Twenty-five beaches have been rated 'good' in the Environmental Protection Department's latest water quality gradings. Seven others are 'fair' and one is 'poor'.

Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach has upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1 and Discovery Bay has changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2.

The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beach.

Seven gazetted beaches - Anglers', Approach, Ting Kau, Casam, Gemini, Hoi Mei Wan and Lido - are closed to swimmers year round because of poor water quality. People should not swim at these beaches.

As beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggest during and after heavy rain, bathers are reminded not to swim at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

For the latest gradings, click here, or call the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

Red tide reported

Meanwhile, red tide has been seen in Hong Kong waters in the past few days.

Fishermen reported red tide at Sha Tau Kok Hoi on April 12. The red tide dissipated yesterday.

The red tide was formed by Skeletonema costatum which is non-toxic to fish and common in Hong Kong waters.

Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue monitoring red tide occurrences to minimise impact on the mariculture industry.