bay Beach, Hong Kong Island. On February 2, staff of the Environmental Protection Department spotted another red tide at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach. The red tide at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach has dissipated, while the red tide at Deep Water Bay Beach still persists. No associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
A spokesman for the working group said, "Both red tides were formed by Phaeocystis globosa, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, the algal species can produce foam that may affect fish."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at the Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi and Cheung Sha 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 to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Ends/Friday, February 6, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:20
Issued at HKT 14:20
NNNN