Red tides hit HK fish farms

Red tides hit HK fish farms

HONG KONG, China (AP): The worst red tides this decade have wiped out hundreds of thousands of fish worth at least HK$70 million, newspapers reported yesterday.

About 1,000 of Hong Kong's 1,500 fish farms have been devastated by the red tides, which first hit coastal waters in March, the South China Morning Post reported.

Red tides of toxic, oxygen-depleted water usually subside in a few days, but this wave "has spread out like an infectious disease", Hong Kong Fish Culture Association Chairman Wong Yung- kan said

The government has given about 100 fish farmers HK$10,000 (US$1,282) in emergency subsidies since the tides hit Hong Kong. Wong said consumers would probably have to pay more for seafood in coming months.