A red tide has been sighted over the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (August 11).

     Staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spotted a red tide at Starling Inlet (including Sha Tau Kok fish culture zone) on August 8. The red tide has dissipated and no associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.

     A spokesman for the working group said, "The red tide was formed by Chattonella marina, which is not common in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, the algal species can produce toxins that may cause fish deaths."

     The AFCD urged mariculturists at Sha Tau Kok fish culture zone 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 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:30

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