Mainland sewage fuelling Hong Kong's 'red tides'

Sewage from the mainland is fuelling an increase of harmful algal blooms - known as red tides - in Hong Kong waters, according to a leading scientist.

Professor Ho Kin-chung, dean of the Open University's school of science and technology and an expert on algae, said the red tides were "fed" by nutrients flowing in from mainland waters to the east and west of Hong Kong.

The news comes as the high season for red tides in Hong Kong begins, fuelled by a combination of nutrients in the water and warming seas.

Within the last fortnight brown algae been spotted across the territory - off Lamma Island, Cheung Chau, Lantau and within Victoria Harbour.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff said they had spotted red tides at fish culture zones within Tolo Harbour, Sha Tau Kok and Tai Mei Tuk, while a member of the public reported another at Pak Sha Wan in Sai Kung. 

"The economic boom across the border leads to more sewage discharge into the sea and rivers, and in the right seasons [the nutrients] come down to us. So this is no longer a local phenomenon but a regional one," Ho said.

Most algae feed on nutrients such as phosphates or nitrates that are commonly found in cities' wastewater. At the right temperature, well-fed algae will proliferate in a short period of time.