Hong Kong Red Tide

A red tide (紅潮) off the coast of Victoria Harbour

Place: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Date: 10 June, 2007
Equipment: Canon 850IS

The red tide reported on May 31 in Ma Wan has spread over Hong Kong waters, an inter-departmental red tide working group reported today (8 June, 2007).

The occurrence at Ma Wan reported by Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department staff on May 31 still persists, and spreads to some beaches and fish culture zones. Several red tide reports were received, from June 4 to June 7, by AFCD, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Environmental Protection Department, Water Services Department and Marine Police. Beaches including Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay, Middle Bay, South Bay, Chung Hom Kok, Hung Sing Yeh Beach, St. Stephen’s Bay, Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach and beaches around Tuen Mun are affected. Fish culture zones including Ma Wan, Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan and Tung Lung Chau are affected. Others include Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island, East Lamma Channel, Quarry Bay Water Front, West Kowloon Water Front, North of Lautau Island, Victoria Harbour and Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter.

Red tide is also reported today at Lung Kwu Tan by Marine Police.

"The red tide was formed by Cochlodinium sp. (旋溝藻), which is rare in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic", a spokesman for the working group said.

Related link:

• Hong Kong Red Tide Information Network