Red Tide / HAB Management Operation Master Plan

Information Network

Phytoplankton Monitoring Programme: Phytoplankton monitoring is carried out by AFCD to detect presence of toxic algae or development of harmful red tides, in order to provide early warning to mariculturists and other concerned parties. Phytoplankton samples are collected weekly from six fish culture zones (Weekly sampling stations), fortnightly from another 5 fish culture zones (Bi-weekly sampling stations) and five offshore stations and quarterly at the remaining 15 fish culture zones (Seasonal sampling stations) to detect the presence of harmful algae and development of red tides. Sampling frequency would be stepped up when harmful algal species or abnormally high phytoplankton population was detected.

Red Tide Reporting Network: Any sighting of seawater discoloration will be reported by staff of government departments working at sea as well as mariculturist and public . AFCD conducts investigation to assess the risk involved, issue warnings to marine fish farmer and forward the information to concerned departments for appropriate actions.

Seafood Surveillance and Report of Human Intoxication: Routine surveillance for biotoxins in seafood at import control, wholesale and retailed markets is carried out by FEHD. In addition, FEHD step up the surveillance in response to the presence of toxic algae from AFCD's phytoplankton monitoring programme. Shellfish containing algal toxins exceeding the safety limit will be confiscated. Cases of human intoxication by shellfish poisons are reported to DH. DH with assistance from FEHD will trace the source of incriminated shellfish and stop the sale of these shellfish.

Departmental Action Plans

The action plans include the Mariculture Action Plan to be implemented by AFCD, the Algal Biotoxin Action Plan by FEHD and DH and the Beach Action Plan by LCSD. The actions taken and monitoring results are forwarded to AFCD for coordination. Joined press release or conference will be arranged as needed.

Other activities

Public Communication and Education: To inform the public and mariculturists about the latest red tide situation, the webpage is updated weekly and press release is issued upon occurrence of red tide. A set of posters and leaflets on red tide is produced and distributed to public including understanding of red tide/HAB, impacts of fish culture, implication on seafood safety and swimming at beach. Webpages and leaflets on shellfish toxins are published by FEHD.

Research and Development: Various research and studies related to different aspects of red tide/HAB are being conducted by tertiary institutes. The government provides advices and data/information where necessary.