6.1.1 The EIA report has identified the minor impacts on terrestrial ecology arising from the Project and no monitoring programme specific for terrestrial ecology is therefore required. However, the implementation of all mitigation measures for terrestrial ecological impact described in the EIA report should be subject to regular audit.
6.1.2 Important marine ecological resources were recorded within and in vicinity of the proposed marine works area, which included natural coral communities with moderate to high ecological value on western coast of Junk Bay, coral recipient sites for translocation under other development projects, natural streams, and potential habitats of Philippine Neon Goby and Grassy Puffer Fish. Apart from possible mitigation measure for water quality impact for the important marine ecological resources, with the aim to minimize potential direct impacts, specific mitigation measures have been recommended for the corals.
6.1.3 This section describes the specific mitigation measures and requirements for monitoring and auditing recommended for corals.
6.2.1 Recent dive surveys revealed that the hard substrata subtidal habitats to be directly affected by the proposed dredging and reclamation were of low diversity and sparse coverage (<1%) of common hard coral colonies largely dominated by pioneer species Oulastrea crispata (Spot-check Area 1 and Area 2, and REA transects T1 to T3, T5 and T7 refer) and hence limited ecological value is considered. Also, the pier construction would only affect a small area of hard substrate subtidal habitat with relatively diverse coral assemblage.
6.2.2 In order to minimize the direct loss/damage and shading effect to the coral colonies, it is recommended to translocate the affected coral colonies except Oulastrea crispata, attached on the movable (< 50 cm in diameter) boulders / rocks within the proposed reclamation area and bridge footprint, as far as practicable, to a nearby suitable recipient habitat where similar hydrographic condition and healthy coral communities of the same coral species are recorded. The coral translocation should be conducted during the winter months (November-March) in order to avoid disturbance to the translocated coral colonies during the spawning period (i.e. July to October).
6.2.3 Prior to the translocation works, the Environmental Team (ET) should arrange a pre-translocation survey on corals within the proposed reclamation area and bridge footprint, as well as the potential recipient site(s). The pre-translocation survey would be focused on identifying and mapping the coral colonies that would be directly impacted by the proposed marine works and investigating the translocation feasibility of these coral colonies (e.g. health status of coral colony and nature of the attaching substrata).
6.2.4 A detailed coral translocation plan with a description on the methodology and findings for pre-translocation coral survey, translocation methodology, identification/proposal of coral recipient site, monitoring methodology for post-translocation should be prepared during the detailed design stage. The coral translocation plan should be subject to approval by relevant authorities (e.g. EPD and AFCD) before commencement of the coral translocation.
6.2.6 All the translocation and monitoring exercises should be conducted by experienced marine ecologist(s) who is/are approved by AFCD prior to commencement of coral translocation.
6.3 Coral Monitoring Programme
6.3.1 No direct impacts on the coral communities from the hard substrata subtidal habitat along the natural coastline of western Junk Bay are anticipated. However, they would potentially impacted by the indirect water quality change arising from the proposed reclamation works. It is therefore recommended to monitor these nearby coral communities along with the water quality monitoring programme during the construction phase with a view to protect the natural coral communities in vicinity of the proposed marine works areas.
6.3.2 A coral monitoring programme is recommended to examine whether the mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report have been effectively implemented to protect the corals within the proposed marine works area and its vicinity from negative impacts from construction activities.
6.3.3 The monitoring programme should comprise 3 phases: pre-construction phase, construction phase and post-construction phase (one year after the completion of marine-based construction works.
6.3.4 To monitor the health condition of corals during different phases, corals located within areas likely to be affected by the Project, and corals located at control sites (areas unlikely to be affected by the Project) should be chosen, in order to identify any adverse indirect impact from the marine works. The size, percent cover and health condition of corals at representative transects should be recorded during each monitoring. The survey methodology should remain the same during different phases, in order to allow direct comparison of coral monitoring results among different phases.
6.3.5 All monitoring should be led by suitably qualified persons with recognisable experience in coral monitoring survey approved by AFCD.
6.3.6 The methodology for coral monitoring programme should be consulted with the AFCD before the commencement of the monitoring programmes. A more detailed coral monitoring plan, including which coral species and colonies to be monitored, methodology, monitoring frequency, and Event and Action Plan for coral monitoring should be submitted, prior to commencement of construction works.
6.3.7 A final coral monitoring report should be submitted to AFCD upon completion of the monitoring programme. The report should contain a summary of the activities, assessment of health conditions of the corals throughout the monitoring programme, and assessment on the effectiveness of the mitigation measures adopted.