Red tide outbreaks as devastating as those last spring will strike again within the next five to 10 years, an expert has warned.
US red tide specialist, Donald Anderson, said it was not possible to predict whether another major outbreak would occur this year.
'But I can bet my house on it that in the next five to 10 years, there will definitely be a large outbreak capable of causing as many mortalities [as last year's],' he said.
Dr Anderson, in the SAR at the invitation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, said a species of harmful algae existed in local waters. Under the right conditions it could form red tide.
Last year, two-thirds of fish farms were poisoned by the tides, causing losses of more than $70 million.
Dr Anderson said there were no 'magic solutions' for red tides, but fish farmers could protect their stocks.