WONG Pat Shun Patsy and WO King Tai, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Hong Kong, China

Abstract

Following the recommendation of the consultancy study on red tide monitoring and management in Hong Kong, a project to establish a database system with a Geographic Information System to enable efficient compilation of relevant data and information on red tides and harmful algal blooms in Hong Kong was completed recently. This system not only streamlines recording of all data on red tide monitoring and investigation, it enables near real time visualization of spatial and temporal distribution of red tide in Hong Kong. It therefore enables faster and more accurate risk assessment as well as facilitates prompt early warning to mariculturists and communication amongst concerned departments during red tide outbreaks. In addition, the system also enables faster response to enquiries and retrospective analysis of trends and relationships of red tide outbreaks with environmental changes which are important in further improving the effectiveness of red tide management.