Three red tides were sighted during the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (May 8).
      
     On April 30, a member of the public spotted the first red tide at Stanley Bay, Hong Kong Island. Another two red tides were spotted at Inner Port Shelter near Sharp Island and at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung, on May 3 and 6 respectively, by staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. All the red tides have dissipated. No associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
      
     A spokesman for the working group said, "The three red tides were formed by Noctiluca scintillans, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic."
      
     The AFCD urged mariculturists at the fish culture zones of Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi, 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/Friday, May 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:05

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