A red tide was sighted over the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (August 14).
           
     The red tide was spotted by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on August 12 at Silver Mine Bay Beach, Lantau Island. The red tide still persists. No associated deaths of fish have been reported as of today.

     A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide was 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, Cheung Sha Wan and Ma 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, August 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:30

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