More coastal areas of Hong Kong hit by red tides but experts unsure of exact reason for growing trend
- Natural phenomenon, also known as algal blooms, sighted in several coastal areas including Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan and Tung Chung recently
- Red tides are areas of seawater discoloured by large concentrations of microorganisms that may deplete levels of dissolved oxygen
A blanket of thick brown froth has covered an increasing number of Hong Kong’s coastal areas in the past week with rising temperatures and rainy weather seen as a possible factor in the growth of red tides.
There have been at least 28 reports since last Friday of the natural phenomenon, also known as algal blooms, affecting mainly southern and southwestern Hong Kong waters, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
On Tuesday, thick froth was spotted at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront while a red flag was raised against swimming at Silvermine Bay Beach on Lantau Island due to the sighting of a suspected red tide.
According to an interdepartmental red tide working group, seven were sighted last week, covering Golden Beach, Cafeteria New Beach, Cafeteria Old Beach, Kadoorie Beach, Butterfly Beach and Castle Peak Beach in Tuen Mun, and also Castle Peak Bay.
On Monday, red tide sightings were reported at Victoria Harbour, the Cheung Sha Wan Fish Culture Zone and waters off Tsuen Wan and Tung Chung. No associated fish deaths were reported.