Report

10.0.1 As discussed in Section 3, various options and combinations of options for the HKBCF and HKLR have been previously investigated, evaluated, assessed and ranked, and the selected option has also been further revised and refined. The ecological impact assessment for the HKBCF and HKLR was based upon the latest layout of the preferred option.

10.1 Legislation and Standards

10.1.1 Ordinances and regulations that are relevant to this study include the following:

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislation, the Forestry Regulations;

· Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170);

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) and its subsidiary legislation;

· Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476);

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and the associated TM; and

· Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and its subsidiary legislation.

10.1.2 This assessment also makes reference to the following guidelines and standards:

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 10, "Conservation";

· PELB Technical Circular 1/97 / Works Branch Technical Circular 4/97, "Guidelines for Implementing the Policy on Off-site Ecological Mitigation Measures";

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 6/2002 - Some Observations on Ecological Assessment from the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Perspective;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 7/2002 – Ecological Baseline Survey for Ecological Assessment;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 10/2004 – Methodologies for Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Surveys; and

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 11/2004 – Methodologies for Marine Ecological Baseline Surveys.

10.1.3 This assessment also makes reference to the following Mainland legislation:

· List of State Protected Wild Animals, promulgated by the State Council國家重點保護野生動物名錄.

10.1.4 Other international conventions and guidelines that are relevant to this study include the following:

· Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ("CITES"). This Convention regulates international trade in animal and plant species considered to be at risk from such trade. Depending on the degree of threat posed by international trade, CITES classifies endangered species of animals and plants into three Appendices. Appendix I includes highly endangered species threatened with extinction. Commercial trade in specimens of these species is prohibited. Appendix II includes species which are not presently threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is controlled. Their trade is allowed but subject to licensing controls. Appendix III species are species identified by any Party to CITES as requiring cooperation in controlling their trade. Their trade is subject to permits or certificates of origin. Hong Kong's obligations under this Convention are enforced via the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).

· IUCN - The World Conservation Union maintains, through its Species Survival Commission, a “Redlist” of globally threatened species of wild plants and animals (see http://www.iucnredlist.org/static/introduction). The Redlist is considered the authoritative publication to classify species into nine groups as Extinct (EX) - No individuals remaining; Extinct in the Wild (EW) - Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range; Critically Endangered (CR) - Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild; Endangered (EN) - Very high risk of extinction in the wild; Vulnerable (VU) - High risk of extinction in the wild; Near Threatened (NT) - Likely to become endangered in the near future; Least Concern (LC) - Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category; Data Deficient (DD) - Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction; Not Evaluated (NE) - Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

· United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. This convention requires parties to regulate or manage biological resources important for the conservation of biological diversity whether within or outside protected areas, with a view to ensuring their conservation and sustainable use. It also requires parties to promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in natural surroundings. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity on 5th January 1993. The HKSAR Government has stated that it is "committed to meeting the environmental objectives" of the Convention (PELB 1996).

· Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the "Ramsar Convention"), which requires parties to conserve and make wise use of wetlands, particularly those supporting waterfowl populations. The PRC ratified the Ramsar Convention on 31st July 1992, and various wetlands have since been listed as wetlands of international importance (i.e. Ramsar sites). One of these, Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site in Hong Kong SAR, was listed on 4 September 1995.

10.2 Assessment Area

10.2.1 For HKLR, the alignment covers both marine and terrestrial areas, and there are assessment areas for terrestrial ecology and marine ecology respectively. The assessment area for marine ecology (i.e. aquatic ecology in the EIA Study Brief) is the same as the water quality impact assessment area, i.e. including the following 7 Water Control Zones (WCZ) within HKSAR (Figure 10.1) as well as any areas likely to be impacted by the Project.

· Deep Bay WCZ;

· North Western WCZ;

· North Western Supplementary WCZ;

· Victoria Harbour WCZ;

· Western Buffer WCZ;

· Southern WCZ; and

· Second Southern Supplementary WCZ.

10.2.2 The assessment area for terrestrial ecology in HKLR is defined as all areas within 500 m from the site boundary of the land based works areas or the areas likely to be impacted by the Project. Owing to the changes of the alignment, HKLR would go through limited existing land areas, and the terrestrial ecological assessment area (Figure 10.2) has significantly reduced in size when compared with the original Study Area during the early stage of the EIA study, which is larger to cover the two conceptual alignment options in the EIA Study Brief No. ESB-110/2003.

10.2.3 For HKBCF, as it is mainly a marine project on new reclamation except some minor connecting slip roads which would involve modifications of the existing road system on Airport Island and most of them have been covered by the HKLR terrestrial ecology assessment area, the assessment area for HKBCF ecology is on marine basis. The marine ecological assessment area for HKBCF is smaller than that of HKLR, and covers the following 4 Water Control Zones (WCZ) within HKSAR as well as any areas likely to be impacted by the Project.

· North Western WCZ;

· North Western Supplementary WCZ;

· Deep Bay WCZ; and

· Western Buffer WCZ.

10.2.4 As the HKBCF marine ecological assessment area is completely covered by the larger HKLR marine ecological assessment area, the present ecological impact assessment (EcoIA) would consider the HKLR marine ecological assessment area.

10.2.5 Key issues of the EcoIA stipulated in the EIA Study Brief ESB-110/2003 and ESB-183/2008 include but are not limited to the following:

Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance

· Tai Ho Stream Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Tai Ho Stream and inner Tai Ho Wan, important for stream fish, seagrasses, mangroves, and horseshoe crab;

· Lantau North Country Park: a protected area;

· Lantau North (Extension) Country Park: a recently established protected area;

· San Tau Beach Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): with records of seagrasses and mangroves, a horseshoe crab nursery site;

· Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park: a protected area for the Chinese White Dolphin;

· The proposed marine parks at Fan Lau and Soko Islands; and

· Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site.

Important Habitats

· West Lantau and North Lantau waters (in particular the vicinities along the marine portion of the Project which are frequented by the Chinese White Dolphins);

· Inter-tidal mudflats;

· Mangroves;

· Seagrass beds;

· Horseshoe crab breeding and nursery grounds along the northwest Lantau coastlines including Sham Wat, Hau Hok Wan, San Tau, Tung Chung and Tai Ho Bay;

· Horseshoe crab nursery site at Shui Hau;

· Woodlands;

· Wetlands;

· Natural stream courses and rivers;

· Scenic Hill on Airport Island: supporting a remnant population of the Romer’s Tree Frog; and

· Artificial reefs.

Species of Conservation Importance

· Vertebrates: fish, herpetofauna, avifauna, and mammals including bats;

· Macro-invertebrates: butterflies, odonates, crustaceans;

· Inter-tidal and sub-tidal benthic communities;

· Coral communities (including all hard corals, octocorals and black corals);

· Chinese White Dolphin Sousa chinensis (CWD);

· Horseshoe crabs and any other notable marine benthic or littoral communities;

· White-green sedge (Carex leucochlora); and

· Any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as a special conservation concern by this EIA study.

10.3 Methodology for Baseline Establishment

10.3.1 Introduction

10.3.1.1 The establishment of baseline conditions should include:

· Description of the physical environment;

· Description and quantification of the ecological resources (e.g. wildlife abundance, habitat sizes, food resources); and

· Identification of habitats or locations (e.g. feeding grounds, nursery grounds) that are important to wildlife.

10.3.1.2 Taking account of various factors, the present EIA study covers approximately 6 years (from 2003 – 2009) which is quite long when compared with other EIA studies. The ecological survey programmes for this Project (directly for this EIA or associated with other elements under the Project) were also covered a long time period. Since the commencement of the EIA study for the “Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge and North Lantau Highway Connection” (HZMB/NLHC) (now renamed as Hong Kong Link Road – HKLR) in 2003, ecological baseline data have been continuously collected.

10.3.1.3 To supplement the information obtained from literature reviews, an Ecological Baseline Survey for the HZMB/NLHC Project (i.e. Hong Kong – Zhuhai- Macao Bridge: Hong Kong Section and the North Lantau Highway Connection: Ecological Baseline Survey, hereafter referred as EBS) was started in September 2003, prior to the commencement of the EIA study. Based upon the results of an initial literature review, the field surveys of the EBS were conducted to provide specific and robust ecological data to prevent data gaps and to establish an ecological profile of its study area. This facilitated, during the early stage of EIA study, the identification, prediction and evaluation of ecological impacts potentially arising from the construction and operation of the Project.

10.3.1.4 The Study Area for the EBS covers a large area from Tai Ho to Sham Wat and the southern portion of Airport Island, and the marine waters near North Lantau. (see Figure 10.3). This Study Area is large enough to accommodate the two original alignment options shown in the EIA Study Brief ESB-110/2003. The duration of the field surveys is, following the requirements of the EIA Study Brief ESB-110/2003, 9 months covering both wet and dry seasons (September 2003 – May 2004), and the approach and techniques used have made reference to other EIA studies in Lantau (Appendix 10A).

10.3.1.5 Since the completion of the EBS, the alignment of the HZMB and the NLHC were reviewed and significantly changed due to various considerations including potential ecological impacts on sensitive ecological resources. During this design review stage, field visits (mainly in the eastern and middle part of the study area of EBS) and update of literature information (mainly other EIA studies in the area e.g. “Extension of Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works – Investigation”, and “Feasibility of Lantau Logistics Park”) were continued.

10.3.1.6 In mid 2008, when the HKLR alignment (the original HZMB Hong Kong Section and NLHC) was formulated (see Section 3), a large-scale Ecological Verification Survey (hereafter referred as EVS) was conducted for a duration of 6 months (August 2008 to January 2009) covering wet and dry seasons to verify the validity of the ecological data and information collected in the previous EBS as well as from previous literature update and field visits, so as to establish an updated ecological baseline conditions. The items and survey methods applied in this EVS followed those in the EBS, but the area coverage was shifted to the 500m distance area of the new alignment which mainly follows the airport channel or is located on Airport Island, and would not contact North Lantau landmass.

10.3.1.7 Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TMCLKL), which is interfacing with the HKLR and HKBCF projects, is proposed to provide a traffic link between Tuen Mun and North Lantau. The survey programme for TMCLKL was also commenced in mid 2008, which covers a nine-month period and includes the North Lantau land area near Tai Ho. The area to the east of Tai Ho (e.g. Siu Ho Wan) was also covered by other EIA studies carried out recently, e.g. “Extension of Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works – Investigation” approved in end of 2004.

10.3.1.8 In late 2008, the section of HKLR to the east of Airport Island was further revised to reduce the potential visual impacts to Tung Chung Town. As the new alignment of this section would involve additional reclamation on the southeast shore of Airport Island, a Marine Supplementary Survey (hereafter referred as MSS) was thus performed to investigate the intertidal and subtidal habitats within the additional reclamation area.

10.3.1.9 All these survey programmes and studies since the commencement of the HKLR EIA study have provided sufficient ecological data over a long time period.

10.3.1.10 The HKBCF EIA study commenced in 2008 after the governments of Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau agreed to have separated boundary crossing facilities. Two major issues were considered during the formulation of the methodology for establishing HKBCF ecological baseline. First, the majority of the works of the Project would be limited to the construction and operation of newly reclaimed areas. Direct impacts resulting from these works would mainly be the loss of marine habitats. There would be very limited direct impacts on terrestrial habitats and/or associated fauna.

10.3.1.11 Secondly, there have been many EIA studies and research projects conducted in the vicinity of the Project Site as well as the marine ecological assessment area (particularly North Lantau waters).

10.3.1.12 Available information includes the studies of CT10 at Northwest Lantau, New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Airport East / East Sha Chau Area, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities, and the ongoing EIA study of TMCLKL, etc.

10.3.1.13 “CT10 (Proposed Port Development at Northwest Lantau)” covered a comprehensive ecological survey programme including a 12-month dolphin survey on the Pearl River Estuary, intertidal survey and horseshoe crab survey in North Lantau area.

10.3.1.14 “New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Airport East / East Sha Chau Area” was an EIA study covering the waters to the north and to the east of Airport Island.

10.3.1.15 “Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities” included two option sites at Black Point and Soko Islands. The study area covered Northwest, West and Southwest Lantau waters.

10.3.1.16 Indirect impacts to habitats and communities within the 500m radius are also anticipated to be limited for the following reasons:

· Areas adjacent to the proposed reclamation site are existing urbanised/disturbed lands (i.e. Airport Island) already subject to high levels of disturbance from road traffic along the coastlines, and therefore of very low ecological value;

· The nearest natural terrestrial habitats (Scenic Hill) are over 500m boundary from the reclamation site and are separated from the reclamation site by urbanised/disturbed lands in between; and

· The only directly affected terrestrial areas would be the existing road system (developed areas) on Airport Island which would require modifications after the reclamation to facilitate road connections (see Section 3). The affected areas are located at the eastern Airport Island and are far away from any areas which are recognised of ecological importance.

10.3.1.17 The assessment area for marine ecology in the present EcoIA covers a large sketch of sea areas including 7 water control zones. Besides the four coastal and marine recognised sites of conservation importance in Northwest waters as stipulated in the EIA study brief (i.e. Tai Ho Stream SSSI which also covers the inner Tai Ho Wan, San Tau Beach SSSI, Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and the proposed Marine Park at Fan Lau), there are a few others inside the assessment area but far away from the HKLR and HKBCF sites, including Lung Kwu Chau, Tree Island & Sha Chau SSSI, Pak Nai SSSI, Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site, Inner Deep Bay SSSI, Tsim Bei Tsui SSSI, Shui Hau in South Lantau, the proposed marine park in Soko Islands, Sham Wan SSSI in south Lamma, and Cape d’Aguilar Marine Reserve in Hong Kong Island (see Figure 10.1). As most of these sites are far away and sheltered from the project site by Lantau Island, they would be unlikely to be impacted by HKLR and HKBCF, as indicated by water quality assessment results (sediment plume would be limited to the vicinity of the reclamation sites, and other water quality criteria would be complied, see Section 9). The present EcoIA on marine ecology would thus focus on the North Western Water Control Zone and North Western Supplementary Water Control Zone.

10.3.1.18 Given the above considerations, the best approach for establishing an updated and valid ecological baseline for the Project would be to verify the information collected from previous ecological surveys, recent or ongoing studies/research projects as well as to fill any identified gaps in data coverage by the recent field surveys (i.e. EVS, MSS and HKBCF field survey programme).

10.3.1.19 Information from literature review and field surveys facilitated the identification, prediction and evaluation of ecological impacts potentially arising from the construction and operation of the Project.

10.3.2 Literature Review Methodology

10.3.2.1 Relevant ecological studies were thoroughly reviewed, including those listed in Appendix E of the EIA Study Brief ESB-110/2003. Other relevant sources, including the Terrestrial Biodiversity Survey conducted by HKU, ongoing Biodiversity Survey conducted by AFCD, ongoing academic research and data-gathering efforts (e.g. HK Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong Lepidopterist’s Society) were also reviewed. Species groups of concern were identified based on background information on the study areas, field survey results from EBS, EVS, MSS of HKLR and ecological surveys of HKBCF, and consultation with relevant government authorities. Desk-top study and field survey results produced a complete picture of the ecology of the assessment area. Major literature more relevant to the present EIA study included:

· “Population Biology of the Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphin in Hong Kong Waters”, Wildlife Monographs 2000 October No. 144: 1-65;

· “Distribution and abundance of Finless Porpoises in Hong Kong and adjacent waters of China”, Raffles Bulletin of Zoology (Supplement) 2002 No. 10: 43-55;

· “Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong waters – Data Collection: Final Report (10 April 2008 to 31 March)” (AFCD 2009);

· “Monitoring of Chinese White Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in Hong Kong waters – Biopsy Sampling and Population Data Analysis: Final Report” (AFCD 2007);

· “Habitat use by Hong Kong amphibians: with special reference to the ecology and conservation of Philautus romeri” (Lau 1998);

· “Avifauna of Hong Kong” (Carey et al. 2001);

· “Consultancy Study on Marine Benthic Communities in Hong Kong” (CCPC 2002);

· “Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong – Final Report (ECF Project 12/2003)”, (Shin et al. 2007);

· “Ecological Status and Revised Species Records of Hong Kong’s Scleractinian Corals” (AFCD 2004);

· “Field Guide to Hard Corals of Hong Kong” (Chan et al. 2005).

· Annual report and other publications of The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society;

· Memoirs of Hong Kong Natural History Society;

· Porcupine! – newsletter of Department of Ecology & Biodiversity of University of Hong Kong;

· Biodiversity – newsletter of AFCD; and

· Other relevant reports from private sectors or Government.

10.3.2.2 Relevant information contained in the above reports was incorporated into this EcoIA.

10.3.2.3 Other relevant EIA studies included:

· The Feasibility Study of Additional Cross-border Links, Stage 2 (Crosslinks Further Study Stage 2);

· Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study;

· Airport EIA study;

· Agreement No. CE 32/96 Study on Tonggu Waterway;

· EIA-040/2000 Northshore Lantau Development Feasibility Study;

· EIA-042/2000 Tai O Sheltered Boat Anchorage;

· EIA-075/2002 Improvement to Tung Chung Road between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha;

· EIA-082/2002 Shenzhen Western Corridor;

· EIA-077/2002 Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility for Hong Kong International Airport;

· EIA-081/2002 Construction of Lung Kwu Chau Jetty;

· Proposed Port Development at Northwest Lantau (CT10);

· EIA 090/2003 Tung Chung – Ngong Ping Cable Car Project;

· EIA 100/2004 Extension of Siu Ho Wan Water Treatment Works – Investigation (Metcalf & Eddy Ltd. 2004);

· EIA 106/2005 New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Airport East / East Sha Chau Area;

· EIA 125/2006 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Receiving Terminal and Associated Facilities; and

· EIA study for Feasibility of Lantau Logistics Park.

10.3.2.4 The validity of the information compiled during the literature review was assessed before it had been adopted into the present EIA study and was verified on-site during the ecological field surveys for the present Project (see below).

10.3.3 Identification of Information Gap

10.3.3.1 Surveys on Chinese White Dolphin have been conducted in Hong Kong waters since 1996 and have also been conducted off North Lantau for various EIA studies recently. The territory-wide AFCD dolphin monitoring programme covers 9 zones in Hong Kong waters including Western and North Lantau waters, with vessel survey transects within each zone (AFCD 2009). Further dolphin surveys were conducted in North Lantau waters during the EIA study for TMCLKL and in West Lantau waters during the EIA study for CT10. The information from these recent studies is sufficient for establishing the baseline conditions of CWD within the assessment area in particular in the vicinity of the Project Site. Field surveys for CWD for the Project are therefore not necessary.

10.3.3.2 While for other aspects on ecology, field surveys for the purpose of verifying and updating the information from literature were proposed. The scope of the field surveys covered habitat, vegetation, terrestrial fauna, intertidal fauna, marine benthic communities and corals. Details of the surveys are given in below sections.

10.3.4 Ecological Field Survey Methodology

9-month Ecological Baseline Survey for HZMB / NLHC (EBS)

10.3.4.1 The Study Area for the EBS (the same as the Study Area of the HZMB Project as shown in Appendix H in the Brief for the Project) covers a large area from Tai Ho to Sham Wat and the southern portion of Airport Island, and the marine waters near North Lantau. The duration of the field surveys is 9 months (September 2003 – May 2004) covering both wet and dry seasons.

10.3.4.2 The field surveys of the EBS covered all marine and terrestrial sites, habitats and species of conservation within the study area (Figure 10.3), and included the following items:

· Habitat survey and mapping;

· Vegetation survey with special attention on seagrass beds and mangroves;

· Bird survey;

· Terrestrial invertebrate survey;

· Herpetofauna survey;

· Mammal survey;

· Freshwater fish survey;

· Freshwater invertebrate survey;

· Intertidal epifauna survey;

· Horseshoe crab survey;

· Subtidal benthic infauna survey;

· Coral survey; and

· Chinese White Dolphin study based upon literature.

10.3.4.3 Findings of the EBS were incorporated into the baseline description of the study area in the survey report. Readers are referred to the final survey report for the EBS (Appendix 10A) for details of survey methods and data.

Ecological Verification Survey (EVS)

10.3.4.4 When the EIA study for the HKLR resumed in 2008, a large-scale and comprehensive Ecological Verification Survey (EVS) was planned, to verify the validity of the existing ecological data previously collected and to update the ecological baseline information before the detailed assessment is performed.

10.3.4.5 The items and survey methods applied in this EVS followed those in the EBS, but the area coverage was shifted to the 500m distance area along the new alignment which mainly follows the airport channel or is located on Airport Island, and would not contact the North Lantau landmass.

10.3.4.6 Terrestrial surveys (see below sections) were conducted in all the land areas within 500m from the mid-2008 HKLR alignment (see Figure 10.3), on North Lantau and Airport Island for a 6-month duration covering both wet season and dry season (August 2008 to January 2009).

10.3.4.7 It is noted that the eastern part of the mid-2008 HKLR alignment (the sea viaduct offshore to the eastern coast of Airport Island) was revised in late 2008 to an at-grade road along the airport island shoreline on new reclamation, so as to reduce the visual impact to Tung Chung Town. Under the latest alignment, additional land areas on Airport Island would fall within the 500m assessment area. But these additional land areas are all developed area on the Airport Island, and with a significant portion inside restricted area of Airport. The natural habitats within the current 500m assessment area have already completely covered by the EVS study. Given that, the information from the EVS would be sufficient for the ecological assessment purposes.

10.3.4.8 Habitat and vegetation surveys were conducted within in the 500m area. Surveys covered all habitat types. The survey locations are selected prior to the field survey through aerial photographs and data from the baseline survey. During the surveys, the locations of rare or protected plant species were recorded with their number, and photos were taken. Lists of the plant species recorded in wet and dry seasons in each habitat with relative abundance were provided. Plant species which were not reported in the EBS but are found in the EVS were highlighted. A habitat map of suitable scale was provided.

10.3.4.9 Mammal surveys - Traces, tracks and scats of mammals were searched and recorded. Since most mammals are nocturnal, night surveys were also conducted. All mammals were identified to species level and the abundance was recorded. Lists of the mammal species recorded in wet and dry seasons in each habitat with abundance were provided.

10.3.4.10 Reptile and amphibian surveys in the 500m distance area were conducted by active searching in all habitats, with particular attention given to potential shelters sites and hiding places such as litters, streams and watercourses. Special attention was paid on Scenic Hill on Airport Island where Romer’s Tree Frog was previously recorded by AFCD (Chan et al. 2005). Frogs and toads were surveyed by auditory as well as visual detection. As most of the amphibian species are more active during night time, night surveys were conducted. All herpetofauna were identified to species level and the abundance was recorded. Lists of the herpetofauna species recorded in wet and dry seasons in each habitat with abundance were provided.

10.3.4.11 Avifauna surveys - Transect count method was used to survey the avifauna present in the 500m distance area. Sampling transects were recorded on map. In addition, night surveys, with binoculars and powerful search lights, were conducted in order to assess the activity of nocturnal species, e.g., owls, nightjars. All birds were identified to species level and the abundance was recorded. List of the bird species recorded in wet and dry seasons in each habitat with abundance was provided.

10.3.4.12 Dragonfly surveys - Dragonflies were surveyed following the same transects used for bird surveys. Dragonflies were identified with the aid of binoculars, and a telescopic hand net was used to capture specimens for identification in the hand (when necessary). All dragonflies were identified to species level and the abundance was recorded. Lists of the dragonfly species recorded in wet and dry seasons in each habitat with abundance were provided.

10.3.4.13 Butterfly surveys were conducted in tandem with the dragonfly surveys, using similar methodology. Potential microhabitats, e.g., ground and canopy of woodland were searched and sweep with a long-handled (5m) butterfly net. All butterflies were identified to species level and the abundance was recorded. Lists of the butterfly species recorded in wet and dry seasons in each habitat with abundance were provided.

10.3.4.14 Stream surveys - Fish and invertebrates present in streams within the 500m distance area were identified and recorded by direct observation, dip-netting and active sampling. All aquatic fauna were identified to species level as far as possible and abundance recorded. Lists of the aquatic species recorded in wet and dry seasons in each stream with abundance were provided.

10.3.4.15 Intertidal surveys were conducted on both hard (including natural and artificial coastlines) and soft shores along the Airport Channel and on Airport Island, during both wet season and dry season (September 2008 and December 2008). All intertidal surveys were conducted during suitable ebbing tides.

10.3.4.16 Horizontal transects (at least 50m in length) at three tidal levels (High, Middle and Low) were established on each of the landing points of HKLR covering natural and artificial coastlines. There were ten 0.5m x 0.5m quadrats on each transect. The epifauna in each quadrat were identified and their numbers/coverage percentages were recorded. Species and abundance of biota in quadrats were reported. Diversity index, evenness index and other statistical analyses were provided for evaluating and ranking the ecological values.

10.3.4.17 Detailed active search surveys along the shores were also conducted to find out the species present and their occurrence in the survey locations in addition to the transect surveys, so as to produce a comprehensive species lists of the survey areas. Photos of the recorded species were taken where possible.

10.3.4.18 The embayments along and in the vicinity of Airport Channel, namely Sham Wat, San Shek Wan, Sha Lo Wan, Hau Hok Wan, San Tau and Tung Chung Bay, were surveyed.

10.3.4.19 In each site, horizontal transects (at least 50m in length) at three tidal levels (High, Middle and Low) were established. There were ten 0.5m x 0.5m quadrats on each transect. The epifauna and infauna (within the top 5cm sediment) in each quadrat were identified and their numbers/coverage percentages were recorded. One core of 10cm diameter x 20cm depth was also collected within each quadrat. The sediments of the cores was sieved with 2mm mesh-size sieve and the biota inside were identified and counted. Species and abundance of biota in both cores and quadrats were reported. Diversity index, evenness index and other statistical analyses were provided for evaluating and ranking the ecological values.

10.3.4.20 Seagrass surveys and horseshoe crab surveys were also conducted at the above soft shore sites. The sites were thoroughly searched for the seagrasses and horseshoe crabs during suitable ebbing tides. The species, number, sizes of horseshoe crabs and the species, area sizes and coverage percentages of seagrasses were recorded, and the locations of horseshoe crabs and the locations and extents of seagrasses were mapped. Photos of seagrasses and horseshoe crabs found during the surveys were taken.

10.3.4.21 Dive surveys for corals and other hard substrate marine organisms were conducted. As spot dives within and outside the Airport Channel had been previously conducted during the 9-month ecological baseline survey, the verification survey concentrated on shallow coastal waters that are potentially subject to direct loss of marine habitats, including the landing points of HKLR at both natural and artificial coastlines along Airport Channel and on Airport Island, and indirect impacts due to change of water quality and hydrodynamic condition, including the coastlines to the east and to the west of Airport Channel.

10.3.4.22 Semi-quantitative Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) surveys were conducted at each survey location. The REA survey was performed along 100m underwater transects horizontal to the coastlines. Transects perpendicular to the coastline of 50m to 100m (subject to the underwater visibility) was also performed. The depth and substrate along the perpendicular transects for REA were recorded at 3m intervals, or at smaller intervals if the gradient significantly changes along the transects. The benthic cover, taxon abundance, and ecological attributes of the transects were recorded in a swathe of 2m wide, 1m either side of the transects (subject to the underwater visibility), following the Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) technique. The exact locations and routes of the REA transects were recorded on site by GPS and map. Video footages and photos along the transects and of the surveyed areas were taken during the dive surveys.

10.3.4.23 The purposes of the REA survey are to quantitatively record the habitat types and ecological values of the area by SCUBA diving and the application of Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) approach. The REA approach (see Annex A in Appendix 10B for details) will aim at collecting data on the type of substrate and the abundance of marine organisms in particular the occurrence of corals and the extent of the coral distribution from the coastline, for ranking the ecological values. Other parameters to be recorded during the surveys included site condition (e.g. observations regarding the degree of exposure of the sites to wave action), species list of corals and other marine organisms, coral sizes, coral health status, and translocation feasibility of corals.

10.3.4.24 Marine grab samplings on soft substrate seabed for benthic communities were conducted at 9 stations along the mid-2008 HKLR alignment during both wet season and dry seasons (September 2008 and December 2008). Three grab sample replicates of 0.1m² were collected in each of the sampling stations by van Veen Grab (or other sampling devices with equivalent surface area coverage). Collected samples were sieved by 0.5mm mesh-size sieve and then preserved in 5% buffered seawater formalin. Organisms inside the samples were sorted from the sediments by staining with Rose Bengal and then identified to the lowest practicable taxonomic level. Species composition, abundance and biomass were reported. Diversity index, evenness index, Abundance/Biomass Comparison (ABC) plots and other statistical analyses should be provided for evaluating and ranking the ecological values.

HKBCF Ecological Survey

10.3.4.25 HKBCF is a new element for the HZMB after 2008. It would involve large-scale reclamation near the Airport Island, and thus an in-depth marine ecological survey programme was formulated to investigate the proposed reclamation site and its vicinity.

10.3.4.26 Dive surveys for corals and other hard substrate marine organisms were conducted in September 2008. The dive surveys concentrated on shallow coastal waters that would be subject to direct loss of marine habitats or indirect water quality impacts, including both natural and artificial coastlines at the northeast of Airport Island. The methodology used in the present survey followed those adopted in the AFCD territory-wide dive survey conducted in 2001-2002 (AFCD 2004). It consisted of a suite of three standardized “nested” survey methods including spot-check dive reconnaissance dives, Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) and video transects. In the present study, due to the highly turbid water and the low diversity and coverage of marine fauna, video transect was not performed. The spot-check and REA methods were used and were found sufficient for establishing the ecological profile of the study area.

10.3.4.27 Spot reconnaissance dives were conducted 17 spot-check dives were conducted and covered: 1) along the coastlines of Northeast Airport Island (8 spots), with focus concentrated on the section opposite to the future BCF reclamation area, ; 2) as well as within the future BCF reclamation area covering the entire proposed reclamation site (9 spots). The locations for spot reconnaissance dives are shown in Figure 10.3 and Appendix 10D. Visual reconnaissance was made of the area of each bounce dive point. The purposes of the spot reconnaissance dives are to verify whether corals (including all hard corals, octocorals and black corals) and other marine organisms with conservation importance are present within the areas potentially subject to direct impacts (e.g. the reclamation area and the fire station seawalls) and indirect impacts (e.g. some sections of the Airport Island coastlines). As the underwater visibility is low in North Lantau waters, during the reconnaissance dives circular path at each dive spot was adopted (a continuous route might be difficult under the very low visibility). Besides the biota, the habitat types present within the areas and their approximate proportions/distributions were also recorded. Underwater photographs were also taken.

10.3.4.28 In accordance with the findings from the spot-check dives, a REA was conducted along the seawall which was found to be the only area with hard bottom substrate habitat within the dive survey study area. Semi-quantitative Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) survey was conducted at the two major locations, i.e. where the BCF connecting on Airport Island, and the Automatic People Mover location. The REA survey at the two major areas was performed along 100m underwater transects horizontal to the coastlines. Transects perpendicular to the coastline up to 50m in length (limited by the low underwater visibility) were also performed. The depth and substrate along the perpendicular transects for REA were recorded. The benthic cover, taxon abundance, and ecological attributes of the transects were recorded in a swathe of 2m wide, 1m either side of the transects, following the Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) technique. The REA transect locations are shown in Figure 10.3. Video footages and photos were taken during the dive surveys.

10.3.4.29 The purposes of the REA survey are to quantitatively record the habitat types and ecological values of the area by SCUBA diving and the application of Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) approach. The REA approach aims at collecting data on the type of substrate and the abundance of marine organisms in particular the occurrence of corals and the extent of the coral distribution from the coastline, for ranking the ecological values. Other parameters to be recorded during the surveys included site conditions (e.g. observations regarding the degree of exposure of the sites to wave action), species list of corals and other marine organisms, coral sizes, coral health status, and translocation feasibility of corals.

10.3.4.30 Marine grab samplings for benthic communities were conducted at 9 stations within the BCF reclamation area (see Figure 10.3) during both wet season and dry season (September and December 2008). Five grab sample replicates of 0.1m² were collected in each of the sampling stations by van Veen Grab. Collected samples were sieved by 0.5mm mesh sieve and then preserved in 5% buffered seawater formalin. Organisms inside the samples were sorted from the sediments by staining with Rose Bengal and then identified to the lowest practicable taxonomic level. Species diversity, abundance and biomass were reported for evaluating and ranking the ecological values.

10.3.4.31 Intertidal surveys for epifauna communities were conducted on both natural and artificial coastlines at the northeast of Airport Island, during both wet season and dry season (August and November 2008).

10.3.4.32 Horizontal transects at three tidal levels (High, Middle and Low) were established on each of the natural and artificial coastlines and cover the landing points of the connecting roads on Airport Island. The locations of the intertidal transects are shown in Figure 10.3. There were ten 0.5m x 0.5m quadrats on each transect. The epifauna in each quadrat were identified and their numbers/coverage percentages were recorded. Species diversity and abundance were reported for evaluating and ranking the ecological values.

10.3.4.33 In addition to the above quantitative surveys, walk-through surveys were also conducted in the survey extent to facilitate the smooth implementation of the ecological survey and to help audit the survey findings. Walk-through survey aimed at to find out the species present and their occurrence and hence facilitate the determination of representative sites for conducting quantitative surveys. Effort spent in walk-through surveys, such as number of surveyors involved and time-spend were recorded.

HKLR Marine Supplementary Survey

10.3.4.34 Intertidal surveys for epifauna communities were conducted at four locations on the southeast shore of Airport Island (Figure 10.3), covering both natural and artificial coastlines as well as hard and/or soft (if any) shore habitats, during both wet and dry seasons. The survey frequency of intertidal survey were four (two in dry season and two in wet season, December 2008, February 2009, April 2009 and May 2009), with a view to compensating the relatively short survey period by higher survey efforts. All intertidal surveys were conducted during suitable ebbing tides.

10.3.4.35 In each location, horizontal transects (at least 50m in length) at three tidal levels (High, Middle and Low) were established. There were ten 0.5m x 0.5m quadrats on each transect. For hard shores, the epifauna in each quadrat were identified and their numbers/coverage percentages were recorded. For the soft shores, in addition to the epifauna, the infauna within the top 5cm sediment inside the quadrat as well as from one core (10cm diameter x 20cm depth) collected inside the quadrat were also identified and recorded. Species and abundance of biota in quadrats were reported. Diversity index, evenness index and other statistical analyses were provided for evaluating and ranking the ecological values.

10.3.4.36 In addition to the above quantitative surveys, walk-through surveys were also conducted in the survey extent to facilitate the smooth implementation of the ecological survey and to help audit the survey findings. Undertaking an initial observation along the shore, for example, could find out the species present and their occurrence and hence facilitate the determination of representative sites for conducting more detailed quantitative surveys. A walk-through survey along the transect during or after a quantitative sampling event could also help assess whether the sampling exercise has collected representative data (e.g. the number and type of species encountered) and whether the sampling effort is deemed adequate. Effort spent in such qualitative surveys, such as number of surveyors involved and time spent were recorded.

10.3.4.37 Dive surveys for corals and other hard substrate marine organisms were conducted. The dive surveys focused on shallow coastal waters within the survey extent, i.e. both natural and artificial coastlines at the southeast of Airport Island.

10.3.4.38 Spot reconnaissance dives were conducted along the coastlines of Southeast Airport Island, i.e. within the survey extent. There were eight dive spots within the survey extent. The locations for spot reconnaissance dives are shown in Figure 10.3. The purpose of the spot reconnaissance dives is to verify whether corals (including all hard corals, octocorals and black corals) and other marine organisms with conservation importance are present within the areas potentially subject to direct impacts (e.g. the survey extent).

10.3.4.39 Circular paths at each dive spots were adopted during the reconnaissance dives as the underwater visibility is found too low for continuous routes. Besides the biota, the habitat types present within the areas and their approximate proportions/distributions were also recorded. Photos of each spot dive locations, underwater photos, and underwater video footages were taken during the spot dive surveys.

10.3.4.40 In accordance with the findings of the spot dives, semi-quantitative Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) surveys were conducted in two locations within the survey extent. The REA surveys were performed along 100m underwater transects horizontal to the coastlines. Transects perpendicular to the coastline of 50m to 100m (subject to the underwater visibility) were also performed. The depth and substrate along the perpendicular transects for REA were recorded at 3m intervals. The benthic cover, taxon abundance and ecological attributes of the transects were recorded in a swathe of 2m wide, 1m either side of the transects, following the REA technique. The exact locations and routes of the REA transects were recorded on site by GPS and map. Photos of each REA locations, underwater video footages and underwater photos along the transects and of the surveyed areas were taken during the REA dive surveys.

10.3.4.41 The purposes of the REA survey are to quantitatively record the habitat types and ecological values of the area by SCUBA diving and the application of REA approach. The REA approach aimed at collecting data on the type of substrate and the abundance of marine organisms in particular the occurrence of corals and the extent of the coral distribution from the coastline, for ranking the ecological values. Other parameters to be recorded during the surveys included site condition (e.g. observations regarding the degree of exposure of the sites to wave action), species list of corals and other marine organisms, coral sizes, coral health status, and translocation feasibility of corals. The conservation status of the recorded biota were provided.

10.3.4.42 Marine grab samplings on soft substrate seabed for benthic communities were conducted at eight stations within the survey extent during both wet season and dry season (December 2008 and May 2009). The survey extent and the indicative sampling locations are shown in Figure 10.3. Five grab sample replicas of 0.1m² were collected in each of the sampling stations by van Veen Grab (or other sampling devices with equivalent surface area coverage). Collected samples were sieved by 0.5mm mesh-size sieve and then preserved in 5% buffered seawater formalin. Organisms inside the samples were sorted from the sediments by staining with Rose Bengal and then identified to the lowest practicable taxonomic level. Species composition, abundance and biomass were reported. Diversity index, evenness index and Abundance/Biomass Comparison (ABC) plots were provided for evaluating and ranking the ecological values. The conservation status of the recorded biota were provided.

TMCLKL Ecological Survey

10.3.4.43 TMCLKL ecological survey programme covered a 9-month period. Besides the terrestrial surveys conducted in Tuen Mun and Tai Ho (both are outside the current 500m terrestrial assessment area for the present Project), the TMCLKL survey also included marine and intertidal surveys in North Lantau waters which are more relevant to the assessment. The TMCLKL marine and intertidal survey covered dolphin vessel survey (systematic line-transect survey in North Lantau waters), Benthic grab survey, Intertidal flora and fauna survey, and Coral dive survey.

10.3.4.44 Details of the methodology of the ecological surveys for TMCLKL are provided in the separate EIA Report for TMCLKL.

10.4 Baseline Conditions

10.4.1 Terrestrial Ecological Baseline within the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.1 The below Sections 10.4.1 and 10.4.2 cover fauna and flora in terrestrial habitats including freshwater streams.

Terrestrial Sites of Conservation Importance within the EBS Study Area and the current 500m Assessment Area

10.4.1.2 The original Assessment Area for terrestrial ecological impact assessment of the Project (i.e. the study area for the 9-month EBS) is located in North Lantau near the airport, stretching from Sham Wat to Tai Ho Wan. Although this area is located on the coast of north Lantau, which is not considered as important for tourism as southern Lantau and has been a focus of development since the airport project and Tung Chung development, there are still sites of conservation importance, important habitats and species of conservation importance occurring here.

10.4.1.3 The recognised sites of conservation importance within this original assessment area include (Figure 10.2):

· Tai Ho Stream SSSI;

· Pok To Yan and Por Kai Shan SSSI;

· Lantau North Country Park;

· San Chau SSSI;

· Lantau North (Extension) Country Park; and

· San Tau Beach SSSI.

10.4.1.4 Other sites in the original assessment area that have been identified during the EIA as of conservation importance include:

· Bat roost in Tai Ho Wan;

· Pak Mong fung shui wood;

· San Tau fung shui wood;

· Sha Lo Wan fung shui wood; and

· The Scenic Hill on Airport Island (which supports a remnant population of the Romer’s Tree Frog).

10.4.1.5 However a larger portion of these sites of conservation importance are now outside the current 500m assessment area and far away from the HKLR footprint. Only three of the above sites of conservation importance still fall within the current 500 m assessment area, i.e. Lantau North (Extension) Country Park; San Tau Beach SSSI and Scenic Hill.

10.4.1.6 Lantau North (Extension) Country Park (Figure 10.2) covers an area on the slope of Nei Lak Shan just uphill from Sha Lo Wan and the hill slopes to the south of North Lantau Highway between Tai Ho Wan and Siu Ho Wan. It falls within the study area of the 9-month EBS as well as the current 500m assessment area. In addition to the existing 7,800ha of designated Lantau North and South Country Parks, the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park was proposed in the 1999 Policy Address as a positive means to conserve the natural environment of Lantau, gazetted in 2001, and was designated in 2008.

10.4.1.7 Scenic Hill is a small hill at the southeast end of Airport Island. Romer’s Tree Frog is endemic to Hong Kong and is protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Karsen et al. 1998). Ngong Ping is known to support the largest population of this endemic frog (Lau 1998) and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for this reason.

10.4.1.8 Before construction of the airport, Chek Lap Kok was one of the few islands on which Romer’s Tree Frog was found in Hong Kong. A translocation programme was implemented as a mitigation measure for the PADS project. Though the translocation programme was successful, it is possible that a remnant population still inhabiting the only remaining natural area on the airport island, i.e. the Scenic Hill.

10.4.1.9 San Tau Beach SSSI is a seagrass site and is described in the sections on intertidal ecology below.

Habitats and Vegetations inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.10 The habitats recorded within the study area for the EBS include secondary woodland, plantation woodland, tall shrubland, shrubby grassland, cultivated land, mangrove and seagrass, salt marsh, stream, wasteland, and developed area (see Appendix 10A). The information of terrestrial habitats is given in the sections below, while intertidal habitats such as mangrove & seagrass and salt marsh are discussed under the sections on intertidal ecology.

Table 10-1 Coverage of Different Habitats within the Study Area for the EBS

Habitat Type	Area (ha)	No. of plant species recorded
Secondary Woodland	302.54	217
Plantation Woodland	6.57	125
Tall Shrubland	22.17	185
Shrubby Grassland	191.8	153
Cultivated Land/Orchard	59.9	126
Mangrove and Seagrass	10.57	85
Salt Marsh	1.63	74
Stream/riparian	5.36	N/A
Wasteland	2.64	159
Developed Area	483.9	129

10.4.1.11 A total of 475 plant species were recorded within the study area (Appendix 10A). The description of habitats below follows Appendix 10A unless otherwise specified.

Secondary Woodland

10.4.1.12 Notable woodland patches can be found at Tai Ho Wan headland and adjacent to Sha Lo Wan San Tsuen. This habitat is extensive and relatively rich in flora with a total of 217 recorded plant species.

10.4.1.13 Major/dominant plant species included trees Aporosa dioica, Bridelia tomentosa, Litsea glutinosa, Mallotus paniculata, Schefflera octophylla and Sterculia lanceolata. Dominant shrub species included Litsea rotundifolia, Ilex asprella and Psychotria rubra. Of the plant species recorded, only the shrub Pavetta hongkongensis was protected under the law but this species in considered common (Xing et al. 2000).

10.4.1.14 Woodlands within the study area also consisted of fung shui woods at Tung Chung near the villages of San Tau and Sha Lo Wan.

Plantation Woodland

10.4.1.15 Plantation woodland habitats were mainly located either on the hill slopes or near developed areas. The vegetation was dominated by species with either high amenity value or pioneer species and was comprised of Acacia confusa, Dimocarpus longan, Ficus hirta, Mallotus paniculata, Microcos paniculata and Pinus massoniana. The understorey shrub consisted of Ilex asprella, Litsea rotundifolia and Vitex negundo var negundo, the climbers, Lygodium japonicum and Embelia laeta. The understorey shrub communities were not particularly diverse. Fung shui woods at Pak Mong, which lies on the boundary of the eastern study area and was found being heavily modified, is categorised under this habitat type. A total of 125 plant species were present in the plantation woodland habitats. Aquilaria sinensis is listed under State Protection (Category II) and is considered “Near Threatened” in the China Plant Red Data Book. However, this species is common in Hong Kong (Xing et al., 2000).

Tall Shrubland

10.4.1.16 Tall shrubland occurred along the coast of Tung Chung to Sham Wat and was dominant on the hill-slope of the Tai Ho Wan headland. This habitat type was densely populated with a mix of native tree and shrubby plant species.

10.4.1.17 A total of 185 plant species were recorded in this habitat. Species found commonly in this habitat included trees such as Acronychia pedunculata, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Schefflera octophylla, Rhus succedanea and Mallotus paniculatum, Sapium discolor; the shrubs Eurya japonica, Litsea rotundifolia, Melastoma sanguineum and Rhaphiolepis indica, the climbers Alyxia sinensis, Lygodium japonicum, Cassytha filiformis, Tetracera asiatica and Embelia ribes; as well as the herbs Dianella ensifolia and Dicranopteris pedata.

10.4.1.18 Carex tristachya is a rare sedge (Xing et al. 2000) recorded in this habitat in Hau Hok Wan and patches of the orchid Eulophia graminea were found near tall shrubland habitats at Hau Hok Wan and Sha Lo Wan. The locally protected Pavetta hongkongensis was also recorded in this habitat.

Shrubland-Grassland Mosaic

10.4.1.19 The shrubby grassland is composed of a range of plant species showing various growth forms (from herbaceous ferns to woody tree species) that are patchily distributed on the hill-slopes and mostly located at higher elevations. Generally, this habitat type is open in structure and has a vegetation height of less than 2m. Moreover, it is believed that part of this mosaic may be disturbed frequently by hill-fire as evidenced by the presence of patches of the fire-resistant fern Dicranopteris pedata, especially in the areas behind the burial grounds.

10.4.1.20 153 plant species were recorded in this habitat. Trees were not particularly diverse and most common species included Ficus variolosa, Aporosa dioica and Cratoxylum cochinchinense. However, many shrub species were recorded including Baeckea frutescens, Aster baccharoides, Breynia fruticosa, Melastoma sanguineum and Helicteres angustifolia. Herbs included Arundinella setosa, Eremochloa ciliaris, Eulalia spp., Grewia biloba, Inula cappa, Ischaemum rugosum together with climbers, Alyxia sinensis, Cassytha filiformis, Lygodium japonicum, Millettia nitida and Morinda umbellata. Plant species in this habitat were similar to those present in the tall shrubland although fewer tree species were recorded. Three protected orchids Acampe rigida, Arundina chinensis and Cleisostoma simondii were recorded in this habitat. Although all three species are common in Hong Kong (Siu 2000), all members of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) are protected under the Forestry Regulations in Hong Kong.

Cultivated Field / Orchard

10.4.1.21 Cultivated field/orchards include both active, inactive cultivation and orchards. Cultivated fields are mainly scattered among the village areas and mostly distributed along the coast of the study area. These are planted with fruit trees and ornamental plants such as Litchi chinensis, Dimocarpus longan, Clausena lansium, Citrus sp., and some widespread herbs including Lantana camara, Solanum torvum and Lygodium japonicum. A total of 126 plant species were present in this habitat although no rare or protected plant species was recorded.

Stream / Riparian

10.4.1.22 Many stream courses in the EBS study area are seasonal, or of very low base flow. These low base-flow streams are considered of lower ecological value than the permanent streams with reliable discharge to support aquatic life year-round.

10.4.1.23 The streams in the study area pass through various vegetated habitats such as woodlands, grassland-shrubland mosaic and cultivated fields. Riparian vegetation is broadly similar to that of the surrounding habitats, comprising secondary woodland and shrubby grassland.

Wasteland

10.4.1.24 Wasteland is mostly found in heavily disturbed or previously developed areas. This habitat type is poorly represented within the EBS study area.

10.4.1.25 In general, the species diversity of this habitat is poor and its structural complexity is simple. The vegetation on wasteland is dominated by weedy herbaceous ruderal plants; such as the common herbs, Cynodon dactylon, Panicum maximum, Lygodium japonicum and the climbers Mikania micrantha and Pueraria lobata.

Developed Area

10.4.1.26 The developed area refers to urbanised areas including roads, buildings and villages that can be found in Chek Lap Kok, Tung Chung and some scattered in the western part of the study area. This habitat is man-made.

10.4.1.27 The vegetation is predominantly composed of herbs and climbers, and occasionally with some planted or orchard trees such as Casuarina equisetifolia, Bambusa sp., Clausena lansium and Averrhoa carambola. Despite some observations of restricted species, the 129 plant species recorded in the developed areas are common and widespread in Hong Kong. No rare or protected plant species was recorded.

Terrestrial Fauna inside the EBS Study Area

Mammals inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.28 Only two species of non-flying mammals were recorded in the EBS study area (Table 5.14 in Appendix 10A). These were the Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak and Brown Musk Shrew Suncus murinus. Both are considered locally common (Appendix 10A). Sighting of Indian Muntjacs was made within the terrestrial study area of the EBS at tall shrubland at Sham Shek Tsuen in April 2004. Unidentified insectivorous bats were observed at Tai Ho Wan, Sham Wat and San Shek Wan during night surveys in February, April and May 2004 (ibid.).

10.4.1.29 Diversity of medium to large non-flying mammals on Lantau is low. Three species of non-flying mammal, i.e. the Chinese Ferret Badger Melogale moschata, Wild Boar Sus scrofa and Indian Muntjac were recorded on Lantau Island using camera traps (Shek et al. 2007). All are present in low abundance on Lantau (ibid.). Chinese Ferret Badger and Indian Muntjac are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

10.4.1.30 A number of rodents, including Sikkim Rat Rattus sikkimensis, R. rattus flavipectus, Norway Rat R. norvegicus and Bandicota indica were recorded at Chek Lap Kok by Chandrasekar-rao (1994). Rattus r. flavipectus was recorded at the back of the Tung Chung mangal, near cultivated land in July and August 2002 during the field surveys for the EIA of Tung Chung Cable Car Project (Mott 2003). Several burrows of the species were present in adjacent bunds at the backshore and in adjacent abandoned cultivated land.

10.4.1.31 A Least Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus pusillus roost was found near Pak Mong within the Terrestrial Study Area (Ades 1999). Four bat species were reported in Tung Chung (Lin 2001). These included Leschenault’s Rousette Bat Rousettus leschenaulti, Rufous Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus rouxi, Lesser Bamboo Bat Tylonycteris pachypus and Hipposideros armiger (ibid.). The Lesser Bamboo Bat was first discovered in Hong Kong in 1996 (Ades 1999). Just above the intertidal zone along the east shore of Tai Ho Bay a cave probably excavated for mineral exploration and subsequently abandoned has been colonised by bats (Mott 1998). The cave is used as a day-time roost by at least three species of insectivorous bats. These were the Fulvous Leaf-nosed Bat Hipposideros pomona (approx. 100 individuals), Least’s Horseshoe Bat (1 male) and Rufous Horseshoe Bat (1 individual). The mine was a nursery site for Fulvous Leaf-nosed Bat. The 20 females caught were each carrying a single young (approx. 2-3 week old). This species is rare in Hong Kong. The cave was probably also used as a winter hibernaculum.

10.4.1.32 Two species of non-cave dwelling bats were recorded in Tai Ho and nearby areas by AFCD (Shek and Chan 2006). These were Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus and Brown Noctule Nyctalus noctula. Japanese Pipistrelle is very common and Brown Noctule is common in Hong Kong (ibid.). All bats are protected locally under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

Birds inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.33 A total of 55 bird species was reported in the EBS Study Area by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society between 1993 and 1998 (Carey et al. 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002). This included a number of rare/uncommon species (e.g., Crested Kingfisher Ceryle lugubris) (Carey et al. 2001) and species protected by regional/international regulation/convention (e.g., Pacific Reef Egret Egretta sacra, Black Kite Milvus lineatus, White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, Osprey Pandion haliaetus) (Zheng and Wang 1998). These bird species are inhabitants of terrestrial habitats (e.g., Black Baza Aviceda leucophotes, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus), e.g., woodland and shrubland, and coastal habitats (e.g., Pacific Reef Egret, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Osprey).

10.4.1.34 A total of 75 species was recorded in Tai Ho Wan during the field surveys for “Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study” (Mott 1998). Inter-tidal mudflat in Tai Ho Wan provides feeding habitat for a number of bird species (e.g., ardeids, kingfishers, terns, Osprey), but abundance was not high (ibid.).

10.4.1.35 A total of 118 bird species were recorded in the EBS study area (Appendix 10A). Most of the recorded species are common and widespread in Hong Kong, and 32 species were considered of conservation interest according to Fellowes et al. (2002) (Table 5.13 in Appendix 10A). This included bird species inhabiting coastal and terrestrial habitats. Locations of the sighting of these species are mapped in Figure 13a of Appendix 10A.

10.4.1.36 Bird abundance in secondary woodland, tall shrubland, shrubland-grassland mosaic and cultivated/agricultural land in the EBS study area were ranked very high. Bird abundance in wasteland and developed area were ranked high, while plantation habitat ranked low (Tables 7.1 to 7.8 in Appendix 10A).

10.4.1.37 The Project is basically a marine project, while terrestrial habitats to be affected by this Project are mainly developed areas on Airport Island. Avifauna mainly foraging in coastal habitats would be more relevant to the Project. Bird species of conservation importance and foraging in coastal habitats included Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Chinese Pond Heron, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Striated Heron Butorides striatus, Swinhoe’s Egret Egretta eulophotes, Great Egret E. albus, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret E. intermedia, Pacific Reef Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes, Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola, Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonenis, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Black Kite, White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis and Black-capped Kingfisher H. pileata. Remarkably high bird abundance in coastal habitats was only recorded at Tung Chung Bay, when about 700 Little Egrets and 773 Cattle Egrets were observed on 24 September 2003 (Fig. 9 in Appendix 10A).

10.4.1.38 No ardeid nesting colony or nesting of White-bellied Sea Eagle was recorded within the EBS study area.

10.4.1.39 Black Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Osprey and Brown Fish Owl are Class 2 Protected Animals of PRC and listed in Appendix 2 of CITES (Zheng and Wang 1998). Black Kite is common and widespread in Hong Kong (Carey et al. 2001), and occurs in many types of habitats. Black Kites usually soar above and take food from the sea surface. No regular Black Kite roost has been reported in the study area, and the only roost on Lantau Island is found in Tai O (Carey 1996). Brown Fish Owl is a rare resident, and only recorded from a few localities. It usually feeds in undisturbed and unpolluted lowland streams and tidal creeks (Carey et al. 2001). Waters at the mouth of Tai Ho Stream probably provide feeding habitat for this species. Brown Fish Owls were only recorded at Tai Ho during the EBS.

10.4.1.40 Osprey and White-bellied Sea Eagle are mainly maritime (Carey et al. 2001). Both are uncommon in Hong Kong. Most records of Osprey come from Inner Deep Bay (ibid.). White-bellied Sea Eagle was reported nesting at Pa Tau Kwu near Penny’s Bay (Scott Wilson 2000), but not within the Study Area. The estimated local nesting population of this species is about 10 pairs (Carey et al. 2001). The home range of White-bellied Sea Eagle is estimated to be 100 km², which is one-tenth of total area of Hong Kong (Mooney 1986b in Marchant and Higgins (1993)).

Reptiles inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.41 Fourteen species of reptiles were recorded in the EBS study area (Table 5.17 in Appendix 10A). Uncommon/rare species included Blue-tailed Skink Eumeces quadrilineatus, Four-clawed Gecko Gehyra mutilata, Tokay Gecko Gekko gecko, Chinese Cobra Naja naja and Taiwan Kukri Oligodon formosanus. Locations of the sightings of these species were shown in Figure 13a of Appendix 10A.

10.4.1.42 Tokay Gecko is locally rare and is Class 2 Protected Animal of China (Zhao 1998). It is mainly found in thick bush and forest (Karsen et al. 1998). Chinese Cobra can be found in many types of habitats throughout Hong Kong, and is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES (Zhao 1998). Taiwan Kukri is uncommon and can be found in many types of habitats (Karsen et al. 1998).

10.4.1.43 Abundance of herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) was ranked high in secondary woodland, tall shrubland, shrubland-grassland mosaic and developed area, medium in wasteland and cultivated/agricultural land of the EBS study area (Tables 7.1 to 7.8 in Appendix 10A).

10.4.1.44 During the EIA study of the Tung Chung – Ngong Ping Cable Car Project, Buff-striped Keelback was recorded at Tung Chung (Mott 2003). This species is common and widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998). Buff-striped Keelback mainly occur in low altitude wetlands (ibid.). Mangrove Water Snake Enhydris bennettii was recorded at the mangroves near Hau Wong Temple at Tung Chung during the field surveys for “Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study” (Mott 1998). This species was first recorded in Hong Kong in 1954, and is mainly a muddy coastal habitat species (Karsen et al. 1998) and threatened by destruction of habitats and pollution (Zhao 1998).

10.4.1.45 Reptiles observed near Tung Chung Valley area included Buff-striped Keelback Amphiesma stolata, Large-spotted Cat Snake Boiga multimaculata , King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah and Greater Green Snake Ophedrys major (Ridley 2001). Buff-striped Keelback and Greater Green Snake are common in Hong Kong and occur in many types of habitats (Karsen et al. 1998). Large-spotted Cat Snake is rather uncommon, widespread throughout Hong Kong and primarily occurs in shrubland and woodland (ibid.). King Cobra is a very uncommon snake in Hong Kong that occurs in many types of habitats (ibid.). It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES (Zhao 1998). Chinese Cobra was recorded at Shek Mun Kap during the EIA Study of Tung Chung Road Improvement (Mouchel 2002).

Amphibians inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.46 Seven species of amphibian were recorded within in the EBS study area (Appendix 10A). Lesser Spiny Frog was the only species of conservation concern according to Fellowes et al. (2002), and individuals were found in streams at two locations within in the EBS study area (Figure 13a of Appendix 10A). This species is the most common of the Hong Kong hill stream frogs (Karsen et al. 1998). Abundance throughout its distribution range may have declined (Fellowes et al. 2002). The other amphibian species recorded within the terrestrial study area during the EBS are all common and widespread in Hong Kong.

10.4.1.47 Gunther’s Frog Rana guentheri and Three-striped Grass Frog R. microdactyla were recorded at abandoned cultivated land in Tai Ho Wan during the field surveys for “Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study” (Mott 1998). Both are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Lau and Dudgeon 1999).

10.4.1.48 Ten amphibian species were reported from the EBS study area by Lau and Dudgeon (1999). These were Asian Common Toad Bufo melanostictus, Gunther’s Frog, Paddy Frog Rana limnocharis, Three-striped Grass Frog R. macrodactyla, Chinese Bullfrog R. rugulosa, Romer’s Tree Frog Philautus romeri, Brown Tree Frog Polypedates megacephalus, Asiatic Painted Frog Kaloula pulchra, Ornate Pigmy Frog Microhyla ornata and Marbled Pigmy Frog M. pulchra. All except Chinese Bullfrog are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Lau and Dudgeon 1999). Chinese Bullfrog is a Class 2 Protected Animal of China (Zhao 1998). Romer’s Tree Frog is an endemic species protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

10.4.1.49 Short-legged Toad Megophrys brachykolos was recorded at Tung Chung Stream during the EIA Study of Tung Chung Road Improvement (Mouchel 2002b). This species is considered endemic to Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998). Short-legged Toad is mainly found in forested mountain stream (ibid.). A locally common species Three-striped Grass Frog was reported near Sham Wat stream (Ridley 2001). This species is mainly found in wet abandoned cultivated land (Karsen et al. 1998).

10.4.1.50 Romer’s Tree Frog was not recorded during the EBS study. However, several individuals and tadpoles were reported from Scenic Hill in the summer of 2004 by AFCD (Chan et al. 2005b).

Butterflies inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.51 Ninety species of butterfly were recorded within the EBS study area (Table 5.16 in Appendix 10A). Most are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Appendix 10A). Six species are considered of conservation concern according to Fellowes et al. (2002). These were Common Albatross Appias albina, Burmese Bush Blue Arhopala bimana, Small Grass Yellow Eurema brigitta, Danaid Eggfly Hypolimnas misippus, White Dragontail Lamproptera curius and Falcate Oak Blue Mahathala ameria. Locations of the sighting of these species are mapped on Figure 13a of Appendix 10A. Apart from Danaid Eggfly (found in shrubby-grassland in Scenic Hill), all were recorded in North Lantau and away from the HKLR alignment.

10.4.1.52 Abundance of butterfly was ranked very high in secondary woodland, tall shrubland, shrubland-grassland mosaic, cultivated/agricultural land and developed area, high in wasteland (Tables 7.1 to 7.8 in Appendix 10A).

10.4.1.53 60 species of butterfly were recorded at Tung Chung during the field surveys for “Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study” (Mott 1998). This included 13 uncommon and five rare species. Uncommon species included Yellow Pansy Junonia hierta, Blue Pansy J. orithya, Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus, Common Cerulean Jamides celeno, Quaker Neopithecops zalmora, Albocaerulean Udara albocaerules, Yellow Orange Tip Ixias pyrene, Common Jay Graphium doson, Swallowtail Papilio xuthus, Common Birdwing Troides helena, Bush Hopper Ampittia dioscorides, Tree Flitter Hyarotis adrastus and Yellow Band Dart Potanthus parva. Rare species included Red Lacewing Cethosia biblis, Forget-me-not Catochrysops strabo, Painted Jezebel Delias hyparete, Common Brownie Miletus chinensis and Common Pierrot Castalius rosimon.

10.4.1.54 Tree Flitter, Swallowtail, Common Jay, Bush Hopper, Plain Tiger, Yellow Band Dart, Lesser Band Dart, Common Pierrot and Yellow Orange Tip are found in abandoned cultivated lands (Bascombe et al. 1999, Yiu 2004). Red Lacewing, Yellow Pansy, Blue Pansy, Painted Jezebel, Common Birdwing, Albocaerulean, Quaker, Common Brownie and Common Cerulean are found in forest (Yiu 2004). Forget-me-not is found in low shrub and secondary growth (Bascombe et al. 1999).

10.4.1.55 A total of 40 species of butterfly were recorded at Tai Ho Wan during the field surveys for “Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study” (Mott 1998). Forest in Tai Ho Wan provided habitats for four uncommon species, which included Baron Euthalia aconthea, Striped Blue Crow Euploea mulciber, Common Birdwing Troides helena and Painted Jezebel Delias hyparete.

Dragonflies inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.56 Twenty-four species of dragonfly were recorded in the EBS study area (Appendix 10A). All are common and widespread in Hong Kong. Dragonfly species considered of local concern by Fellowes et al. (2002) included Elegant Clubtail Leptogomphus elegans (recorded at Tai Ho Wan) and Sapphire Flutterer Rhyothemis triangularis (Tung Chung Bay). These two species were also recorded near the terrestrial study area in a previous EIA study for Tung Chung Road improvement (Mouchel 2002b). Elegant Clubtail mainly occurs in wooded streams while Sapphire Flutterer is usually found in weedy ponds (Wilson 2004).

10.4.1.57 Dragonfly abundance is ranked high in secondary woodland and shrubland-grassland mosaic, medium in tall shrubland, wasteland and developed area, low in cultivated/agricultural land in the EBS study area (Tables 7.1 to 7.8 in Appendix 10A).

10.4.1.58 19 species of dragonfly were recorded at Tung Chung during the field surveys for “Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study” (Mott 1998). Three species of dragonfly were recorded at Tung Chung by Wilson (1997). These included Chinese Greenwing Neurobasis chinensis, Fiery Emperor Anax immaculifrons, and Small Clubtail Stylogomphus chunliuae. Chinese Greenwing and Fiery Emperor are common in Hong Kong (Wilson 2004). Small Clubtail is uncommon in Hong Kong (ibid.). This species inhabits streams with steep gradient and boulder substrate.

10.4.1.59 A total of 15 species of dragonfly were recorded in streams and agricultural lands in Tai Ho Wan during the field surveys for “Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study” (Mott 1998). Two uncommon species of damselfly were recorded at abandoned cultivated lands in Ngau Kwu Long (ibid.). These were Milky Midget Agriocnemis lacteola and Chinese Mountain Damsel Calicnemia sinensis. Milky Midget is found in abandoned cultivated lands, while Chinese Mountain Damsel inhabits small forested spate streams in low altitude (Wilson 2004).

Stream Fishes inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.60 Approximately 160 species of freshwater fish have been recorded in Hong Kong (Lee et al. 2004). The first comprehensive listing of species present in Hong Kong was the checklist produced by Chong and Dudgeon (1992) which provides details of 96 indigenous fish species, including information on distribution and conservation status. A brief review of local freshwater fish ecology is provided in Dudgeon and Corlett (1994). Lee et al. (2004) in “Freshwater Fish in Hong Kong” provides information on identification of common species and the distribution and conservation status of the 160 predominantly freshwater fish species recorded locally.

10.4.1.61 Lowland freshwater streams are considered one of the most endangered habitats in Hong Kong. The freshwater streams present on north Lantau are generally unaffected by pollution and support comparatively diverse aquatic communities (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992; EPD, 2000; Mouchel, 2002b).

10.4.1.62 Freshwater fish have been relatively well-studied in the north Lantau area. Chong and Dudgeon (1992) reported that the Tai Ho (46 species recorded between 1980-1991) and Tung Chung (23 species recorded between 1980-1991) streams rank first and second in terms of species-richness of all streams in Hong Kong. The locally rare Ayu Plecoglossus altivilis was first recorded in Hong Kong from the Tai Ho stream (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992). The catadromous Giant Mottled Eel Anguilla marmorata has also been recorded in Tai Ho stream (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992). Both species are listed in the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Owing to the high diversity of fish, the Tai Ho stream has been designated an SSSI.

10.4.1.63 67 fish species were recorded during the EBS field surveys. Details are presented in the final EBS report (Appendix 10A). Survey results confirmed that the Tai Ho, Tung Chung and Sham Wat streams support high fish diversity and species of conservation interest. It should be noted, however, that only the estuaries of these three streams fall within the study area for the EBS, while the stream courses themselves are located outside the study area for the EBS.

10.4.1.64 Fish species of conservation concern recorded in the streams include the Acrossocheilus beijiangensis (in Tung Chung Stream), Anguilia marmorata (in Sham Wat Stream and Tai Ho Stream), Channa asiatica (in Pak Mong Stream, Sha Lo Stream, Sham Wat Stream, Tai Ho Stream and Tung Chung Stream), Oryzias curvinotus (in Tung Chung Stream), Plecoglossus altivelis (in Tai Ho Stream), Takifugu ocellatus (in Pak Mong Stream, San Tau Stream, Sham Wat Stream, Tai Ho Stream and Tung Chung Stream). Among these, Acrossocheilus beijiangensis, Anguilia marmorata and Oryzias curvinotus are of global concern and the remaining two species are considered locally/regionally restricted.

10.4.1.65 During the May 2004 survey, the Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis was recorded in the Tai Ho Stream. Declining populations of this species were reported locally, regionally and globally. This species is considered to be of immediate regional conservation concern (Fellowes et al., 2002) and only recorded once during the course of the surveys.

10.4.1.66 The Giant Mottled eel Anguilla marmorata was recorded in Sham Wat and Tai Ho during the surveys conducted in December 2003 and May 2004. The population of Anguilla marmorata was reported to be in marked decline locally and considered a species threatened globally by Fellowes et al. (2002) but is not included in the IUCN World Conservation Union Redlist. This species is also listed in the China Red Data Book.

Stream Invertebrates inside the EBS Study Area

10.4.1.67 The streams of Hong Kong are known to support a diverse group of freshwater macroinvertebrates some which are endemics (e.g. certain odonates and water beetles). The streams on north Lantau are generally unaffected by pollution inputs and support comparatively diverse aquatic communities (Chong and Dudgeon 1992; EPD 2000; Mouchel 2002b). The recently published China Water Beetle Trilogy (Jach and Ji 1995, 1998, 2003) reported that some of the water beetles in Hong Kong are probably endemic as they have not yet been recorded in other parts of Mainland China. These include Sinonychus lantau (Elmidae) from Ngau Kwu Long near to Tai Ho. Wilson (1995) and Mouchel (2002b) also reported the presence of several endemic odonates on Lantau and their larval stages are completed in uncontaminated freshwater. A species of sesarminae crab, Sesarma (Holometopus) tangi Rathbun was also recorded in Tai Ho stream (Lee & Leung 1999). This species of crab has a very limited distribution in Hong Kong. Tai Ho Stream is one of the two local sites of occurrence for this species, the other being Mai Po.

10.4.1.68 A total of twelve freshwater macroinvertebrate families/suborders consisting of 83 individuals were recorded during the EBS macroinvertebrate stream surveys conducted between September 2003 and January 2004 (Appendix 10A). The number of macrofauna species recorded in each stream was generally low except in the stream at San Shek Wan (Appendix 10A). The generally low species richness was probably caused by the lower water flow during the dry season.

10.4.1.69 It was found that the water levels in stream courses with significant flows in wet season became much lower in dry season, while many of the courses with low water flows in wet season completely dried out during the dry season. This seasonal variation, however, is typical of streams in Hong Kong (Dudgeon and Corlett, 1994).

10.4.1.70 In order to determine the relative quality of each stream course, a BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party) biotic index was calculated for each stream. The BMWP biotic index for Pak Mong, Hau Hok Wan, Sha Lo Wan and San Shek Wan are 8, 0, 2 and 34, respectively. The biotic index indicated that there were large variations in the habitat quality of the streams within the study area. This, however, could be a reflection of stream flow variability and the percentage of taxa that does not have a score rather than pollution/disturbance.

10.4.2 Terrestrial Ecological Baseline within the 500m Assessment Area

Terrestrial Sites of Conservation Importance within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.1 A larger portion of the sites of conservation importance listed in Section 10.4.1 is now outside the current 500m assessment area and far away from the HKLR footprint. Only three of the above sites of conservation importance still fall within the current 500 m assessment area, i.e. Lantau North (Extension) Country Park; San Tau Beach SSSI and Scenic Hill.

· Lantau North (Extension) Country Park;

· San Tau Beach SSSI; and

· The Scenic Hill on Airport Island (which supports a remnant population of the Romer’s Tree Frog).

10.4.2.2 Lantau North (Extension) Country Park (Figure 10.2) covers an area on the slope of Nei Lak Shan just uphill from Sha Lo Wan and the hill slopes to the south of North Lantau Highway between Tai Ho Wan and Siu Ho Wan. It falls within the study area of the 9-month EBS as well as the current 500m assessment area. In addition to the existing 7,800ha of designated Lantau North and South Country Parks, the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park was proposed in the 1999 Policy Address as a positive means to conserve the natural environment of Lantau, gazetted in 2001, and was designated in 2008.

10.4.2.3 Scenic Hill is a small hill at the southeast end of Airport Island. Romer’s Tree Frog is endemic to Hong Kong and is protected under the Wild Animals Protected Ordinance (Karsen et al. 1998). Ngong Ping is known to support the largest population of this endemic frog (Lau 1998) and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for this reason.

10.4.2.4 Before construction of the airport, Chek Lap Kok was one of the few islands on which Romer’s Tree Frog was found in Hong Kong. A translocation programme was implemented as a mitigation measure for the PADS project. Though the translocation programme was successful, it is possible that a remnant population still inhabiting the only remaining natural area on the airport island, i.e. the Scenic Hill.

10.4.2.5 San Tau Beach SSSI is a seagrass site and is described in the sections on intertidal ecology below.

Vegetation and Habitats within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.6 The coastal areas between inner Tung Chung Bay and San Tau, and the southeast end of Airport Island including Scenic Hill, were surveyed during the EIA study for Tung Chung Cable Car project (Mott 2003). Habitats identified included Developed Area on Airport Island; Grassland on Scenic Hill; Plantation; Woodland; and Tall Shrub.

10.4.2.7 The vast expanse of terrestrial habitats (1,087 ha) between Siu Ho to Sham Wat, covering Tai Ho, Tung Chung, San Tau, Sha Lo Wan, San Shek Wan, Airport Island and Scenic Hill, were surveyed between September 2003 to May 2004 in the EBS. Habitats recorded included developed area (e.g. North Lantau Highway, Airport Island), wasteland, shrubby grassland and woodland.

10.4.2.8 A large portion of the current 500m Terrestrial Assessment Area (about 1600 ha) is currently sea area (about 1,100 ha) (Figures 10.4a-c & 10.5 & 10.6). Terrestrial habitats within the elongated 500m assessment area are located in the middle to eastern parts on Airport Island and along the North Lantau shore from San Tau to Sha Lo Wan. Habitats recorded in previous studies were reviewed and renamed in the EVS study. As it was found during the field surveys, and from the review of aerial photos of the last few years and the habitat maps prepared by those previous studies, the land use within the 500m Assessment Area was similar with that in the time of the previous studies, with minor changes in the boundaries at certain locations. For example, some grassland habitat at Scenic Hill has been replaced by the Angle Station of Tung Chung Cable Car. But these changes were minor and did not significantly change the ecological profiles of the area. Other than the Cable Car project which has small footprints on non-developed areas, there was no major development implemented within the 500m assessment area in the last few years. The information provided by the previous studies such as EBS should therefore still be valid in general.

10.4.2.9 A total of 14 habitat types were identified in the current 500m assessment area. Terrestrial habitats recorded included woodland, shrubland, grassland, stream/channel, plantation, and developed area (Figures 10.4a-c & 10.5 & 10.6). Among these habitats, developed area on Airport Island is the predominant habitat type (over 350 ha), while tall shrubland also contribute a significant proportion (42.7 ha). Other habitat types (Grassland/shrubland, Secondary woodland and Plantation etc.) with a much lower area size.

Table 10-2 Coverage of Different Habitats within the 500m Assessment Area

Habitat Type	Area (ha)	No. of plant species recorded
Active Dry Agriculture	0.05	NA
Associated Mangrove	0.80	20
Developed Area	About 350	111
Grassland	0.40	19
Grassland/ Shrubland	15.22	96
Mangrove	0.14	18
Plantation	15.37	67
Mudflat	0.14	NA
Seasonally Wet Grassland	0.64	85
Secondary Woodland	17.73	90
Shrubland	10.50	Included by grassland/shrubland
Stream	1.35	50
Tall Shrubland	42.70	123
Young Woodland	3.84	49

10.4.2.10 A total of 307 plant species were identified within the current 500m assessment area. Tall shrubland, secondary woodland, grassland/shrubland and developed area support higher plant species diversities, with 123, 90, 96 and 111 plant species respectively, than other coastal and riparian habitats.

10.4.2.11 Low numbers (3-5 individuals) of the tree Pavetta hongkongensis were identified in tall shrubland close to Hau Hok Wan. This species is protected under the Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96A) but it is a common tree species found in tall shrubland and young woodland in Hong Kong (Xing et al. 2000).

10.4.2.12 The insectivorous herb Drosera indica was identified on the rock surface of a stream at Hau Hok Wan. Approximately 40 individuals of D. indica were identified in both dry and wet season surveys. This herbaceous plant is identified as a very rare plant only found in Tung Chung (Xing et al. 2000) but receives no protection by law in Hong Kong (South China Institute of Botany & AFCD 2003). It has been listed as “Least Concern” in China.

10.4.2.13 Around six individuals of orchid Eulophia graminea were identified within the stone crevices along a stream at Hau Hok Wan. This orchid species is a restricted terrestrial herb found in the grassland and highly disturbed areas (Siu 2000, Xing et al. 2000). All wild native orchid species are protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and the Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96A) in Hong Kong. It is also classified as a restricted species by Siu (2000).

10.4.2.14 Several tree specimens and seedlings of Aquilaria sinensis were identified along the footpath near the tall shrubland from Hau Hok Wan to Sha Lo Wan and within the secondary woodland of the Scenic Hill in Chek Lap Kok Island. Due to potential threats of habitat destruction and over-exploitation in China, this tree species is regarded as “Near Threatened” in the China Plant Red Data Book and the Illustrations of Rare & Endangered Plants in Guangdong Province. It is listed as a Category II nationally protected species in China (South China Institute of Botany & AFCD 2003). This species is, however, common in lowland forest and Fung Shui woodlands (Xing et al. 2000) and currently is protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).

10.4.2.15 Numerous individuals of tree Thespesia populnea were identified along the coastal and associated mangrove habitats of the Study Area. This is a tree species restricted to coastal habitats (Xing et al. 2000) and is regarded as a rare associate mangrove species (present in only nine of 43 mangrove stands) in a territory-wide mangrove study by Tam and Wong (1997). However, T. populnea has no protection by law in Hong Kong.

10.4.2.16 An individual of shrub/small tree Drosera viscosa was recorded near the tall shrubland close to the coastline at Sha Lo Wan. This is regarded as a rare species only found in Ham Tin and Tung Chung (Xing et al. 2000), but it is not protected by law in Hong Kong.

10.4.2.17 Two seagrass species, Halophila sp. and Zostera japonica were recorded along the mangrove fringe within the San Tau Beach SSSI. The seagrass bed at San Tau mudflat and mangrove stands is regarded to be of high conservation value and its locality is designated as San Tau Beach SSSI for better protection by law (South China Institute of Botany & AFCD 2003). In addition, all established seagrass beds are considered to be an important habitat under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinances and any potential developmental disturbances and/or impacts should be avoided or minimized (Kwok et al. 2005).

10.4.2.18 Three natural habitats are of particular concerns, i.e. the young woodland in Sha Lo Wan headland, on which the viaduct will span over, the grassland/shrubland habitat on Scenic Hill where direct impact from the latest alignment is anticipated, and the secondary woodland on Scenic Hill, where remnant population of Romer’s Tree Frog was recorded previously and is potentially subject to direct impacts under some earlier alignment options.

10.4.2.19 The headland at Sha Lo Wan is young woodland habitat. Under natural succession, this young woodland has evolved from tall shrubland by developing a denser and more complex canopy coverage and structure. The young woodland is dominated by the trees Sterculia lanceolata, Microcos paniculata, Ardisia quinquegona, Myrsine seguinii, Schefflera heptaphylla and Garcinia oblongifolia, with the understorey containing shrubs such as Psychotria asiatica, Desmos chinensis, Ardisia crenata, Ilex asprella, Ilex pubescens and seedlings of tree species including Daphniphyllum calycinum, Archidendron clypearia and Archidendron lucidum.

10.4.2.20 The majority of the grassland/shrubland habitat within the 500m Assessment Area is on North Lantau, and typically dominated by grasses Panicum maximum, Imperata koenigii, Ischaemum spp., Rhynchelytrum repens and Neyraudia reynaudiana, herbs Bidens alba, Eupatorium catarium, Mimosa pudica, Aster baccharoides, Inula cappa, isolated shrubs Melastoma candidum, Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Ilex asprella, Osbeckia chinensis, Clerodendrum fortunatum, Baeckea frutescens, Breynia fruticosa and Eurya chinensis and trees Zanthoxylum avicennae, Litsea rotundifolia var. oblongifolia, Schefflera heptaphylla, Aporusa dioica, Ficus hirta, Ficus variolosa and Itea chinensis. The grassland/shrubland habitat on North Lantau is adjacent with other natural habitats, and might undergo further succession in time. This habitat type is also found on the western and southeast of Scenic Hill on Airport Island. Scenic Hill however is isolated from other natural habitat and surrounded by developed areas and sea area. The secondary woodland in Scenic Hill is typical of other woodlands in Hong Kong. It is dominated by Sterculia lanceolata, Schefflera heptaphylla, Celtis sinensis, Tetradium glabrifolium and Microcos paniculata as the overstorey (8 – 10 m high). Its understorey is dominated by common and widespread shade-tolerant species including shrubs and small tree species such as Psychotria asiatica, Litsea rotundifolia var. oblongifolia, Melicope pteleifolia, Sarcandra glabra, Bredelia tomentosa, Zanthoxylum avicennae and Uvaria macrophylla. Seedlings of the trees Archidendron clypearia and Aquilaria sinensis were found occasionally in the understorey.

10.4.2.21 Besides the above, there were also intertidal habitats (including artificial seawall, natural shore, mangrove and intertidal mudflat), marine waters, and other terrestrial habitats (agricultural land) recorded within the 500m boundary or inside Tai Ho area. These habitats would be covered in the later sections on intertidal ecology, marine ecology, and Tai Ho area.

Terrestrial Fauna within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.22 The surveyed terrestrial habitats within the 500m Assessment Area were urbanised/disturbed (including artificial coastlines), stream/channel, woodland, grassland, and shrubland. The recorded fauna were typical of disturbance tolerant, due to the high disturbance level within the Assessment Area. More than 60% of the terrestrial habitats within the 500m Assessment Area are Developed Area, which is under high level of human disturbance. Grassland/shrubland made up 4.55% of total area of terrestrial habitats. Fauna diversity in this type of habitat is generally low (Dudgeon and Corlett 1994, 2004). Plantations of exotic species made up only 4.59% of total area of terrestrial habitats. This type of habitat, particularly young ones, generally supports low fauna diversity (Dudgeon and Corlett 1994, 2004). Woodland and tall shrubland exist as small isolated patches in the Assessment Area, and mainly support disturbance tolerant species or habitat generalists.

Birds within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.23 A total of 77 species was reported from Chek Lap Kok airport (Carey et al. 1998, 1999, 2002). This high species richness was at least partially attributed to the fact that birds are more visible at the airport, but does not indicate the ecological importance of the Chek Lap Kok airport as a bird habitat. A total of 136 bird species was recorded in the Kai Tak Airport (Melville 1979), but it was concluded that most of the bird species were grounded by adverse weather, and would leave once their condition recovered. The former Kai Tak Airport provided little food for birds (ibid.). The situation on Chek Lap Kok airport is likely to be similar.

10.4.2.24 Use of inter-tidal mudflats near San Tau by ardeids (e.g., Reef Egret, Little Egret) was reported in the EIA study of the Tung Chung – Ngong Ping Cable Car Project (Mott 2003).

10.4.2.25 A total of 61 bird species was recorded during the EVS study. Of these 61 species, 14 are listed by Fellowes et al. (2002) as species of conservation concern; 10 of the 14 species of conservation concern are also wetland dependant species, and were observed on the shoreline of northern Lantau and the artificial seawall of Chek Lap Kok. These species included Grey Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret, Pacific Reef Egret, Straited Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, and Grey-tailed Tattler. Birds utilizing coastal habitats should be of higher concern in the present Project as the majority of terrestrial habitats to be affected are the coastal areas along the Airport Channel and Airport eastern shore.

10.4.2.26 Apart from Pacific Reef Egret, all are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Carey et al. 2001). Bird abundance and species richness were low in all surveyed habitats. The low diversity in developed area, and artificial coastline was related to the high human disturbance and low food abundance. Grassland and plantations of exotic species generally support low diversity of bird (Kwok and Corlett 2000, Kwok and Dahmer 2002), due to low food abundance and simple habitat structure. Woodland and shrubland exist as small isolated patches, and support bird species basically similar to those in surrounding habitats (developed area, grassland).

10.4.2.27 Bird species that are locally rare or regional/global protected were considered of conservation concern. Among the water-dependent birds, only Pacific Reef Egret Egretta garzetta is Class 2 Protected Animals of PRC (Zheng and Wang 1998). Pacific Reef Egret is mainly found in rocky coastlines of widespread localities (Carey et al. 2001).

Mammals within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.28 During the EIA study of the Tung Chung – Ngong Ping Cable Car Project, Indian Muntjac was observed in tall coastal shrub/ woodland off the coastal path near Hau Hok Wan in May 2002, and in woodland of the San Tau Valley and Ngau Au Area in early October 2002 (Mott 2003). Scats of Ferret Badger or civet were found near San Tau Valley (ibid.). Indian Muntjacs were recorded in tall shrubland of Sha Lo Wan in September 2003 and April 2004 during the EBS study. The common rat Rattus norvegicus was observed around San Tau village during the course of the survey during the field surveys for the EIA of Tung Chung Cable Car Project (Mott 2003).

10.4.2.29 Only three species of mammal were recorded during the EVS study. A Red Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac was seen in the village section of San Tau stream. In addition, footprints of Muntjac deer, presumably Red Muntjac, were observed in the soft sand at the beach close to the mouth of a stream at San Tau. Red Muntjac (as Indian Muntjac) is listed as being of Potential Regional Concern following Fellowes et al. (2002) and is protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (WAPO). This small deer is widespread in Hong Kong (Shek and Chan 2006).

10.4.2.30 The skull of a Eurasian Wild Pig Sus scrofa was found on the beach at Sha Lo Wan. This species has a widespread distribution in Hong Kong (Shek and Chan 2006). The third mammal is unconfirmed rat species (Rattus sp.) near San Tau and Hau Hok Wan.

10.4.2.31 Four species of non-cave dwelling bats were recorded in San Tau and nearby areas by AFCD (Shek and Chan 2006). These were Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus, Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx, Lesser Yellow Bat Scoptophilus kuhlii and Whiskered Myotis Myotis muricola. Both Japanese Pipistrelle and Short-nosed Fruit Bat are very common in Hong Kong. Lesser Yellow Bat is uncommon while Whiskered Myotis is rare in Hong Kong. Yellow House Bat often roosts in the attics of houses, but it also roosts under the modified fronds of palm trees next to the Short-nosed Fruit Bat, holes in walls or even in an abandoned bird nest (Lin et al. 2005 in Shek and Chan 2006). Whiskered Myotis is reported to roost in the central curled leaves of banana trees, and occasionally in caves in Thailand (Lekagul and McNeely 1988 in Shek and Chan 2006).

Reptiles within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.32 Seven species of reptiles, all common and widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998) and not of conservation concern, were seen across wet and dry season surveys of the EVS (Appendix 10B). Two species of gecko, Chinese Gecko Gekko chinensis and Bowring’s Gecko Hemidactylus bowringii, were recorded in villages, particularly the abandoned village houses on Scenic Hill. Three species of skink (Chinese Skink Eumeces chinensis, Long-tailed Skink Mabuya longicaudata and Reeves’ Smooth Skink Scincella reevesii) were recorded primarily on woodland/shrubland edges. Juvenile Long-tailed Skinks were also common amongst the leaf-litter of the abandoned village on Scenic Hill. Changeable Lizard Calotes versicolor was seen in waste ground on the edge of Sha Lo Wan. There was also one exotic species of terrapin, Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta. No snakes were seen during any of the surveys.

10.4.2.33 During the EIA study of the Tung Chung – Ngong Ping Cable Car Project, Long-tailed Skink Mabuya longicaudata and Copperhead Racer Elaphe radiata were recorded in San Tau (Mott 2003). Both are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998). Long-tailed Skink and Copperhead Racer occur in many types of habitats (ibid.).

10.4.2.34 Checkered Keelback Xenochrophis piscator was recorded at mangroves near San Tau (Mott 1998). This species is common and widespread in lowland wetlands in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998).

10.4.2.35 Two species of snakes were reported from the Airport island (Chan et al. 2006a). These were Large-spotted Cat Sanke Boiga multomaculata and Chinese Cobra Naja atra. Both are common and widespread in Hong Kong. Chinese Cobra is considered to be of Potential Regional Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002). This species occurs in various types of habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, grasslands and mangroves. The Airport island is mostly developed and of high level of disturbance and is not considered optimal habitat of Chinese Cobra.

10.4.2.36 Chinese Gecko Gekko chinensis and Bowring’s Gecko Hemidactylus bowringii were reported from the Airport island and San Tau respectively (Chan et al. 2006b). Both species are very common in Hong Kong.

Amphibians within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.37 Four species of amphibians were recorded during the EVS in the 500m Assessment Area (Appendix 10B), Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus chinensis, Lesser Spiny Frog Paa exilispinosa, Asian Common Toad Bufo melanostictus and Asian Painted Frog Kaloula pulchra. Chinese Bullfrog is a Class II Protected Animal in China and is considered to be of Potential Regional Concern in Hong Kong owing to depletion of wild populations for the food trade (Fellowes et al. 2002, Chan et al. 2005a). An adult Chinese Bullfrog was seen in a drain at Scenic Hill. The species has previously been recorded on Chek Lap Kok (Chan et al. 2005a).

10.4.2.38 Tadpoles of Lesser Spiny Frog were observed in the streams between San Tau and Hau Hok Wan. This species is regarded as Vulnerable by IUCN Redlist (2009) and is considered to be of Global Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002), although it is widely distributed and common in suitable habitat in Hong Kong (Chan et al. 2005a). The remaining two species are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al. 1998, Chan et al. 2005a).

10.4.2.39 Romer’s Tree Frog was not recorded during the EBS study or the EVS study. The endemic Romer’s Tree Frog was discovered on Lamma Island in 1952 (Lau and Dudgeon 1999). The other locations with records of this species included Chek Lap Kok, Lantau and Po Toi (Karsen et al. 1998). This species is protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, Cap. 170. The habitat characteristics of Romer’s Tree Frog were studied in details by Lau (1998). Romer’s Tree Frog lives on forest floor and breed in shaded, slow-flowing or stagnant waters including man-made structure. The diet of this species consists of small forest litter invertebrates (Lau 1998). Ngong Ping is known to support the largest population of this endemic frog (ibid.) and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Given its small size, predation pressure from larger amphibians and limited mobility, Romer’s Tree Frog is very sensitive to habitat fragmentation.

10.4.2.40 Prior to the construction of Chek Lap Kok International Airport, populations of Romer’s Tree Frog on Chek Lap Kok were collected, captive bred and translocated to localities with suitable local habitats (Lau 1998) as a mitigation measure for the PADS project. Breeding of translocated populations was monitored between 1994 and 1997 (ibid.). Regular breeding was recorded at half of the translocated sites (ibid.).

10.4.2.41 While it was believed that the population on Chek Lap Kok would be exterminated by the construction of the new airport, a single specimen was caught at the abandoned village on the south side of the former island in July 2000 (Lynch 2001). The presence of old water tubs and pitchers maintain pools of rain water, which provide breeding habitats for Romer’s Tree Frog. This enabled survival of a small population.

10.4.2.42 Indeed Romer’s Tree Frog has demonstrated a high adaptability elsewhere in Hong Kong. For example at Lamma Island a population was found in a patch of grassland receiving seepage flow from an adjacent engineered slope (Halcrow China Ltd. 2002). A number of tadpoles of Romer’s Tree Frog were also found in seasonal streams at Ngong Ping (Arup 2002). In addition, this species can also breed in artificial breeding sites (e.g., pots) (Lau 1998).

10.4.2.43 Besides the EBS study and the EVS study, night survey conducted for Cable Car EIA study at Scenic Hill aimed at verifying Lynch’s finding also failed to find any evidence of Romer’s Tree Frog (Mott 2003). The general environment and topography of Scenic Hill have not changed significantly since the discovery of the frog in 2000. Breeding habitat of Romer’s Tree Frog is also present on Scenic Hill (e.g., streams, old water tubs and pitchers). Tadpoles of this species were seen earlier in 2008 as part of the on-going monitoring by AFCD (Appendix 10B). Therefore it is reasonable to adopt a precautionary approach assuming that some individuals still survive in the area. This makes Scenic Hill the only location on Airport Island supporting Romer’s Tree Frogs that are descended from the original Chek Lap Kok population.

10.4.2.44 Some amphibian species were recorded in the Airport island by AFCD (Chan et al. 2005b). These included Asian Common Toad Bufo melanostictus, Short-legged Toad Xenophrys brachykolos, Asiatic Painted Frog Kaloula pulchra, Butler’s Pygmy Frog Microhyla butleri, Paddy Frog Fejervarya limnocharis, Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus chinensis, Three-striped Grass Frog Rana macrodactyla and Brown Tree Frog Polypedates megacephalus. All are common and widespread in Hong Kong. Chinese Bullfrog is a Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC. Short-legged Toad is potentially endemic to Hong Kong, and is considered of “Potential Global Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002).

Dragonflies within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.45 A common damselfly species Marsh Dancer Onychargia atrocyana was reported in Sha Lo Wan (Wilson 2004). This species occurs in wet abandoned cultivated lands (ibid.).

10.4.2.46 The dragonfly species, Small Hooktail Melliogomphus moluamis, which is considered globally threatened by Fellowes et al. (2002) was recorded at San Tau during the EBS (Appendix 10A). Very little is known about the habitat requirements of this species (Wilson 2004).

10.4.2.47 Only seven dragonfly species were recorded during the EVS study, none of which are considered to be of conservation concern. By far the most numerous and widespread species recorded was the Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens, with many hundreds seen across the site over all habitats. This is the most common species in Hong Kong (Wilson 2004). Other than Wandering Glider, all other species were recorded only outside the proposed HKLR alignment, within the limits of stream and/or irrigation ditches across the 500m assessment area. Both abundance and species richness of dragonfly were low in all habitats within the Assessment Area. The low diversity of dragonfly within the Assessment Area was related to the paucity of natural freshwater habitats.

Butterflies within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.48 Danaid Eggfly Hypolimnas misippus, considered of conservation concern according to Fellowes et al. (2002), was found in shrubby-grassland in Scenic Hill during the EBS study.

10.4.2.49 A total of 58 butterfly species was recorded during the EVS study. Most species occur in shrubland (32) with 24 species recorded in woodland and 15 species recorded from village habitats. Few records of butterflies were made from the intertidal habitats (i.e. soft shore, hard shore and mangrove), as would be expected from the paucity of suitable food plants in this habitat. Common Mormon Papilio polytes was the most widespread species, occurring in various habitat types. This species is very common and widespread in Hong Kong (Lo & Hui 2005). Among the species recorded, only White Dragontail Lamproptera curius recorded at a stream in San Tau stream is considered to be of conservation concern (Local Concern in Fellowes et al. 2002).

10.4.2.50 The hillside along the coastline from Tung Chung to Tai O is a recommended butterfly watching route by the Lepidopterist’s Society (Young and Yiu 2002). Rare species such as Hainan Palm Dart Telicota besta and Common Awl Hasora badra are reported from this trail (ibid.).

10.4.2.51 Two locations within the Study Area – San Tau and Sha Lo Wan – have been identified as important sites for butterflies in Hong Kong (Young and Yiu 2002).

10.4.2.52 A total of 89 species of butterfly have been recorded in San Tau (Yiu 2004). Uncommon/rare butterfly species reported in this location include Golden Birdwing Troides aeacus, White Dragontail Lamproptera curius, Plain Cupid Chilades pandava, Falcate Oak Blue Mahathala ameria, Red Lacewing, White-edged Blue Baron Euthalia phemius (ibid.). Important butterfly habitats identified in San Tau include ravine woodland, fung shui forest and orchard (ibid.).

10.4.2.53 A total of 81 species of butterfly have been recorded in Sha Lo Wan (Yiu 2004). Uncommon/rare butterfly species reported in this location included Swallowtail, Red Lacewing, Yellow Orange Tip, Cornelian Deudorix epijarbus, Silver Streak Blue Iraota timoleon, Dark Blue Tiger Tirumala septentrions (ibid.). Important butterfly habitats in Sha Lo Wan include fung shui forest and abandoned cultivated land (ibid.).

Stream Fish within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.54 Several species of conservation interest were recorded in streams within the 500m assessment area, including Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb Acrossocheilus beijiangensis, Dark-margined Flagtail Kuhlia marginata, Rice Fish Oryzias curvinotus, the Indo-Pacific Tropical Sand Goby Favonigobius reichei.

10.4.2.55 Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb is a rare species and only appears in several locations including streams on Lantau Island (Lee et al. 2004) and it is also considered to be of Global Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002). One individual was observed in the midstream section of a stream near San Tau (i.e. ST9).

10.4.2.56 Dark-margined Flagtail Kuhlia marginata was observed at the same stream. This species was regarded as locally endangered in a recent EIA Study Report (DSD 2005). It is regarded to be of Regional Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002), but its status was not evaluated by Lee et al. (2004) or AFCD (2009). Since freshwater streams are important nursery habitats for this catadromous species (Oka & Tachihara 2008), ST9 is considered to have potential to be a nursery habitat for this species.

10.4.2.57 Rice Fish Oryzias curvinotus was found at three stream sites and is a species considered to be of Global Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002) which is uncommon in the wild in Hong Kong (Lee et al. 2004). Although it is generally considered to be a freshwater species, it can inhabit brackish environments (Froses & Pauly 2008) and a large population was seen in the mangrove area of Tung Chung Bay (Appendix 10B). a small population of Rice Fish was observed in the lower reaches of ST9, and only single individuals of this species were seen in the lower sections of the other two stream sites near Hau Hok Wan (HH3 and HH5).

10.4.2.58 Predaceous Chub Parazacco spilurus is common and widespread in Hong Kong (Lee et al. 2004), but is regarded as a vulnerable species in Mainland China (Yue & Chan 1998, CSIS 2008).

10.4.2.59 Populations of over 100 individuals of this species were seen in the middle sections of ST9 and SL3. The Indo-Pacific Tropical Sand Goby Favonigobius reichei, which is regarded as “Lower Risk/ Near Threatened” by IUCN (2009), was found in the lower sections of several streams surveyed. Whilst it is regarded globally as Near Threatened, this species is common and widespread in the intertidal area in Hong Kong (Lee et al. 2004, Nip 2005).

Stream Invertebrates within the 500m Assessment Area

10.4.2.60 The Sesarmine Crab species Chiromantes sereni was found in the lower sections of HH3 and SL3. This species was first recorded in Hong Kong by Soh (1978) and is reported to be endemic (Kwok & Tang 2005). Although its conservation status is not fully understood, it was only found at four sites in a recent territory-wide Sesarmine Crab survey (Kwok & Tang 2005).

10.4.2.61 Somanniathelphusa zanklon, another endemic crab species, was also found in the Current Study. Although this species has been found to be quite abundant in Lantau and other places in Hong Kong (DSD 2002, EPD 2007), it is regarded as an endangered species by IUCN due to its restricted distribution (IUCN Redlist 2009). Two juveniles of this species were recorded in ST12. This small stream has potential to provide a nursery habitat for this endangered species.

10.4.2.62 Greasyback Shrimp Metapenaeus ensis juveniles were recorded in the lower section of the streams ST9 and SL3. Shrimps belonging to the genus Metapenaeus are commercially important and were extensively cultured in the Gei Wai of Mai Po in the past. They are common in mangrove and estuarine areas in Hong Kong (Leung 1999, Vance 1999). Due to over-exploitation, all four Metapenaeus species found in Hong Kong (including M. ensis) are considered to be Vulnerable in China (CSIS 2008). Shallow estuarine areas in Hong Kong have the potential to provide nursery habitats for these species.

10.4.3 Marine and Intertidal Ecological Baseline

Marine Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance and important habitats

10.4.3.1 Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance at intertidal zone are divided into two groups, i.e. those within the North Western and North Western Supplementary WCZs, and those within the marine ecological assessment area for the EIA Study.

Within the North Western and North Western Supplementary Water Control Zones

10.4.3.2 There are several Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance and important habitats located Within the North Western Water Control Zone:

· Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at San Tau Beach;

· Horseshoe crab nursery sites at Sham Wat, Hau Hok Wan, San Tau, Tung Chung Bay, Tai Ho Wan;

· Tai Ho Stream SSSI;

· Seagrass site at Yam O;

· Artificial reefs;

· Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park;

· The proposed Marine Park at Fan Lau; and

· Marine waters in North and West Lantau waters as dolphin habitats (in particular dolphin hotspots).

Within the Marine Ecological Assessment Area of the EIA Study

10.4.3.3 There are further Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance and important habitats located at intertidal and subtidal zones within the marine ecological assessment area as follows:

· The proposed Marine Park at Soko Islands;

· Horseshoe crab nursery site at Shui Hau: Shui Hau, which is the third identified horseshoe crab nursery sites in Hong Kong (Chiu & Morton 1999);

· Pak Nai SSSI: Pak Nai SSSI was designated in 1980 for its function as roost site for gulls and terns in the Deep Bay area;

· Seagrass beds and Horseshoe crab nursery site in Pak Nai: Pak Nai is one of the three confirmed horseshoe crab nursery site (Chiu and Morton 1999) and also harbours the largest seagrass beds in Hong Kong (Fong 1998);

· Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site;

· Inner Deep Bay SSSI; and

· Tsim Bei Tsui SSSI.

10.4.3.4 The coastal areas of the southeast shore of Airport Island, southward to the Marine Cargo Terminal, are zoned as “Coastal Protection Area” (CPA) in the outline zoning plan for Chek Lap Kok.

10.4.3.5 In addition to the above recognised sites, another SSSI, i.e. The Lung Kwu Chau, Tree Island and Sha Chau SSSI, designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest on 20 September 1979, is also located within the study area. Pak Chau (Tree Island), a small island located closed to the western boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, is an important night-time roosting site for wintering Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in Hong Kong. This SSSI, however, is not included in the present assessment as the Lung Kwu Chau, Tree Island and Sha Chau SSSI only covers the land areas of the islands within the Marine Park.

San Tau Beach SSSI

10.4.3.6 Tung Chung Bay is the largest lowland and river mouth habitat on North Lantau, as well as within the marine ecological assessment area except inner Deep Bay, and has extensive mudflats. San Tau Beach SSSI, designated in 1994, is a shallow sheltering beach of about 2.7 ha with fine sand and silt at the west coast of Tung Chung Wan. San Tau harbours the largest seagrass area on Lantau. Two species of seagrasses, Zostera japonica and Halophila ovalis, were recorded at San Tau Beach. San Tau is the only site located in western waters among the three known sites in Hong Kong where Zostera japonica is found. This species of seagrass was previously thought to be limited to the temperate regions, and is thus of special interest to plant biogeography. In the site, there are also trees of the mangrove species Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, which was previously thought to be rare but is now considered locally uncommon. Besides seagrass beds, it is also one of the three recognized horseshoe crab nursery sites Hong Kong (Huang et al. 1999; Chiu and Morton 1999, Shin et al. 2007).

Horseshoe Crabs and Horseshoe Crab Nursery Sites at Sham Wat, Hau Hok Wan, San Tau, Tung Chung Bay, Tai Ho Wan.

10.4.3.7 Horseshoe crabs are an ancient and taxonomically isolated group (class Merostomata, sub-class Xiphosura) related to spiders, ticks and mites. Though not presently protected under local law, Horseshoe crabs have been identified as a species of conservation importance in Hong Kong. Three species have been reported in HKSAR waters: Tachypleus tridentatus, T. gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Chiu & Morton 1999). These represent all species known from the South China Sea, and three of four species known worldwide. All three species appear to be undergoing rapid population declines and are thought to be under severe pressure in the South China Sea, including Hong Kong waters, due to habitat loss, pollution and over exploitation (Huang 1997; Chiu and Morton 1999, 2003; Chiu 2003; Morton and Lee 2003). Information on abundance of these species is limited, but Liang and Zhou (1987) note that in surveys in Beibu Bay, Guangxi/Guangdong, T. tridentatus made up 90% of the catch and the other two species together made up only 10%.

10.4.3.8 In an extensive study of the distribution of horseshoe crabs in Hong Kong conducted between March 1995 and June 1998 Tachypleus gigas was not recorded and its local status is uncertain (Chiu and Morton 1999.) It is likely that only two species of horseshoe crab (T. tridentatus and C. rotundicauda) are currently widely distributed in Hong Kong as no recent records of T. gigas are available (Chiu and Morton 1999; Mouchel 2002c). Liao et al. (2001) also did not record T. gigas in their extensive surveys (September 1994 to June 1998) of the South China Sea (from Hainan to Xiamen). All three species of Indo-Pacific horseshoe crabs appear to be in population decline and are thought to be under severe pressure in the South China Sea, including HKSAR waters, due to habitat loss and overexploitation (Huang 1997). The most critical habitat is the sandy shore and sandy backshore where adult horseshoe crabs mate and lay eggs. Horseshoe crabs have been identified as species of conservation importance in the HKSAR, and regarded as Vulnerable by CSIS (2008).

10.4.3.9 Horseshoe crabs, most commonly T. tridentatus, have been recorded in the HKSAR at Tap Shek Kok, Sha Chau, Tai Po and Peng Chau, though there are no recent records from any of these sites (Huang 1997). C. rotundicauda was recorded in 1997 from Ma Wan Chung, Lantau, at a site that would be lost to development of the Tung Chung New Town (ibid.). The other areas where horseshoe crabs have been recorded in the HKSAR are on the shores of Outer Deep Bay and the waters around Black Point-Tap Shek Kok.

10.4.3.10 Horseshoe crabs are currently more often found in western waters of Hong Kong, though they were once thrived on many beaches in Hong Kong including Tolo Harbour (Huang 1997; Huang et al. 1999).

10.4.3.11 During the Crosslinks 2 study, horseshoe crabs were reported to have been recorded from trawl surveys at Tap Shek Kok, and beaches at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan and Lung Kwu Tan were thought once to be breeding grounds for horseshoe crabs, based upon information from the residents in Lung Kwu Tan (Mouchel 1999). It was also reported that spawning of horseshoe crabs was seen in Lung Kwu Sheung Tan many years ago (Huang et al. 1999).

10.4.3.12 Confirmed nursery sites for horseshoe crabs in recent years included Pak Nai, San Tau and Shui Hau (Huang et al. 1999), together with Tai Ho Wan (Fong 1999). Some other beaches on Lantau, including Tai O, Yi O, Sham Wat Wan, Sha Lo Wan and Tung Chung, are considered of high possibility due to the records that adult horseshoe crabs were frequently fished offshore (Huang et al. 1999).

10.4.3.13 At a territory-wide study, three locations, i.e. Pak Nai in Deep Bay, San Tau near Tung Chung, and Shui Hau at south Lantau, are identified as important horseshoe crab nursery sites, all of which are located at western waters (Chiu & Morton 1999). San Tau is identified as one of the key ecological issues for the present study.

10.4.3.14 Two species of horseshoe crab, Tachypleus gigas and Tachypleus tridentatus, have been recorded from trawl surveys at Tap Shek Kok just south of Lung Kwu Tan, and the beaches at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan and Lung Kwu Tan have been identified as potential breeding sites for T. gigas (ERL 1993, ERM 1996). Juvenile horseshoe crabs are seen by fishermen in the intertidal zone from Sheung Pak Nai to Ngau Hom Shek, but adults are seldom seen.

10.4.3.15 In Deep Bay the preferred habitat was identified as sandy to muddy intertidal zones, which appear to provide habitats for mating and egg laying, and for juveniles. Currently, Ha Pak Nai in Deep Bay, together with San Tau near Tung Chung and Shui Hau in South Lantau, are regarded as nursery sites for horseshoe crabs (Chiu & Morton 1999).

10.4.3.16 T. tridentatus and C. rotundicauda have been recorded at Tai Ho Wan, Tung Chung Wan, San Tau and Sha Lo Wan and Sham Wat (Huang 1997; Chiu and Morton 1999; Fong 1999; Mouchel 2000 2002c; Mott 2003). Specimens of horseshoe crabs were also collected in north Lantau waters (ERM 1997; Chiu and Morton 1999).

Tai Ho Stream SSSI

10.4.3.17 The Tai Ho Stream SSSI is about 5ha in area and comprises two main components: Tai Ho Stream and the inner part of Tai Ho Wan. "Tai Ho Stream" includes several tributaries that lie to the south and east of Tai Ho Wan, passing Tin Liu, Tai Ho San Tsuen, and merging just below Ngau Kwu Long, and entering Tai Ho Wan at its southern end. Tai Ho Stream is one of the most ecologically valuable fresh water streams in Hong Kong. Chong and Dudgeon (1992) recorded the salmonid fish Ayu ("sweetfish") Plecoglossus altivelis at Tai Ho Stream, the first record and the only site of occurrence of this species for Hong Kong or Guangdong (Dudgeon 1993). This species requires unobstructed passage between salt and fresh water to breed. The high water quality and natural state of Tai Ho Stream are likely very important to this species.

10.4.3.18 The importance of Tai Ho Stream to Hong Kong's freshwater fish fauna, and the linkages to other ecologically important intertidal habitats in Tai Ho Wan, qualify Tai Ho Stream as a habitat of high ecological value. Conservation and prevention of damage to the stream channel and riparian zone is essential. The Tai Ho Stream and part of its estuarine zone were designated as an SSSI in 1999 in recognition of the ecological importance of the stream and its fish fauna.

Seagrass site at Yam O

10.4.3.19 Seagrasses were recorded in Yam O (Sunny Bay) during a territory-wide seagrass survey conducted by AFCD (Kwok et al. 2004). About 0.75 ha of Halophila ovalis was found at this location and made it a new seagrass locality (ibid). H. minor was also reported in this site (Yip and Lai 2006).

Artificial Reefs

10.4.3.20 Artificial Reefs were deployed near the northeast corner of Airport Island within Marine Exclusion Zone 3 and at Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Both ARs were deployed in 2000, with a footprint of 1,200 m² (3,600 m³ in terms of volume) in the Marine Exclusion Zone, and a footprint of 3,660 m² (3,600 m³ in terms of volume) in the Marine Park.

Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park

10.4.3.21 North Lantau waters also contain Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park which was designated for the conservation of Chinese White Dolphin (Figure 10.1). Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, a marine area of 12 km2 (1,200 hectares), lies adjacent to the Urmston Road shipping channel. It is the only marine park in Hong Kong western waters. The Marine Park was designated on 22 November 1996 with the primary objective of protecting Chinese White Dolphin and its habitat. Some human activities are controlled in the Marine Park in order to provide a safe haven for CWD. Bottom trawling is prohibited, and speed limits are placed on vessel traffic to decrease the risk of collisions. The boundary is demarcated by yellow light buoys deployed at the corners of the marine park. The landward boundary follows the high water mark along the coastline of the islands. The marine environment of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park is greatly influenced by the Pearl River freshwater run-off, with high organic loading and sediment loading. Marine organisms found in this region are adapted to a low salinity and high turbidity marine environment. Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park has rich fisheries resources. Fishes of the Engrulidae, Scieanidae and Clupeidae families are important food for Chinese White Dolphin. It therefore provides an important feeding ground for Chinese White Dolphin.

Proposed Marine Park at Fan Lau

10.4.3.22 The waters off the southwest coast of Lantau (i.e. Fan Lau) is considered a proposed Marine Park for the protection of cetaceans (Figure 10.1). A feasibility study was completed in 1999 (Tsang & Milicich 1999). One of the marine ecological resources in this area is the cetaceans, in particular Chinese White Dolphin which are abundant in West Lantau waters.

10.4.3.23 West Lantau and North Lantau waters which are the most important dolphin habitats in Hong Kong. Chinese White Dolphin is present commonly year-round in the waters north and west of Lantau, and are found only seasonally or rarely in other places of Hong Kong.

Other recognized sites of conservation importance/ important habitats

10.4.3.24 The proposed Marine Park at Soko Islands was also proposed for the protection of cetaceans.

10.4.3.25 Horseshoe crab nursery site at Shui Hau: Shui Hau, which is the third identified horseshoe crab nursery sites in Hong Kong (Chiu & Morton 1999).

10.4.3.26 Pak Nai SSSI was designated in 1980 for its function as roost site for gulls and terns in the Deep Bay area (Anon. 1995).

10.4.3.27 Seagrass beds and Horseshoe crab nursery site in Pak Nai: Pak Nai is one of the three confirmed horseshoe crab nursery site (Chiu and Morton 1999) and also harbours the largest seagrass beds in Hong Kong (Fong 1998).

10.4.3.28 Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site is the only Ramsar Site in Hong Kong and important for several thousands of waterbirds during winter.

10.4.3.29 Inner Deep Bay SSSI is designated in 1986. It covers 2,300 ha of intertidal mudflats and mangroves at the inner most part of inner Deep Bay, between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

10.4.3.30 Tsim Bei Tsui SSSI is also located in inner Deep Bay, but covers a much smaller area of 2.1 ha. It is a mature mangrove community at a seafront location just below Tsim Bei Tsui Police Post. Designated in 1985, it was at that time considered the only known habitat in Hong Kong for the snail Ellobium polita.

Intertidal Ecological Baseline for the North Western Water Control Zone

10.4.3.31 Similar with the terrestrial habitats, intertidal habitats relevant to the ecological impact assessment are located in two main areas, i.e. the North Lantau coastlines near the Airport Channel and the shores on Airport Island. These two areas are separated by Airport Channel which is a 200m wide sea channel separating the New Town from the Airport Island and giving each a distinct waterfront.

10.4.3.32 The North Lantau coastlines near the Airport Channel are mainly natural intertidal habitats, including undisturbed rocky shores and intertidal sandflats/mudflats, while all the original coastlines in Tung Chung New Town (the eastern end of the present project’s study area) have been lost to reclamation.

10.4.3.33 The coastlines of Airport Island are predominately artificial seawalls, but the northeast and southeast shores of Airport Island contain some remnant shores of the original Chek Lap Kok Island. All the other original coastlines of Chek Lap Kok have been lost during reclamation for the Airport.

Artificial Seawalls

10.4.3.34 The dominant intertidal habitat type within the 500m distance of the HKLR alignment was sloping boulder-form artificial seawall.

10.4.3.35 All the coastlines on the southern shore of Airport Island (along the Airport Channel), and some sections in the southeastern shore (e.g. the most southern end) and northeast shore (e.g. the marine cargo terminal) of Airport Island are artificial shores. The artificial coastlines on Airport Island, at least 10km meters in total, are seawalls of reclamation for the Airport. The age, design, homogeneity, orientation and lack of habitat niches of the seawall are, however, likely to limit faunal numbers and diversity here.

10.4.3.36 The intertidal habitats on the artificial seawalls of Airport Island were studied during the field survey programme for the EVS (see Appendix 10B). The number of species and the diversity and evenness indices of artificial seawalls were in general slightly lower than other natural rocky shores inside the 500m assessment area. Sessile organisms such as Purplish Bifurcate Mussel, Rock Oyster and Striped Barnacle were the dominant species of all these sites. Other abundant species observed were Bearded Ark Shell, Limpets, Nerita yoldii and Periwinkles. The dominant species found are common and widespread in Hong Kong rocky shores (Williams 2003, Lai et al. 2006). None of the species recorded are considered to be rare or of conservation importance.

10.4.3.37 The sloping seawalls in the Northeast of Airport Island, where direct impacts on intertidal zone from the HKBCF reclamation are anticipated, were also surveyed during the HKBCF ecological survey programme. The artificial seawalls were colonised by intertidal fauna, but the abundance and diversity were low. The species recorded were all common in Hong Kong, including Acorn Barnacle Tetraclita squamosa, Rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata, False limpet Siphonaria japonica, Limpet Patelloida pygmaea & P. saccharina, and Nerite snails. No fauna of special conservation interest was found.

Rocky Shores

10.4.3.38 The remaining intertidal habitats within the 500m assessment area of the HKLR, except those inside embayments as explained in the next section, are rocky shores including 1) remnant rocky shores along the southeast coast and a small section at the northeast end of Airport Island, and 2) undisturbed natural rocky shores on North Lantau coastlines from Tung Chung Bay to Sham Wat.

10.4.3.39 Rocky shores are not rare in Hong Kong, and are not characterised by high productivity, species richness or diversity as are intertidal mudflats. Various studies of the coastal areas of Northern Lantau have revealed that the intertidal fauna and flora present in rocky shore habitat are typical of other locations in Hong Kong

10.4.3.40 During the intertidal survey for the EBS between September 2003 to May 2004, all recorded species on hard intertidal shore are common and widespread in Hong Kong, such as rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata and littorinid gastropod Littoraria articulata.

10.4.3.41 Their survey results revealed that only common intertidal species such as freshwater nerite (Clithon cf. faba), top shell (Monodonta labio), nerite (Nerita spp.), rock oyster (Saccostrea cucullata), the littorinid gastropod (Littoraria articulata and Nodilittorina radiata), common whelk (Thais clavigera), and acorn barnacle (Balanus sp.) were recorded on the rocky shores. In addition, a few small shore crabs (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) and one hermit crab were seen on pebbles or rocky bottom. All hard-bottom intertidal species recorded are common and characteristic of intertidal habitats throughout Hong Kong. These results were consistent with the findings from other previous literatures.

10.4.3.42 The undisturbed natural coastlines on North Lantau would not be impacted by the Project. Three natural rocky shores, including those on the western and eastern sides of Sha Lo Wan headland, and near the Sha Lo Wan Pier, were surveyed during the EVS study. A total of 54 species was recorded in the hard shore habitats (including natural rocky shore on North Lantau and artificial seawalls on Airport Island). None of the recorded species are listed as being of conservation importance (IUCN 2009, CSIS 2009). During the quantitative survey, 45 species were recorded. The number of species and the diversity and evenness indices of natural rocky shores were in general slightly higher than those of the two artificial hard shores.

10.4.3.43 The remnant coastlines at the southeast shore of Airport Island, which are originated from the old Chek Lap Kok Island, were surveyed during the Marine Supplementary Survey (MSS) for the HKLR. Four locations were investigated following the same hard shore methodology applied in the EVS and the HKBCF survey programme. Although not being completely converted to artificial coastlines, these coastlines have been subject to disturbance and modification of various extents, including the elimination of backshores and conversion to seawalls, and thus should not be considered as natural coastlines. It was also isolated from other natural shores. Only 26 taxa were recorded from both quantitative and wall-through survey during wet and dry seasons. All the species found are common and widespread intertidal fauna in Hong Kong. The abundance of the intertidal fauna was generally low, especially in areas with isolated sandy substrates.

Intertidal Sandflats/Mudflats

10.4.3.44 The intertidal habitats from Tung Chung Bay to Sham Wat are characterized by mudflats/sandflats, seagrass beds and mangroves.

10.4.3.45 Intertidal mudflats, together with the mangroves and seagrasses, were found to be the most ecologically important intertidal habitats for the present EIA. Ecological functions provided by these communities include energy cycling, coastal stabilisation, and habitat for wildlife such as coastal birds and horseshoe crabs. Tung Chung Bay is the largest embayment on North Lantau, and has extensive mudflats. Mudflats are important not only because they provide a habitat to infauna which are in turn the prey items of many waterfowls, but also they are the suitable substrate for the colonization of mangroves and seagrasses, both are important habitat types in Hong Kong. The seagrass beds are also an important nursery and feeding ground of horseshoe crabs. The structures of the mudflat habitat would be diversified by the colonizing vegetation. A large variety of microhabitat types may contribute to a diverse intertidal fauna. The high species richness of crabs in Mai Po, where 32 species of crabs were recorded, was also attributed to the large variety of microhabitats there (Lee & Leung 1999).

10.4.3.46 Important species such as horseshoe crabs and seagrasses are present within certain intertidal sandflats/mudflats in the study area (ERM 2001; Mouchel, 2000, 2002b; Tam and Wong, 2000; Mott, 2003).

10.4.3.47 During the EBS study, soft shores were surveyed, and quantitative transect survey were performed in selected locations including Tung Chung Bay. All the species recorded were typical soft shore intertidal fauna and can be found in similar habitats throughout Hong Kong. Mud snails (Cerithidea diadjariensis) were common representatives on the sandflats of Tung Chung Bay.

10.4.3.48 In the EVS study, six soft shore locations (Sham Wat (SW), Sha Lo Wan (SLW), Hau Hok Wan (HHW), Tung Chung Bay (TCB), San Tau (ST) and San Shek Wan (SSW)) along the northern coast of Lantau (The locations of these soft shore locations are shown in Appendix 10B) were surveyed to cover wet and dry seasons.

10.4.3.49 A total of 155 species from several faunal groups, including echinoderms (sea cucumber), arthropods (shrimp, crab and horseshoe crab), molluscs (bivalve, gastropod and tusk shell), annelids (segmented worm), sipunculids (peanut worm), nemerteans (ribbon worm), cnidarians (sea anemone) and poriferans (sponge), were recorded from these soft shore sites. Of these six sites, the highest species number was recorded at San Tau and Tung Chung B ay (76), and the lowest number was recorded at Sham Wat (57). Species numbers recorded at San Shek Wan, Sha Lo Wan and Hau Hok Wan were 69, 72 and 75, respectively.

10.4.3.50 During the transect and quadrat surveys, a total of 26,627 individuals belonging to 104 species were recorded, including a single horseshoe crab individual. A total of 1,019 individuals belonging to 56 fauna species were found in the core samples. Findings of quantitative surveys are summarized in the table below.

Table 10-3 Species number, numerical abundance, Pielou's evenness index (J’) and Shannon diversity index (H’, Log e) recorded at soft shore sites

	SW	SSW	SLW	HHW	ST	TCB
Epifauna
Number of Species	29	42	44	49	55	50
Abundance	1259	4147	5079	3899	4222	8021
J’	0.46	0.49	0.47	0.53	0.55	0.43
H’ (Log _e)	1.56	1.82	1.79	2.07	2.20	1.67
Infauna
Number of Species	12	20	17	18	19	24
Abundance	164	265	83	56	115	336
J’	0.45	0.52	0.74	0.86	0.81	0.48
H’ (Log _e)	1.11	1.56	2.10	2.47	2.38	1.51

10.4.3.51 Most species found during these surveys are common and widespread in Hong Kong. Six species considered of international or regional (China) conservation importance were recorded (Table 10-4), details of which are given in the following paragraphs.

Table 10-4 Species of international or regional conservation importance found in soft shore habitats

Species	SW	SSW	SLW	HHW	ST	TCB
Indo-Pacific Tropical Sand Goby Favonigobius reichei	+	+	+	+	+	+
Snowy Puffer Takifugu niphobles				+	+
Predaceous Chub Parazacco spilurus		+
Sea Cucumber Holothuria leucospilota	+
Horseshoe Crab Tachypleus tridentatus	+				+	+
Greasyback Shrimp Metapenaeus ensis	+		+	+	+

10.4.3.52 The Indo-Pacific Tropical Sand Goby Favonigobius reichei, which has been regarded as “Lower Risk/Near Threatened” by IUCN (2009), was found to be very common at all the study sites. Although it is regarded globally as Lower Risk/Near Threatened, this species is common and widespread in intertidal areas in Hong Kong (Lee et al. 2004, Nip 2005).

10.4.3.53 Another fish species observed, Snowy Puffer Takifugu niphobles, is regarded as “Data Deficient” by IUCN (2009). This fish is, however, considered to be common in Hong Kong (Nip 2005, AFCD 2009b).

10.4.3.54 Two Predaceous Chub Parazacco spilurus were observed in a freshwater creek running across the shore in SSW. This species is considered to be Vulnerable in Mainland China (Yue & Chen 1998, CSIS 2008). This is primarily a freshwater species, however, and is not known to tolerate saline conditions; its presence on the surveys probably resulted from upstream populations having been washed into the lower reaches of the stream.

10.4.3.55 The Horseshoe Crab Tachypleus tridentatus was recorded at two of the soft shore sites, TCB and ST. Two records from TCB included a juvenile (max. width of prosoma = 40mm) and one dead subadult (max. width of prosoma = 150mm). The single crab at ST was one tiny juvenile (max. width of prosoma = 5mm). This Horseshoe Crab species is regarded as Vulnerable by CSIS (2008).

10.4.3.56 The Sea Cucumber Holothuria leucospilota was found on the shore of SW. This species is usually found in the low tide/subtidal zone of boulder shores (Morton & Morton 1983) and the soft shore at SW is not optimal habitat for this species. It is the most common holothuroid in Hong Kong (Lai et al. 2006) but is regarded as Endangered in Mainland China due to over-exploitation (CSIS 2008).

10.4.3.57 Although Metapenaeus spp. are common in mangrove and estuarine areas in Hong Kong (Leung 1999, Vance 1999), all four species found in Hong Kong (including M. ensis) are considered to be Vulnerable in Mainland China due to over-exploitation (CSIS 2009). In the Current Study, individuals of M. ensis were found in SW, SLW, HHW and ST.

10.4.3.58 All of the species recorded were typical soft shore intertidal fauna and can be found in similar habitats throughout Hong Kong. Mud snails (Cerithidea diadjariensis) were common representatives on the sand-flats of Tung Chung Bay. Survey results obtained at Tai Ho Wan also revealed that the mud snail (C. diadjariensis) was dominant. Common species including acorn barnacle (Balanus sp.), small shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) and the nerite (Nerita polita) were abundant on hard surfaces such as rocks and boulders present on the soft shores of the entire coastal study area. Species abundance was similar in wet and dry seasons. Besides the sandflats/mudflats, there are some patchy sandy beaches on the southeast shore of Airport Island. These patcthy sandy beaches are of very low abundance of intertidal fauna as recorded during the MSS, and no infauna was recorded in the sediment in these sandy beaches (see Appendix 10C).

10.4.3.59 Tai Ho Wan is located in the estuarine area and harbours intertidal mudflats and mangroves. It has been partly cut off from the sea by the construction of the North Lantau Highway. A culvert at the western end of the bay maintains tidal exchange within the bay. The southern end of the bay is dominated by mangroves and extensive mudflats where Tai Ho Stream enters the bay. Mudflats of this size are uncommon outside Deep Bay area and are becoming more and more scarce in the territory.

10.4.3.60 The intertidal habitats inside the embayment at Tai Ho Wan are dominated by intertidal mudflats, with patches of seagrass beds and mangroves along the coastline.

10.4.3.61 Intertidal mudflats, together with the mangroves and seagrasses, were ecologically important intertidal habitats. Ecological functions provided by these communities include energy cycling, coastal stabilisation, and habitat for wildlife such as coastal birds. Tai Ho Wan has extensive mudflats. Mudflats are important not only because they provide a habitat to infauna which are in turn the prey items of many waterfowls, but also they are the suitable substrate for the colonization of mangroves and seagrasses, both are important habitat types in Hong Kong. The seagrass beds are also an important nursery and feeding ground of horseshoe crabs (Fong 1999). AFCD recorded 20 C. rotundicauda individuals at Tai Ho Wan December 2003 (Appendix 10A). The structures of the mudflat habitat would be diversified by the colonizing vegetation. A large variety of microhabitat types may contribute to a diverse intertidal fauna. The high species richness of crabs in Mai Po, where 32 species of crabs were recorded, was also attributed to the large variety of microhabitats there (Lee & Leung 1999).

10.4.3.62 Tai Ho Wan provides an ecological linkage between marine habitats and freshwater habitats (Tai Ho Stream) of conservation importance. It is a movement corridor for anadromous and catadromous fishes moving between streams and the sea. The bay also provides additional habitat for the marine vagrant fish species recorded in Tai Ho Stream.

10.4.3.63 The Tai Ho area is notable for the fact that the hydrological system of streams, estuary and bay remains intact and little modified by human activity. Horseshoe crabs are known to prefer undisturbed beaches (Botton et al. 1998 in Chiu and Morton 1999). Chong and Dudgeon (1992) attributed the exceptional fish fauna they recorded in Tai Ho Stream to the relatively unaltered condition of the area. Tai Ho provides an example of a well-interlinked ecological landscape, dominated by sheltered bay, wetlands, woodlands and streams, that support a high diversity of plant and animal communities.

Mangrove Habitats

10.4.3.64 Mangrove communities are under threat from urbanisation and reclamation, and because many stands have been destroyed in Hong Kong they are considered to be a conservation priority (Tam and Wong, 2000). There is a large body of data on the mangal and seagrass habitats present in the EBS study area (e.g., Mouchel 2000; Tam and Wong 2000).

10.4.3.65 During the EBS study, mangroves in San Tau to Tung Chung Bay were surveyed. The Tung Chung and San Tau mangrove habitats have also been well studied previously (Tam and Wong 2000; Mott 2003). The mangrove habitat at San Tau is considered to be of particular ecological importance because of its size and seagrass beds. This habitat is dominated by the mangroves Aeigceras corniculatum, Kandelia candel and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (which was previously thought to be rare but is now considered locally uncommon). Other mangroves Avicennia marina and Acanthus ilicifolius are also well represented.

10.4.3.66 During the EVS, mangrove was identified within the San Tau Beach SSSI, while two patches of associated mangrove were found along the coastlines of Tin Sam (just to the north of San Tau) and Hau Hok Wan. The mangrove habitat is dominated by a number of mangrove species, especially Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Kandelia obovata and Acanthus ilicifolius. The associated mangrove habitats are dominated by herb Limonium sinense, shrubs Clerodendrum inerme, Suaeda australis, Scaevola sericea and Pandanus tectorius and trees Cerbera manghas, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Thespesia populnea.

10.4.3.67 There are also mangroves in Tai Ho Wan and Sham Wat. Mangroves in Sham Wat were also surveyed during the EBS, and different from the mangrove stands in Tung Chung Bay or Tai Ho, there were only small areas of mangroves fringing the eastern and western shores of Sham Wat, and no species of special concern were recorded.

10.4.3.68 Tam and Wong (1997) surveyed the main mangrove stand in Tai Ho Wan. They found this 1.86 ha stand to be the third largest mangrove on Lantau, after Tung Chung and San Tau. The Tai Ho Bay mangroves harboured all of Hong Kong's mangrove species except Lumnitzera racemosa and the extremely restricted Heritiera littoralis (ibid.). Tai Ho Wan also had the densest mangrove stand encountered in the study.

10.4.3.69 During the EBS, the number of floral species recorded in Tai Ho was fairly high. There were six true mangrove species including Lumnitzera racemosa, Kandelia candel, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum and Acanthus ilicifolius. In addition to these true mangrove species, a number of mangal-associated flora, such as Limonium sinense, Clerodendrum inerme and Acrostichum aureum were also recorded. Other common species recorded within the coastal or mangrove communities included Zoysia sinica, Suaeda maritime and Vitex rotundifolia.

10.4.3.70 During a field visit in 2005, it was verified that the mudflat in Tai Ho Wan consisted of isolated patches of mangrove stands at the estuary of Tai Ho Stream and some inlet. 13 mangrove and mangrove associate species were recorded.

Seagrass Beds

10.4.3.71 North Lantau harbours a few locations of seagrasses including Tung Chung Bay, San Tau, Tai Ho Wan and Yam O. Tung Chung Bay is the largest lowland and river mouth habitat on North Lantau, and has an extensive mudflat. San Tau, at the northwest of Tung Chung Bay mudflat, harbours the largest seagrass area on Lantau. Two species of seagrasses, Zostera japonica and Halophila ovalis (previously described as H. ovata), were recorded in San Tau Beach, and an area of 2.7 ha was designated a SSSI in 1994.

10.4.3.72 Both Zostera japonica and Halophila ovalis (previously described as H. ovata) are considered rare locally (Xing et al, 2000). Zostera japonica and Halophila ovata are usually found co-habiting the seaward margins of mangrove stands (AFCD 2003). San Tau is the only site in western waters among the five known sites in Hong Kong where Zostera japonica can be found (i.e. Lai Chi Wo, So Lo Pun, Siu Tan, Sheung Sze Wan and San Tau, see Kwok et al. 2005). Zostera japonica was previously thought to be limited to the temperate regions and is thus of special interest to plant biogeography.

10.4.3.73 Halophila ovalis is also considered to be of special scientific interest because it is one of the few marine flowering plants in Hong Kong (AFCD 2003). Apart from San Tau, Halophila ovalis (described as Halophila ovata) has been previously recorded in Tai Tam Bay, Ho Chung, Hoi Ha Wan, Wu Shek Kok and Lai Chi Wo (AFCD 2003). More localities for this species have been found in a territory-wide search of seagrass sites in Hong Kong, including Ham Tin, Kai Kuk Shue Ha, Nam Chung, Nim Shue Wan, Sheung Sze Wan, Siu Tan, To Kwa Peng, Tsam Chuk Wan and Yam O (Kwok et al. 2004).

10.4.3.74 These two seagrass species at San Tau were surveyed during some previous studies and was found that much of the seagrass beds lied outside the SSSI (Mott 1998).

10.4.3.75 During the EBS study, the field surveys for seagrass beds were undertaken between 2003-2004. Field survey results confirmed that the seagrass bed at San Tau Beach SSSI still supported the two seagrass species, Halophila ovalis (described as H. ovata in the EBS study) and Zostera japonica. (Appendix 10A).

10.4.3.76 It should be noted that the seagrass bed at San Tau has been subject to impacts associated with the reclamation works for the airport at Chek Lap Kok. The seagrass has, however, recovered since the works were completed.

10.4.3.77 During the field survey for TMCLKL in July 2008, however, no seagrass beds were found on the mudflat in Tung Chung Bay (Maunsell 2009). During the EVS study, a third species of seagrass, Halophila minor, was recorded in San Tau. Halophila minor was also previously recorded at Sunny Bay (previously called Yam O) in North Lantau (Yip & Lai 2006).

10.4.3.78 Patches of the seagrass Halophila beccarii were also recorded in Tai Ho Wan (Wu and Lee 1998, Fong 1998) and at the stream mouth within Tai Ho Stream SSSI (Mott 1998; Mouchel 2000). H. beccarii is widespread along the coast of various Southeast Asian countries (Hodgkiss and Morton 1978). H. beccarii was first recorded in Hong Kong at Tsim Bei Tsui in Deep Bay (ibid.). Besides Tsim Bei Tsui and Tai Ho, other sites where this species of seagrass was recorded included Starling Inlet (Wong 1998), Black Point (Xing et al. 2000), Sheung Pak Nai, Sha Kong Tsuen and Nam Chung Yeung Uk. (Kwok et al. 2005, with the largest H. beccarii bed in Ha Pak Nai (Fong 1999).). This seagrass species is considered locally rare (Xing et al. 2000). The seagrass beds are also an important nursery and feeding ground of horseshoe crabs. During the April 2004 survey, the seagrass Halophila beccarii habitat was found during low tide at Tai Ho Wan and supported more than 20 colonies each approximately 30cm X 30 cm in area. During the field survey for TMCLKL, however, no seagrass beds were found on the mudflat in Tai Ho Wan (Maunsell 2009). The Tai Ho seagrass beds are of importance due to the presence of a locally restricted seagrass species and also it is a horseshoe crab nursery site while horseshoe crabs are threatened by habitat loss in Hong Kong.

Horseshoe Crab

10.4.3.79 Horseshoe crabs are considered of conservation importance in Hong Kong. Three species have been reported in HKSAR waters: Tachypleus tridentatus, T. gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Chiu & Morton 1999). These represent all species known from the South China Sea, and three of four species known worldwide. All three species appear to be undergoing rapid population declines and are thought to be under severe pressure in the South China Sea, including Hong Kong waters, due to habitat loss, pollution and over exploitation (Huang 1997; Chiu and Morton 1999).

10.4.3.80 In an extensive study of the distribution of horseshoe crabs in Hong Kong conducted between March 1995 and June 1998, Tachypleus gigas was not recorded and its local status is uncertain (Chiu and Morton 1999.) It is likely that only two species of horseshoe crab (T. tridentatus and C. rotundicauda) are currently widely distributed in Hong Kong as no recent records of T. gigas are available (Chiu and Morton 1999; Mouchel 2002c).

10.4.3.81 Horseshoe crabs are currently more often found in western waters of Hong Kong, though they were once thrived on many beaches in Hong Kong including Tolo Harbour (Huang 1997; Huang et al. 1999). Conformed nursery sites for horseshoe crabs in recent years included Pak Nai, San Tau and Shui Hau (Huang et al. 1999), together with Tai Ho Wan (Fong 1999). Some other beaches on Lantau, including Tai O, Yi O, Sham Wat Wan, Sha Lo Wan and Tung Chung, are considered of high possibility due to the records that adult horseshoe crabs were frequently fished offshore (Huang et al. 1999). At a territory-wide study, three locations, i.e. Pak Nai in Deep Bay, San Tau near Tung Chung, and Shui Hau at south Lantau, are identified as important horseshoe crab nursery sites, all of which are located at western waters (Chiu & Morton 1999).

10.4.3.82 Horseshoe crabs are known to be sparsely distributed along the coastline of Lantau Island and most survey effort of the EBS was expended at bays within the study area where suitable microhabitats were present (typically well-aerated sediment substrates near to seagrass beds; substratum adjacent to streams). These areas included Hau Hok Wan, Pak Mong, San Shek Wan, San Tau, Sha Lo Wan, Sham Wat, Tai Ho Wan and Tung Chung Bay. Several embayments with confirmed records of horseshoe crab juveniles including Tai Ho Wan, San Tau, Hau Hok Wan, Sha Lo Wan, and Sham Wat were considered as ecological sensitive receivers in the present EcoIA (see Figures 10.1 & 10.2).

10.4.3.83 During the field surveys of the EBS, horseshoe crab juveniles were recorded in Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong (fourteen live and three molts of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda), San Tau (10 Tachypleus tridentatus and 1 Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda), Tung Chung Bay (26 Tachypleus tridentatus), Hau Hok Wan (Two T. tridentatus and one C. rotundicauda), and Sham Wat (one live and three molts of Tachypleus tridentatus). During the EVS study, Horseshoe Crab Tachypleus tridentatus was recorded at two of the soft shore sites, Tung Chung Bay and San Tau. Two records from Tung Chung B ay included a juvenile (max. width of prosoma = 40mm) and one dead subadult (max. width of prosoma = 150mm). The single crab at San Tau was one tiny juvenile (max. width of prosoma = 5mm). Besides seagrass beds, it is also one of the three recognized horseshoe crab nursery sites Hong Kong (Huang et al. 1999 ;Chiu and Morton 1999). During the TMCLKL study, two Tachypleus tridentatus and three Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda were recorded at San Tau in July 2008. In addition, two Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda were recorded at Tung Chung Bay.

Subtidal Ecological Baseline for the North Western Water Control Zone

Marine waters

10.4.3.84 The assessment area for marine ecology in the present EIA covers a large sketch of sea areas including 7 water control zones. As the areas outside North Lantau waters are far away and sheltered from the project site by Lantau Island, they would be unlikely to be impacted by the project. The present EcoIA would thus focus on North Lantau waters.

10.4.3.85 The HKLR alignment goes through the waters in Hong Kong western boundaries while the proposed reclamation site for HKLR is adjacent to the southeast shore of Airport Island and that for HKBCF is located near the Northeast corner of Airport Island, and are all surrounded by North Lantau waters. Water depths off the North Lantau reclamation range up to 20m, with the deepest waters in the swift tidal channel of Urmston Road. Water depths in the area just off the NLH are shallower, generally less than 5 m.

10.4.3.86 North Lantau waters also receive effluent from the Urmston Road, Pillar Point and Siu Ho Wan marine discharge outfalls as well as numerous small-scale outfalls. Quantities of effluent from all three major outfalls are predicted to rise continuously (Smith-Evans and Dawes 1996, Maunsell 1997).

10.4.3.87 The North Lantau waters between Tuen Mun and Airport Island are a spawning/nursery grounds for fish and shrimp (ERM 1998). The North and West Lantau waters are important habitats for Chinese White Dolphin in Hong Kong (detailed in below sections on Chinese White Dolphin).

Chinese White Dolphin

10.4.3.88 There are sixteen recorded cetacean species from Hong Kong waters (Jefferson and Hung 2007). And recently in March 2009, a humpback whale was reported in Hong Kong. This made the number of recorded cetacean to seventeen species. Only two of these recorded species, the Chinese White Dolphin (CWD in short form, also commonly known as Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis) and Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) are resident. Chinese White Dolphin is present in the coastal and inshore waters throughout the Indo-pacific, from Australia and China in the east to South Africa in the west (Jefferson and Karczmarski 2001). Off the coast of south China, at least seven separate populations were identified from Guangxi up to the mouth of the Yangtze River, and all coincide with the presence of river mouths (Jefferson and Hung 2004).

10.4.3.89 One population of Chinese White Dolphin lives in the estuary of the Pearl River, where they inhabit waters of the Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Guangdong Province of the People’s Republic of China (Zhou et al. 1995; Jefferson and Hung 2004). In Hong Kong, Chinese White Dolphin is also concentrated in the more estuarine-influenced waters, i.e. all the waters of western Hong Kong. They are present commonly year-round in the waters north and west of Lantau, and also occur seasonally or in small numbers to the south and east of Lantau Island, as well as in southern Deep Bay and to the west of Lamma Island (Jefferson 2000, Jefferson & Hung 2004). They are not present in the waters to the east of Lamma Island, except for occasional wanderings.

10.4.3.90 From September 1995 through November 1998, the Hong Kong Airport Authority and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (the then AFD) funded several studies on the biology of the population of Chinese White Dolphin in Hong Kong waters. The results of these early studies indicated that the dolphin population shared with mainland China (Pearl River Estuary) and probably Macao, was much larger than originally estimated, and was probably viable in the long term if appropriate conservation measures were taken (Jefferson 1998, 2000).

10.4.3.91 Chinese White Dolphin is also present in the rest of the Pearl River Estuary outside (to the west) of Hong Kong. Before systematic surveys for the Tonggu Waterway study began in late 1997, there were only sporadic and opportunistic records of CWD from Mainland waters of the Pearl River Estuary (Yang and Chen 1996). From the Tonggu systematic surveys as well as additional systematic surveys conducted in 1999-2000, it has been confirmed that the distribution of Chinese White Dolphin extends throughout the entire Pearl River Estuary from Hu Men in the north to Guishan Dao and Dong’ao Dao in the south (Jefferson & Hung 2004).

10.4.3.92 Through investigation on CWD individual movements and ranging patterns (Hung 2000; Hung & Jefferson 2004), it is confirmed that many identified CWD had ranges that spanned across the Hong Kong/Mainland boundary. A single population of CWD is therefore involved in Hong Kong and Pearl River Estuary, and the population size has been estimated using line-transect methods to be about 1300 – 1500 individuals, with roughly 200 individuals using Hong Kong waters on a regular basis (AFCD 2007).

10.4.3.93 There appears to be seasonal shifts of CWD occurrence with the extent of river influence, moving farther south and east from the Pearl River in the wet season, and farther into the estuary proper in the dry season (Jefferson 2000).

10.4.3.94 Calving seasonality was determined by computing an estimated birth date for each neonate and fetus in the sample, based on the average length at birth, along with fetal and early neonatal growth rates from the literature (Jefferson 2005). Breeding appears to occur throughout the entire year, but there is a peak in the occurrence of births between the months of March and August (Jefferson 2005).

10.4.3.95 Western and Northern Lantau waters are the most important range of the Chinese White Dolphin in SAR waters. This has been concluded from systematic boat surveys for Sousa chinensis in Hong Kong waters since 1996 (AFCD 2008). Several hotspots were consistently used by CWD since 2002, including the waters around Lung Kwu Chau, near Black Point, around the Brothers Islands, and the entire stretch of West Lantau waters from Tai O Peninsula to Fan Lau. These hotspots can be considered as the prime dolphin habitats in recent years in Hong Kong. The coast of West Lantau area is of particularly high dolphin density (with densities even higher than in the North Lantau area and around the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park), and there are also frequent sightings of young calves in this area.

10.4.3.96 West Lantau waters are currently the most important area in Hong Kong for dolphin conservation as the highest encounter rate of CWD as well as juveniles and calves were recorded in that area. A quantitative grid analysis was developed and has been applied to AFCD long-term monitoring programme to examine fine-scale habitat use by CWD (Hung 2008). According to the results from the long-term AFCD marine mammal monitoring surveys (AFCD 2009), dolphin usage was the highest west of Lantau Island, where most grids (each of 1 km²) had moderate to high dolphin densities. Densities of CWD engaged in feeding and socializing activities, as well as densities of mother-calf pairs, were particularly high in West Lantau and east of Lung Kwu Chau, indicating the importance of these sites. Chinese White Dolphin frequently uses the whole stretch of the West Lantau waters between Fan Lau to Sham Wat, and some of the sightings of juvenile CWD were even beyond Sham Wat. This finding has been further supported by an additional AFCD　land-based dolphin survey in 2004-2005 on the shore between Tai O to Sham Wat, specifically for facilitating the assessment of HZMB on CWD in the West Lantau waters (AFCD 2005).

10.4.3.97 There are also frequent sightings of young calves and juveniles in the coast of West Lantau area (Figures 10.9 & 10.10 & 10.11). Most of the sightings of calves and unspotted juveniles in the 2008-2009 monitoring programme were made in the coastal waters of West Lantau (between Tai O to Fan Lau), following by the waters near Lung Kwu Chau, while only a few other sightings were made in waters around the Brothers Islands (only two sightings during 2008-2009, see AFCD 2009) and Soko Islands. To locate the important habitats for nursing activities, the data on unspotted calves and unspotted juveniles from 2002-08 were processed. It was found that both the mean DPSE of unspotted calves and that of unspotted juveniles in West Lantau were much higher those in other areas in Lantau (ibid). With the high occurrence of young animals found along the stretch of coastal waters in West Lantau, West Lantau can be considered important nursing area for Chinese White Dolphin in Hong Kong during 2002-08. In view of the importance of this area for CWD, a marine park has been proposed at the coastal waters near Fan Lau.

10.4.3.98 Besides West Lantau waters, the waters around Lung Kwu Chau are also a dolphin hotspot in Hong Kong, and having high densities of unspotted calves. Also in North Lantau waters, Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, a marine area of 12 km², was designated in November 1996 with the primary objective of protecting S. chinensis and its habitat. Two set of artificial reefs were also deployed by government at the marine park and the northeast corner of Airport Island to enhance the food resources for CWD (Figure 10.1). The waters offshore the North Lantau Expressway between the Airport Island and Tai Ho Wan are an area of relatively lower dolphin density, compared to other areas in North Lantau (Jefferson 2000) (Figures 10.8). Examination of individual range use through photo-ID technique revealed that most CWD had very specific preferences for sites within their home ranges, which acted as core area(s) receiving greater intensity of use (Hung 2008). Several core areas used intensively by many individuals of CWD were identified, including the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, the Brothers Islands, and the stretch of waters from Tai O and Fan Lau in West Lantau (ibid). These core areas were considered important habitats for Hong Kong CWD. Among the 62 individuals having higher sighting frequency (over 15 times), the Brothers Islands were the core area for 22 individuals (the second highest number). Furthermore, 12 out of these 22 individuals had exclusive core area use in the Brothers Islands. This implies that many individuals that used the Brothers Islands as their core areas strongly relied on this area with very intensive use (AFCD 2009). On the other hand, the photo-identification works in 2008-09 found an increase of individuals expanding their range use from Northwest Lantau to West Lantau areas or vice versa.

10.4.3.99 Vessel dolphin surveys were conducted for the EIA study on Liquefied Natural Gas receiving terminal in Northwest Lantau waters and Deep Bay between July 2005 and May 2006. 109 sightings of Chinese White Dolphin were recorded in West Lantau waters, 79 in Southwest Lantau waters, 62 in Northwest Lantau waters, while only 25 sightings were made in Deep Bay. In Northwest Lantau waters, the encounter rate in autumn and winter are higher than those in spring and summer.

10.4.3.100 A systematic Chinese White Dolphin line-transect survey in the Pearl River Estuary and Hong Kong waters (covering all of Hong Kong’s waters and Pearl River Estuary from Hu Men in the north to Aizhou Dao (隘洲島) in the southeast and Sanzao Dao (三灶島) in the southwest) was conducted between February 2006 to January 2007 for the study on “Proposed Port Development at Northwest Lantau”. It covered the entire known range of the Chinese White Dolphin population in the Pearl River Estuary, and the waters at the exit of Modaomen(磨刀門), in order to calculate abundance and density in a 12-month period. In Hong Kong waters of the Pearl River Estuary, individuals of Chinese White Dolphin were frequently sighted along the narrow strip of coastal waters west of Lantau waters. Most sightings were made near Tai O Peninsula (大澳半島), Kai Kung Shan (雞公山), Peaked Hill (雞翼角) and Fan Lau (分流). The frequency of dolphin occurrence was slightly higher along the inshore transect lines than the offshore ones. The dense distribution of dolphin sightings throughout West Lantau was in accordance with results from AFCD’s long-term monitoring studies.

10.4.3.101 18 systematic line-transect dolphin vessel surveys were conducted from July 2008 to March 2009 for TMCLKL study. The survey area covered the central portion of North Lantau waters between Pillar Point and Brothers Islands. 30 groups of CWD numbering 100 individuals were sighted, with most sightings (22 sightings) made in the western section of Northeast Lantau survey area (the transect covering the Brothers Islands), while another eight sightings were made in the eastern section of Northwest Lantau survey area.

10.4.3.102 The waters to the east of Airport Island and the waters to the west of Airport Island were the potential areas for locating HKBCF during the early stage of the HKBCF EIA study. To facilitate the ranking of the options, a desk-top study on the dolphin use of both areas was conducted. Both the potential HKBCF locations at the eastern and western Airport were covered by dolphin vessel survey transect adopted for AFCD regular annual dolphin monitoring programme. The dolphin monitoring data thus provided relevant information for assessing the dolphin use in these two locations. Dolphin sightings in North and West Lantau waters during 2002-2008 were reviewed. Positions of on-effort sightings of Chinese White Dolphin from 2002-08 were retrieved from the long-term sighting database and then plotted onto 1 km² grids in the waters around Lantau Island. It was found that during the 2,857 dolphin groups (or 11,189 individuals) sighted during vessel and helicopter surveys in North and West Lantau waters between year 2002 and 2008, only a few dolphin sightings overlapped with the potential location to the east of Airport, while more sightings overlapped with the potential location to the west of Airport. Moreover, for the section of transect to the south of the options, only a handful of sightings were made to the south of the eastern Airport option (the waters immediately to the east of Airport), while CWD were frequently sighted immediately south of the western Airport option. Furthermore, for the coastal waters, dolphin sightings were densely distributed along the coastal waters from Shum Wat to Tai O, while there are very limited sightings on Tung Chung coastlines except the waters around the Brothers Islands and Sham Shui Kok. For seasonal pattern, dolphin sightings were only recorded in the eastern Airport option during autumn months, while the sightings were made during all four seasons in the western Airport option though fewer sightings were made in spring months. The overall abundance of Chinese White Dolphin at several survey areas was estimated by Jefferson (2007), using line-transect analysis with vessel survey data collected during 2004-06. It was found that the area with highest dolphin density was the West Lantau waters, with exceptionally high densities in all four seasons of 159-219 individuals/100 km². Moreover, dolphin density at Northwest Lantau was quite high with 52-107 individuals/100 km², and the one at Northeast Lantau was relatively low with 6-34 individuals/100 km² (Jefferson 2007). Since dolphin densities were much higher in West and Northwest Lantau than in Northeast Lantau among all four seasons, it appeared that dolphin usage at the western Airport option (which lies in between the Northwest Lantau and West Lantau survey areas) should be much higher than the one at the eastern Airport option (which lies in between the Northwest Lantau and Northeast Lantau survey areas).

10.4.3.103 Ranging patterns of 54 individuals of CWD re-sighted 10-123 times since 1995 and with their ranges spanning the Northeast, Northwest and West Lantau survey areas were examined. Of these 54 individuals, 49 of them (90.7%) had their ranges overlapped with the western Airport option, and 37 individuals (68.5%) had their ranges overlapped with the eastern Airport option. The eastern Airport option is thus preferred and has become the present proposed HKBCF.

10.4.3.104 Although the HKBCF lies within the range of dolphin activities and sightings, few sightings were made in the HKBCF reclamation site. Based upon the data from the AFCD dolphin surveys between 2002 and 2008, the mean SPSE values per grid of all 356 grids around Lantau Island was 4.1 ± 6.12, while the mean DPSE values per grid was 16.0 ± 25.77. A total of four grids in Northeast Lantau survey area overlapped with the HKBCF reclamation, and the mean SPSE and DPSE values among these four grids were 2.8 and 10.9 respectively, which were both below the overall means of all grids around Lantau.

10.4.3.105 For the HKLR, its reclamation along the southeast shore of Airport Island and the part of viaduct inside the Airport Channel are within areas with no dolphin sighting records. The waters to the east of Airport Island and offshore Tung Chung are rarely used by the Chinese White Dolphin. Even though a transect line (i.e. the westernmost transect line in Northeast Lantau) run through the area of HKBCF site extending toward Tung Chung, it is found from the desk-top study that only two dolphin sightings were made in this area (between Tung Chung and Airport eastern shore) from 2002-08.

10.4.3.106 The sections of viaduct between Sham Wat to the HKSAR boundary are (i.e. the HKLR marine section open sea part in the below impact assessment) in waters of various levels of dolphin densities, ranging from 0.1-20.0 DPSE to 61.0 – 80.0 DPSE. Only a section of viaduct offshore to Tai O Peninsula gets close to a grid cell with higher DPSE value (61.0-80.0 DPSE) at its northeast corner and this grid cell is the only one with relatively high dolphin density among all grid cells along the HKLR alignment.

10.4.3.107 In the vicinity of the proposed HKBCF reclamation site, the records of calves and juveniles were low in comparison with Lung Kwu Chau and West Lantau. During 2002-08, only two sightings of unspotted juveniles were made within the HKBCF reclamation footprint, while none for unspotted calves (Figures 10.9 & 10.10). During the 2008-2009 dolphin monitoring programme, no sighting of calves or unspotted juvenile was made inside or near the HKBCF reclamation footprint (Figure 10.11). The nearest sightings of calves and unspotted juveniles were made in the waters around the Brothers Islands,

10.4.3.108 For the HKLR alignment, as mentioned in above sections that its reclamation and viaduct inside the Airport Channel are not within dolphin habitats (areas with no dolphin sighting including adult and juvenile). During 2002-08, though only two sightings of unspotted calves were made on the HKLR alignment open sea part, there were over 11 sightings of unspotted juveniles along this section of alignment (Figures 10.9 & 10.10). There are three unspotted calves and unspotted juvenile sightings lie on or are very close to the HKLR alignment between Sham Wat to Tai O Peninsula during 2008-09 (Figure 10.11).

10.4.3.109 There was no frequent feeding activity of Chinese White Dolphin in the HKBCF reclamation site. During 2008-2009, no record of dolphin feeding behaviours was made in the site and its vicinity. While for HKLR, one feeding activity record and four socializing activity records were made on or close to its alignment offshore to Sham Wat.

10.4.3.110 It is noted that the waters around Brothers Islands (to the east of the HKBCF reclamation site) are considered as one of the dolphin hotspots in recent years. Although the HKBCF reclamation is located outside the waters around Brothers Islands with higher dolphin density (between 20.1- 60.0 DPSE, see Figure 10.8), this location is still near the dolphin hotspot. The HKBCF site option desk-top study also revealed that more dolphin groups were sighted near the northeast corner of the airport (north of the HKBCF site) and near the Brothers Islands. The HKBCF location is to the west of the hotspot and immediately adjacent to the existing Airport artificial seawall, where the dolphin density is much lower. The DPSE values in the majority of the reclamation site range from 0.1-20.0 DPSE only (see Figure 10.8), with only a small fraction inside the area with relatively higher dolphin density (20.1-40.0 DPSE). The habitat use of this area by dolphin is relatively low when compared with other dolphin hotspots in North Lantau.

10.4.3.111The ecological values of marine waters in western Hong Kong could largely relate to the habitat use of Chinese White Dolphin which is the most significant species of conservation importance in this habitat, and would vary in accordance with the levels of usage by CWD. The West Lantau waters and the waters near Lung Kwu Chau would be of high ecological value due to the high dolphin density and the functions as dolphin nursery grounds. Other dolphin hotspots such as the Brothers Islands would be of moderate to high ecological value. Areas without dolphin sightings or of very limited dolphin use such as Airport Channel and the waters immediately to the east of Airport Island would be of low ecological value. But under some certain circumstances, the ecological value of low dolphin usage areas would escalate to low to moderate if they are adjacent to high use areas (such as Northeast Airport where is close to the Brothers Islands), or even to moderate if they are on potential corridors between high use areas (such as the waters to the west of Airport Island).

Finless Porpoise

10.4.3.112 Within Hong Kong Finless Porpoises occur in the waters to the south and east of Lantau Island, but have never been sighted north or west of Lantau. In addition, they occur in Hong Kong’s eastern waters, south of Lamma Island, Hong Kong Island, and in the Po Toi, Ninepins, Sai Kung, and Mirs Bay areas (Parsons et al. 1995; Jefferson & Braulik 1999; Jefferson et al. 2002a).

10.4.3.113 The total size of the local Finless Porpoise population is not known, but based on line transect analyses, there are estimated to be between 55 (the low season in autumn) and 152 (the peak season in spring) porpoises in Hong Kong’s waters in different seasons, and up to 217 finless porpoises occur in the area of Hong Kong plus Mainland waters immediately to the southwest that have been surveyed (Jefferson et al. 2002a). The minimum estimate of the population size is thus about 220 porpoises, although the true size of the population is likely to be much larger. Breeding is strongly seasonal, and although some may be born at other times of year, most calves are born from October to January (Jefferson et al. 2002b).

10.4.3.114 Nothing is known of ranging patterns for individual finless porpoises, as individual specimens cannot be identified at sea, and no tagging or marking studies have been done. Feeding habits are known only from examination of stomachs of dead, stranded specimens (Barros et al. 2002). Porpoise prey includes many different species of fish, several types of cephalopods and at least one kind of shrimp. Porpoises prey on reef-associated organisms, but these are not primary constituents of the Finless Porpoise diet. Although field observation is currently lacking, there is some indication from stomach contents that porpoises may also feed in association with fishing vessels.

10.4.3.115 Finless porpoises do not occur in North Lantau waters, and within Hong Kong waters, finless porpoise are widely distributed in the southern and eastern waters (Jefferson et al. 2002a). There was also no porpoise recorded within the proposed HKBCF reclamation area and its vicinity or the HKLR alignment during the AFCD regular marine mammal monitoring as well as the land-based cetacean survey mentioned above.

Soft substrate seabed

10.4.3.116 Seabed sediments in North Lantau waters display a range of types: those in deeper and swifter-moving waters such as Urmston Road are dominated by coarse material, while those in areas with slower-moving currents are dominated by mud, silt and clay (Greiner Maunsell 1991). This variety of benthic substrates was found to foster a diversity of burrowing infauna in grab samples conducted in 1990 (Greiner Maunsell 1991).

Benthos

10.4.3.117 There is no known macrofauna species of conservation interest in Hong Kong, other than the cephalochordate Branchiostoma belcheri. The species is regarded as living fossil link in the evolution of marine invertebrates to vertebrates and is, therefore, considered a potentially important species. The species, however, is typically recorded in the eastern waters of Hong Kong (CCPC 2002) and recently to the south of Cheung Chau (Mouchel, 2003). No species of conservation importance were recorded in the Western waters stratum.

10.4.3.118 Parts of the seabed off North Lantau (beyond the project footprint of the present project) have been used as marine borrow and spoil dumping sites. Contaminated spoil is dumped at the East Sha Chau dumping grounds, where benthic grab samples indicate a fauna low in species diversity, and highly variable due to natural and human disturbance (ERM 1996). More recent monitoring results in the mud pits also revealed similar conditions in the benthic and demersal communities (Mouchel 2002a).

10.4.3.119 Surveys of benthic fauna had been conducted off North Lantau for various studies. In a territory-wide benthic survey commissioned by AFCD (CCPC 2002), up-to-date information on the subtidal benthic communities, with respect to spatial distribution, abundance, and species composition, was collected at 120 sampling stations over the territorial waters of Hong Kong which was divided into 5 strata (regions). One of the strata, Western waters with 29 sampling stations, covers Urmston Road, Deep Bay and North Lantau, and is more relevant with the works areas of the Project. Station 18 is more relevant with the Project as this station is located in the vicinity of the Project footprint (Figure 10.7).

10.4.3.120 Station 18 is located in to the north of Airport Northeast corner. The water depth of Station 18 is 8m, and in summer the mean Total Organic Matter TOM was 3.64%, lower than the average in Hong Kong (6.04%). The species richness index (d) was 5.62, the species, individual and biomass density were 38 species, 1,444 individuals, and 1,347.68 g/m² respectively. The diversity index, H’, was 1.52 and evenness, J, was 0.42. Common species in the group of stations covering Station 18 included annelids of Mediomastus sp., Aglaophamus distranchis and Apionsoma trichocephalus.

10.4.3.121 In winter, the mean TOM in Station 18 was 4.39%, lower than the average in Hong Kong (5.45%). A species richness (d) of 8.06 was recorded and the density of species, abundance and biomass were 52, 1,120 individual/m² and 263.38 g/m² respectively. H’ was 2.14 and J was 0.54. Common species in the group of stations covering Station 18 included annelids of Prionospio ehlersi, Mediomastus sp., Apionsoma trichocephalus, Aglaophamus distranchis and Neoxenophthalmus obscurus.

10.4.3.122 Species richness, diversity and evenness indices are inter-related. A diversity index integrates two components: the total number of species and the distribution of individuals among species, into a single number (H’). H’ is usually high (e.g. >3 or 4) in environmentally undisturbed benthic communities, and low (e.g. <1) in highly disturbed communities (Gray 1989). Values for richness, diversity, and evenness would be high, with d>10, H’>3 and J (evenness) >0.8 for a diverse community structure. In benthic habitats where organic matter is concentrated or dissolved oxygen is low, such values are low, with d<5, H’<2, and J<0.5. Results in above paragraphs show that Station 18 is of moderate species richness, low diversity, and low evenness in both summer and winter seasons. No species of conservation importance was recorded. The only known benthic macrofauna species of conservation interest in Hong Kong, the cephalochordate Branchiostoma belcheri was not found in this station. This area is therefore not of special conservation importance in terms of benthic communities.

10.4.3.123 The diversity and abundance of benthic infauna in North Lantau display a high level spatial variation. Among the four CCPC sampling stations around Airport Island (i.e. Station 18 at the northeast Airport Island described above, Station 19 at the Northwest of Airport Island, Station 20 to the east of Airport Island at Brothers Islands, and Station 21 to the west of Airport Island, the density of benthos in summer varied from 218 no./m² (Station 20) to 1,444 no./m² (Station 18), and the biomass varied from 11.52 g/m² (Station 21) to 1,347.68 g/m² (Station 18). During winter, similar spatial variations are observed, with the density of benthos varied from 36 no./m² (Station 20) to 1,120 no./m² (Station 18), and the biomass varied from 15.12 g/m² (Station 19) to 263.38 g/m² (Station 18).

Table 10-5 The number of species, density and biomass of benthic infauna from four CCPC benthic stations near Airport

Station		Summer			Winter
	No. of species (0.5m²)	No. of Individual (m²)	Wet weight (g/m²)	No. of species (0.5m²)	No. of Individual (m²)	Wet weight (g/m²)
18	38	1444	1347.68	52	1120	263.38
19	41	650	77.80	54	664	15.12
20	27	218	38.58	13	36	18.38
21	38	460	11.52	37	296	38.62

10.4.3.124 Grab sampling were conducted at 15 sampling stations in North Lantau inshore waters at both wet and dry seasons during the EBS study. 15 sampling stations were sampled from three zones, i.e. HKS (to the west of Airport Island), NLHC (within Airport Channel) and THW (to the east of Airport Island). In the wet season, species abundance and diversity was higher outside (32.6 individuals and 4.2 taxa grab-1) than inside Airport Channel (9.2 individuals and 2.4 taxa grab-1). In the dry season, conversely, species abundance and diversity was higher inside (46.2 individuals and 9.8 taxa grab-1) than outside (23 individuals and 5.6 taxa grab-1) Airport Channel (Appendix 10A). The marine benthic macrofauna was comprised of a high diversity of polychaete species, in which Sigambra hanaokai was the dominant species in the wet season, while Eunice indica and Prionospio sp. dominated in the dry season. Species diversity of other taxa (mainly crustaceans, echinoderms and molluscs) and the overall biomass were, however, low, which is typical in the North-western waters of Hong Kong (ERM 2000; CPCC 2002; Mouchel 2002). All the species recorded occur frequently in Hong Kong and no rare species were observed (CPCC 2002). The biotic index of ~ 2 – 3 and the dominant species recorded implies the community is slightly disturbed.

10.4.3.125During wet season, the recorded benthic species number in THW Area was 23 taxa including annelid (with the dominant families of Spionidae, Pilargiidae, Poecilochaetidae, and Capitellidae) and crustacean (with the most abundant group of amphipod Corophiidae), the individual number was 163, the density of benthos was 32.6 individual/grab (or 326 individual/m²), and the biomass was 0.76 g/grab (or 7.6 g/m²)

10.4.3.126 In dry season (winter), the recorded benthic species number in THW Area was 28 taxa also including annelid (with the dominant families of Spionidae and Capitellidae) and crustacean (with the most abundant group of amphipod Corophiidae), the individual number was 115, the density of benthos was 23.0 individual/grab (or 230 individual/m²), and the biomass was 0.54 g/grab (or 5.4 g/m²)

10.4.3.127 Infauna diversity to the east of Airport Channel was relatively low (H’ at THW = 0.97) compared to other areas in Hong Kong. The impoverished assemblages present is likely due to the proximity of Pearl River Estuary (estuarine areas are often less diverse owing to their highly dynamic physical and chemical nature) and possibly due to the predominantly silt-clay composition of the seabed that tends not to support high diversity (Shin 1998; Mouchel 2002b; CCPC 2002).

10.4.3.128 The major conclusion from other previous work in the North-western waters as summarised in Mouchel (2002b) was that benthic macrofauna present are impoverished and relatively similar throughout the North-western waters and are representative of the general study area.

10.4.3.129 Marine grab samplings of EVS study were conducted for benthic communities in soft substrate seabed at 9 stations along the mid 2008 HKLR alignment during both wet season and dry seasons (September 2008 and December 2008). The mid-2008 HKLR alignment and the sampling locations are shown in Figure 10.3 and Figure A1.1.3 in Appendix 10B. Three grab sample replicates of 0.1m² were collected at each of the sampling stations by van Veen-type Grab and collected samples were sieved using a 0.5mm mesh-size sieve and then preserved in 70% ethanol. Organisms inside the samples were sorted from the sediments by staining with Rose Bengal and then identified to the lowest practicable taxonomic level. Species composition, abundance and biomass were reported and statistical analyses (Diversity index, evenness index and Abundance/Biomass Comparison (ABC) plots), were provided for evaluation and ranking of ecological values.

10.4.3.130 A total of 985 macro-faunal specimens, comprising 90 species from 59 families in 9 phyla (Annelida, Arthropoda, Branchiopoda, Chordata, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Nemertea and Platyhelminthes), were recorded in the wet season. In the dry season, a total of 383 macro-faunal specimens comprising 58 species from 44 families in 6 phyla (Annelida, Arthropoda, Coelenterata, Echinodermata, Mollusca and Nemertea) were recorded. Only 28 species were found in both seasons. Polychaetes (Annelida) were collected at all stations and represented the highest species richness and abundance in both seasons.

10.4.3.131 The bivalves Donax sp. and Theora lata and the brittle star Macrophiothrix longipeda were the commonest species recorded in the wet season, whilst the polychaetes Notomastus latericens and Euclymene sp. and the pea crab Xenophthalmus sp. were the most abundant species recorded in the dry season. Detailed data are presented in Appendix 10B.

10.4.3.132 Species abundance and richness were higher in the wet season than in the dry season (using two-way ANOVA, p < 0.001), except in Station 7 where the species abundance and richness remained constant. The overall patterns were, however, similar in both seasons: higher in open waters (Stations 1-3, 8 & 9) and declining gradually towards the Airport Channel. In the wet season, Stations 2 and 3 possessed the highest species abundance and Station 1 had the highest species richness. The lowest species richness and abundance occurred in Station 7. In the dry season, the species abundance and richness were highest in Stations 2 and 3 and were lowest in Stations 5 and 6.

10.4.3.133 The Pielou’s Index was similar between seasons and stations (wet season: 0.75 – 0.93, dry season: 0.79 – 0.99). The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index was slightly higher in the wet season than in the dry season, but the variation between stations is slight (wet season 2.68 – 3.37, dry season: 1.84 – 2.57).

10.4.3.134 The overall biomass was higher in the dry season than in the wet season (using two-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). The values in both seasons were, however, variable between stations and no general patterns could be deduced. Total biomass in the wet season was 30.94 g and was mainly due to the relatively high mass of molluscs (22.1 g) and arthropods (5.5 g). Juveniles (~1 – 5 mm length) of bivalves and gastropods were recorded. Total biomass in the dry season was 131.53 g and was mainly due to the relatively high mass of molluscs (67.92 g), echinoderms (40.77 g) and arthropods (20.77 g). The biomass of other taxa in both seasons was low because of their small sizes and/or low abundance. Detailed biomass data are presented in Appendix 10B.

10.4.3.135 The W statistics for the 9 stations during the wet season were all positive and generally similar (0.225 – 0.411), although Station 7 possessed the lowest value of 0.11 and Station 9 had the highest value of 0.556. The W-statistics for the 9 stations during the dry season were also positive and the values were higher than those recorded in the wet season (0.264 – 0.739).

10.4.3.136 In both wet and dry seasons, none of the species are mentioned in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2009). One species is listed in the China Species Red List (CSIS 2008): the Greasyback Shrimp Metapenaeus ensis is listed as Vulnerable due to over-exploitation in China. This species indeed is commercially important in many Asian countries (Leung et al. 2004). In Hong Kong, Metapenaeus ensis is a common fisheries species, and is also one of the major species cultured in the tidal shrimp ponds “Gei Wais” in Mai Po, and commonly known as “Gei Wai Shrimp” in the local market.

10.4.3.137 The marine benthic macrofauna in North Lantau was composed of a high diversity of polychaete species and a low diversity of other taxa, which is characteristic in the North-western waters of Hong Kong (ERM 2000; Shin, 2002; Mouchel, 2002). There was, however, a distinct spatial and temporal pattern, suggesting the benthic macrofauna are sensitive as a biological indicator to reflect changes in environmental conditions (Shin, 2002).

10.4.3.138 Spatially, species abundance and richness were higher outside than inside the Airport Channel. The large error bars indicate that species abundance and richness varied considerably within sites.

10.4.3.139 Temporally, species abundance, richness and diversity (Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index) were higher in the wet season than in the dry season. The small individual sizes observed and the low biomass recorded in the wet season may suggest that the majority of the benthic macrofauna recruit during this time period. The decrease in species abundance and richness in the dry season is possibly an indication of post-recruitment mortality of the benthic macrofauna. The similarity in the Pielou’s Evenness between seasons and stations indicates the species evenness was constant over time alike among the 9 stations.

10.4.3.140 Infauna diversity in the North Lantau waters is relatively low when compared to other areas in Hong Kong. The impoverished assemblages present is likely due to the proximity of the Pearl River Estuary, leading to low salinity and possibly due to the predominantly silt-clay composition of the seabed which does not lend itself to supporting high diversity (Shin 1998). All the species recorded occur frequently in Hong Kong and no rare species were observed (Shin 2002).

10.4.3.141 The benthic communities in the waters offshore to the southeast coast of Airport Island were also investigated in the MSS study. From the 8 sampling stations, a total of 917 organisms from 83 taxa were identified from the dry season survey. The most diverse group was polychaetes (46 species). In terms of number of individuals, 43% of collected organisms were polychaetes, followed by crustaceans (35%).

10.4.3.142 During the dry season benthic survey under the MSS study, 345 organisms were identified from the sediment samples collected. In wet season, 58%, 15%, 12%, 8% and 7% of organisms collected were polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and other phyla, respectively. The total biomass was 130.87 g, in which 52%, 27%, 15% and 6% of total biomass were accounted by echinoderms, molluscs, crustaceans and other phyla, respectively.

10.4.3.143 The benthic communities inside the footprints of HKBCF reclamation (the waters offshore to the northeast coast of Airport Island) were also investigated in the HKBCF survey programme. 559 organisms from 80 taxa (210 individuals weighted 264.28g and 349 individuals weighted 179.73g from dry season survey) were collected from 9 sampling stations within the HKBCF reclamation area. Detailed results are presented in Appendix 10D. No species of special conservation importance was found. The results are basically similar with those from the grab sampling surveys of EVS and MSS.

10.4.3.144 During the TMCLKL study, benthic samplings were conducted at 8 stations along the alignment in October 2008 and February 2009. 917 individuals from 50 families comprising 8 different phyla. The total recorded biomass was 58.0 g due to the high mass of molluscs, echinodermata, annelida and arthropoda. The infauna density was 382 individuals/m², and the average biomass was 24.2g/m². The dry seasons survey collected 1,579 individuals from 50 families comprising 7 different phyla. The total recorded biomass was 73.1g. The density was 658 individuals/m² and the average biomass was 30.46 g/m².

10.4.3.145 The soft substrate seabed of the vast Hong Kong western waters also provides a habitat for adult horseshoe crab. Though the available habitats are abundant, but the density of the adult horseshoe crabs is not high as this species is not a regular fishing catch. Adult horseshoe crabs are only occasionally collected during bottom trawling.

Hard substrate seabed

Corals

10.4.3.146 Recent information on coral ecology in North Lantau waters is provided by several studies as well as field survey programmes including the EBS, EVS, MSS, and the HKBCF.

10.4.3.147 Hard corals are protected in Hong Kong by the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586) which includes the protection of all stony (hard) corals. Established coral communities of any size are regarded as important habitat types in Hong Kong as defined in Annex 8 of EIAO-TM.

10.4.3.148 Corals in Hong Kong exhibit strong gradients in distribution, species diversity and abundance. Hard corals are more vulnerable to water quality such as salinity and suspended solid and prefer clear oceanic water, and their geographical distribution in Hong Kong is affected by the salinity of the water. Hard coral coverage and diversity decrease from east to west, toward the influence of the Pearl River (Scott 1984). The estuarine environment of the western Hong Kong waters was thought unsuitable for the existence of scleractinians (reef-building corals)(Scott 1984). A later study demonstrated that water quality, particularly elevated freshwater and suspended sediment levels which are characteristic of estuarine environment, prevent substantial hard coral growth (Hodgson and Yau 1997). The vertical distribution of hermatypic corals is largely controlled by the requirements of their photosynthesising zooxanthellae which require strong light and hence shallower water, whereas many of the soft corals that do not possess symbiotic algae can survive at greater depths (Morton and Morton 1983; Morton 1994).

10.4.3.149 The North Lantau waters are within the estuarine western waters. In contrast to the oceanic eastern waters, the abundance and diversity of corals are low in western Hong Kong waters (in particular North-western waters which are closer to Pearl River Estuary). North Lantau waters are thus characterized by domination of gorgonian and soft corals. Soft corals, sea pens and gorgonian corals (sea fans) were reported to be present throughout the North-western waters (Mouchel 2002b, 2004).

10.4.3.150 AFCD commissioned intensive underwater surveys in 2001-2002 to survey corals at 240 sites covering about 70 km of coastline in territorial waters (AFCD 2004). Hard corals were found in western waters of Hong Kong, but in southern Lantau waters (Tong Fuk, Soko Islands) and eastern (Cheung Chau, Hei Ling Chau) Lantau waters, and only sparse colonies or low-coverage communities, composed of extremely tolerant and hardy species were found.

10.4.3.151 The coverage of corals in this region is very low (less than 5%, and usually < 1%, the lowest compared with other regions in Hong Kong). The “near-total or complete absence” of reef-building hard corals was considered attributable to the high turbidity and low salinity.

10.4.3.152 A dive survey targeting on corals was conducted along the coastline from Sham Wat to Kei Tau Kok (to the east of Tung Chung near Tai Ho) during the EBS. No hermatypic hard coral was found at any of the 27 dive sites. Although ahermatypic corals were recorded, but they were concentrated in sites to the west of the airport island. The only widespread and common coral recorded in the survey was one species of gorgonians Echinomuricea sp. which was found both to the east and to the west of the airport island, but not inside the Airport Channel. The species composition at the dive sites near the HKLR reclamation for the at-grade road (the southeast coast of Airport Island, Dive site 22 and 23) consisted of gorgonian soft corals and ahermatypic corals, and their coverage were found all below 5% (Appendix 10A). The gorgonian soft corals near Airport Island suffered high levels of partial mortality. The findings are consistent with that recorded in western water during the AFCD study.

10.4.3.153 A dive survey was conducted at the artificial seawalls near MTR depot at Siu Ho during the LLP EIA study. The survey site is basically facing to the Brothers in North Lantau waters. It is to the east of the outlet of Tai Ho Wan. Freshwater input from Tai Ho Stream is discharged into the nearby waters through this only outlet of Tai Ho Wan with the open sea.

10.4.3.154 It was found from the LLP dive survey that the topography of the subtidal habitats within the proposed LLP site is generally flat. The coastline is all sloping boulder artificial seawall.

10.4.3.155 The horizontal transect covered the seawall adjacent to the MTR depot. Along the transect the seabed composition was all boulders. The boulders on the seawalls were also heavily covered by fine sediment.

10.4.3.156 Though no alive or dead hard corals, colonies of gorgonian were found on the boulders of the artificial seawalls. They were all of small sizes (less than 10 cm in length) and scattered on the boulders, resulting in a low coverage (<1%). Partially mortality was also observed in many colonies, which indicated that these gorgonians were under stress. Other marine fauna species found during the survey included Fan Shell, Green Mussel, and Oyster, and they were common and of no special conservation importance in Hong Kong. The results from the present dive survey were basically consistent with those from the EBS dive survey, in particular the coral composition and coverage.

10.4.3.157 Dive surveys were conducted at seven dive survey sites (with DS1 near Sham Wat, DS2 at the western shore of Sha Lo Wan headland, 3 sites DS3, DS4, DS5 inside the Airport Channel, DS6 on the southeast shore of Airport Island, and DS7 on Tung Chung New Town) in 2008 during the EVS study. The results revealed that no coral was found within the Channel while the diversity and abundance of hard and soft corals outside the Airport channel were low. Most hard substrates were dominated by barnacles, mussels and rock oysters. At the western shore of Sha Lo Wan headland, i.e. DS2, the subtidal hard substrate extends less than 10m from the shore.

10.4.3.158 Only one genus of ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia (Dendrophylliidae) and one genus of octocoral, Echinomuricea sp. (Plexauridae) were recorded from two (DS1 and DS2) and four (DS1, DS2, DS6 and DS7) of the seven survey sites, respectively. Both the hard and soft corals were only present outside the Airport Channel. No coral was found within the Channel (i.e. DS3, DS4 and DS5).

10.4.3.159 No other taxa of high conservation interest were recorded in the seven survey sites. Full details of substrate type and fauna recorded are shown in Appendix 10B.

10.4.3.160 Compared with the EBS study, the spot dive in 2003 generated similar qualitative data as the EVS study. In the EBS study, the ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp. was only recorded outside the Airport Channel at site SD5 (DS1 in the EVS study), SD9 (DS2 in the EVS study) and SD22 (DS6 in the EVS study). In the EVS study, this cup coral was also recorded in DS1 and DS2 but not in DS6, which is probably due to the very low abundance and patchy distribution of the coral within same area. For the octocoral Echinomuricea sp., the results in the EVS study agree with the finding in the EBS study.

10.4.3.161 In Hong Kong context, the low salinity and murky water at the western Hong Kong limit the development of hard coral to few thriving species such as ahermatypic cup corals, Oulastrea crispata, Plesiastrea versipora and selected Favia species. At north and northwest Lantau, only Oulastrea crispata and ahermatypic cup corals have been reported. The low diversity and low abundance of corals in the present survey is typical for the western Hong Kong waters.

10.4.3.162 During the MSS study, 8 locations along the southeast shore of Airport Island were investigated by spot dive and two of them were further surveyed with REA technique. In the HKBCF survey programme, dive surveys were conducted at 7 locations along the northeast shore of Airport Island and 9 locations within the HKBCF reclamation site, with two shore locations where direct impacts are anticipated further studied by REA technique.

10.4.3.163 Only 2 out of the 8 dive locations in the MSS study had records of gorgonian coral Echinomuricea sp., and both sites (D1 and D8) are sloping boulder seawalls. The percentage cover of the gorgonian recorded was less than 1% and the gorgonians were of fair condition. The seabed within the HKBCF reclamation site was quite homogeneous, of all muddy seabeds, lacking the hard bottom substrate required for coral colonization and thus was not a habitat for corals. The sediment was very fine and no demersal fauna was sighted. As no hard substrate in these locations, no coral (both hard and soft) was found in the seabed within the reclamation site. The only hard bottom substrate in the area was the artificial seawalls which laid along the Airport Island shoreline, to the west of the HKBCF reclamation site. No hermatypic hard corals were found, but sparsely distributed small-sized gorgonian colonies (Echinomuricea sp.) were found at all seawall bounce dive points. The existing artificial sloping seawalls is comprised of both vertical (at Marine Cargo Terminal and Sky Pier) and sloping seawalls (Fire station and to the south of MCT). The vertical seawalls had no hard corals and very little soft corals, but with more common epifauna such as rock oysters. The seawall surveyed by REA was sloping boulder form. To further investigate the epifauna fauna on the seawall which was the only hard bottom substrate habitat in the area, two sections of 100m seawall was surveyed by REA in a horizontal transect pattern. The slope of the sloping artificial seawall maintained the gradient (about 45 degree gradient) in the subtidal zone and extended till it met the seabed. The boulders of the sloping seawalls were all irregular in shape and the largest ones were close to 1m in size. On the boulders of the sloping seawalls, there was no hermatypic hard coral, but a low coverage percentage of small-sized gorgonian colonies (Echinomuricea sp.) which is common in Hong Kong western waters and not of special conservation importance. Furthermore, partially mortality was observed on some branches of the gorgonian colonies, demonstrating the poor conditions of the gorgonians. Very low coverage of ahermatypic cup corals Balanophyllia sp. was found at the Northern REA transect at the Fire Station sloping seawall. Other epifauna on the boulders were mainly sessile bivalves including Green mussel Perna viridis and Oyster Ostrea sp., and predatory snail Thais sp. except the boulders at the seawalls, the seabed in the area was almost solely muddy substrate. Other fauna recorded on both the muddy seabed and the boulders of the seawall were also of low conservation importance including green mussels and oysters.

10.4.3.164 The hard substrate seabed along North Lantau coastlines were also surveyed during the dive survey of TMCLKL study. Low coverage of populations of soft coral Guaiagorgia sp. (< 10%) and ahermatypic coral Paracyathus rotundatus (< 5%) were found along the seawalls. Partial mortality (about 20%) of the population of Guaiagorgia sp. was recorded during the REA survey at this coastline. Other organisms recorded were common in Hong Kong, such as sponges, barnacles, oysters, coralline algae. No taxa of high conservation interest were recorded. It is expected that the salinity in the HKBCF site is diluted by the flow from Pearl River as in other locations in North Lantau waters, and it might explain the absence of hard corals in the HKBCF site. This might also explain the similarity in the results from the present study and those from EVS and MSS in which many dive sites near Tung Chung Bay which is the outlet of Tung Chung River and Wong Lung Hang Stream.

10.4.3.165 Basically, the marine communities showed no particular trend within the several study areas of different surveys in terms of diversity and abundance. The northeast and southeast coastlines of Airport Island are exposed to the open sea and no hermatypic coral coverage was found there. These results matched the results from the EBS during 2003-04. From the information presented in the previous sections, it is clear that the hard substrate subtidal habitats in the area can be considered as of low ecological value due to the absence of hermatypic coral, the low coverage and the small sizes of gorgonian and ahermatypic corals, and their poor conditions (with partial mortality on the branches of gorgonians).

Artificial Reefs

10.4.3.166 Artificial Reefs were deployed near the northeast corner of Airport Island within Marine Exclusion Zone 3 and at Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Both ARs were deployed in 2000, with a footprint of 1,200 m² (3,600 m³ in terms of volume) in the Marine Exclusion Zone, and a footprint of 3,660 m² (3,600 m³ in terms of volume) in the Marine Park. The artificial reef units in the Marine Exclusion Zone comprised Ferro-cement vessels (build-up river barge) and natural materials (quarry rock), while the units in the Marine Park comprised Ferro-cement vessels (river barge) and concrete-coated materials (Steel Container). Primarily postulated as feeding stations for Chinese White Dolphin, these artificial reefs also help to enhance habitat quality and marine resources. As both sites are restricted, for either fishing or marine traffic, the undisturbed environment should facilitate a better development of the reef community and enhancement functions. The enhancement functions of artificial reefs deployed in Eastern waters were demonstrated by monitoring surveys, and it was recorded that juvenile fish were found to have settled after artificial reef vessels were deployed (Wilson 2003). While the ARs in the Marine Park is quite distant (approximately 7 km from HKBCF), the ARs in Marine Exclusion Zone is the nearest marine ecological sensitive receiver and is approximately 300m from the HKBCF reclamation and 1.5km from HKLR reclamation.

10.4.4 Evaluation of Ecological Importance of Habitats

10.4.4.1 The ecological importance of different parts of the assessment areas are evaluated based primarily on the criteria set forth in Table 2, Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM:

· naturalness;

· size;

· diversity;

· rarity;

· re-creatability;

· fragmentation;

· ecological linkage;

· potential value;

· nursery/breeding ground;

· age; and

· abundance/richness of wildlife.

Table 10-6a Ecological value of different habitats along HKLR and HKBCF

		Terrestrial
Criteria	Woodland	Shrubland	Plantation	Agricultural
Naturalness	Semi-natural	Semi- natural	Artificial	Artificial
Size	About 22 ha	About 67 ha	23.5 ha	About 0.05 ha
Diversity	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Low
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong	Common habitat in Hong Kong	Common habitat in Hong Kong	Common habitat in Hong Kong
Re-creatability	Creatable through planting	Creatable through planting	Creatable through planting	Readily creatable
Fragmentation	Unfragmented, except the woodland in Scenic Hill.	Unfragmented, except the shrubland in Scenic Hill..	Unfragmented.	Fragmented to a certain extent by paths and houses.
Ecological linkage	Generally linked with adjacent natural habitats except the woodland in Scenic Hill.	Generally linked with adjacent natural habitats except the shrubland in Scenic Hill.	No significant linkage	Generally linked with adjacent natural habitats
Potential value	Low. Already a natural habitat.	Low.	Low.	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed
Age	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Low
Overall Ecological value	High for Scenic Hill; Moderate –high for other woodlands Low-moderate for young woodland	Moderate-high for tall shrubland and shrubland; moderate for grassland /shrubland; low for grassland/shrubland on Scenic Hill	Low-moderate	Low-moderate

Table 10-6b Ecological value of different habitats along HKLR and HKBCF

		Terrestrial
Criteria	Grassland/Seasonally wet grassland	Developed area	Streams
Naturalness	Natural.	Artificial	Basically natural.
Size	About 1 ha	Over 300 ha	NA
Diversity	Low	Low	Moderate
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong	Common and abundant in Hong Kong	Common habitat in Hong Kong
Re-creatability	Re-creatable.	Re-creatable.	Difficult to re-create.
Fragmentation	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.
Ecological linkage	Generally linked with adjacent natural habitats	No significant linkage	Linked with open sea
Potential value	Low.	Low.	Low. Already a natural and undisturbed habitat.
Nursery/breeding ground	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed, but some marine species might use estuarine areas as nursery grounds.
Age	N/A	N/A	N/A
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low	Low	Low to moderate
Overall Ecological value	Low	Low	Ranging from low to Moderate-high

Table 10-6c Ecological value of different habitats along HKLR and HKBCF

		Intertidal
Criteria	Hard shore - Rocky shore	Sandy beach/ sandflat/ mudflat (including seagrass beds)	Mangroves	Hard shore - Artificial seawalls
Naturalness	Basically natural.	Basically natural.	Basically natural.	Artificial
Size	About 6km	NA	0.94 ha within the 500m assessment area	About 5.5km
Diversity	Low	Low for sandy beaches; Low to moderate for San Shek Wan, and Moderate for other soft shores	Low	Low
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong	Common in Hong Kong for sandy beach; For the soft shores, limited in Hong Kong, with records of seagrasses and horseshoe crabs.	Common habitat in Hong Kong waters.	Common habitat in Hong Kong
Re-creatability	Not re-creatable.	Re-creatable for sandy beach; Difficult to recreate for sandflat/mudflats.	Creatable through planting	Readily creatable
Fragmentation	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.
Ecological linkage	Generally linked with the open sea.	Generally linked with the open sea and/or mangroves.	Generally linked with sandflats/mudflats and the open sea.	Generally linked with the open sea.
Potential value	Low.	Low for sandy beaches; Moderate for other soft shores which are currently disturbed by the clam harvesting activities	Low. Already a natural habitat.	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed	Sandflat/mudflats provide horseshoe crab nursery ground	Breeding/nursery ground for marine species.	No special nursery/breeding ground function observed
Age	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Generally low – moderate; low in the remnant rocky shore on Airport Island	Low for sandy beach; Moderate for other soft shores	Low to moderate	Low
Overall Ecological value	Low – moderate for rocky shore on North Lantau ; Low for remnant rocky shore on Airport Island	Low to moderate for San Shek Wan; Moderate to High for Sham Wat, Sha Lo Wan, Hau Hok Wan, San Tau, Tung Chung Beach and Tai Ho	Moderate	Low

Table 10-6d Ecological value of different habitats along HKLR and HKBCF

		Marine waters
Criteria	To the west of Airport Island	Airport Channel	Near eastern shore of Airport Island	Northeast Airport Island
Naturalness	Natural	Natural	Natural	Natural
Size	NA	NA	NA	NA
Diversity	Low	Low	Low	Low
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong waters. Dolphin habitat.	Common habitat in Hong Kong waters. No dolphin records.	Common habitat in Hong Kong waters. No dolphin records	Common habitat in Hong Kong waters. Dolphin habitat.
Re-creatability	Not re-creatable.	Not re-creatable.	Not re-creatable.	Not re-creatable.
Fragmentation	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.
Ecological linkage	Potentially a corridor for dolphin movement between Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and West Lantau waters	Generally linked with the open sea. Connect to soft shore habitats along the channel	Not functionally linked to any high value habitats (e.g. mudflat) in close proximity.	Potentially a corridor for dolphin movement between the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and the Brothers Islands
Potential value	Low. Already a natural habitat. Development of coral colonies constrained by water quality	Low. Already a natural habitat. Development of coral colonies constrained by water quality	Low. Already a natural habitat. Development of coral colonies constrained by water quality	Low. Already a natural habitat. Development of coral colonies constrained by water quality
Nursery/breeding ground	Potential breeding/nursery ground for marine species.	Potential breeding/nursery ground for marine species.	Potential breeding/nursery ground for marine species.	Potential breeding/nursery ground for marine species.
Age	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low to Moderate	Low	Low	Low to Moderate
Overall Ecological value	Moderate-high	Low	Low	Moderate

Table 10-6e Ecological value of different habitats along HKLR and HKBCF

Criteria	Hard substrate seabed	Artificial reefs in Northeast Airport	Soft substrate seabed
Naturalness	Partially natural, and partially artificial.	Artificial	Basically natural.
Size	NA	1,200 m²	NA
Diversity	Low Colonised by low coverage of common gorgonians and ahermatypic corals	Moderate	Low
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong waters.	Deployed in at least 8 locations within Hong Kong waters.	Common habitat in Hong Kong waters.
Re-creatability	Re-creatable.	Re-creatable.	Not re-creatable.
Fragmentation	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.
Ecological linkage	Generally linked with the open sea.	Generally linked with the open sea.	Generally linked with the open sea.
Potential value	Low. Development of coral colonies constrained by estuarine environment	Moderate.	Low. Limited by the mobile nature of the sediment. Already a natural habitat.
Nursery/breeding ground	Breeding/nursery ground for marine species.	Breeding/nursery ground for marine species.	Breeding/nursery ground for marine species.
Age	N/A	Deployed in 2000	N/A
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Low	Moderate	Low
Overall Ecological value	Low-moderate	Moderate	Low

Table 10-6f Ecological value of recognised sites of marine conservation importance within North Western and North Western Supplementary WCZs

Criteria	Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park	Proposed Marine Park at Fan Lau	San Tau Beach SSSI	Tai Ho Stream SSSI
Naturalness	Natural	Natural	Basically Natural	Basically Natural l
Size	1,200 ha	N/A	2.7 ha	5 ha
Diversity	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	High
Rarity	One of the two most important sea areas for CWD in Hong Kong	One of the two most important sea areas for CWD in Hong Kong	San Tau harbours the largest seagrass area on Lantau; one of the three recognized horseshoe crab nursery sites Hong Kong.	Support the greatest diversity of fresh water and brackish-water fish in Hong Kong.
Re-creatability	Not re-creatable.	Not re-creatable.	Not re-creatable.	Not re-creatable.
Fragmentation	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.	Unfragmented.
Ecological linkage	Generally linked with the open sea	Generally linked with the open sea.	Connect to soft shore habitats along the channel	Generally linked with the open sea.
Potential value	Low. Already a natural habitat.	Low. Already a natural habitat.	Low. Already a natural habitat.	Low. Already a natural habitat.
Nursery/breeding ground	Nursery ground for CWD.	Nursery ground for CWD..	Nursery ground for horseshoe crab	Nursery ground for horseshoe crab
Age	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	High for CWD	High for CWD	Moderate	High
Overall Ecological value	High	High	High	High

10.4.4.2 Based upon the evaluation, discussions are concentrated on the habitats that are simultaneously more important to the species/habitats of conservation importance and relevant to the Project.

10.4.4.3 West Lantau and North Lantau waters which are the most important dolphin habitats in Hong Kong. The CWD are present commonly year-round in the waters north and west of Lantau, and are found only seasonally or rarely in other places of Hong Kong.

10.4.4.4 In accordance with Table 3, Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM, the ecological value of species was assessed in terms of:

· Protection status;

· Species distribution; and

· Rarity.

10.4.4.5 12 floral species of conservation interest have been identified. Eight species were identified in both EBS and EVS studies, while sedge Carex tristachya and orchid Arundina chinensis were not recorded in the EVS. These two species were previously recorded in tall shrubland and shrubby grassland. Among them, three species of seagrasses are considered relevant to the impact assessment as they colonise intertidal zone and potentially subject to water quality impacts.

10.4.4.6 A total of 51 faunal species of conservation interest or restricted range, based on Fellowes et al. (2002), IUCN redlist, China Redlist, and Hong Kong legislations, have been recorded during the EBS and EVS. Among them, a total of 22 fauna species of conservation concern is considered relevant to the impact assessment of this Project, as they were recorded in habitats potentially subject to direct or indirect impacts from the HKLR and HKBCF, including marine mammal, wetland dependent birds, terrestrial fauna recorded in Scenic Hill, soft shore intertidal fauna.

10.4.4.7 This project would only affect limited area of terrestrial habitats within the terrestrial study area. In addition, terrestrial habitats would be affected are mainly disturbed/developed areas, which are of low ecological importance. Most terrestrial fauna of conservation concern were recorded at locations distant from the proposed alignment. Therefore not all the 51 fauna species utilize the habitats relevant to the Project. Only 22 species are considered relevant to the impact assessment.

10.4.4.8 The proposed alignment would span over coastal waters. Therefore, fauna relevant to the impact assessment for the Project are those foraging in coastal habitats, in particular avifauna. This included 9 water dependent bird species.

10.4.4.9 Romer’s Tree Frog, though not recorded during the EBS or the EVS, was reported by AFCD in Scenic Hill (Chan et al. 2005b). The proposed alignment would encroach part of the Scenic Hill and potentially disturb the nearby habitats of this endemic frog species. This species is protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) and considered of potential global concern. This species is therefore also put into the list of species of conservation concern.

10.4.4.10 Chinese White Dolphin is a Class I protected species in the Mainland. In the SAR, it is protected from capture or direct harm under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. The degree of threat to the global population is also ranked as Near Threatened by IUCN World Conservation Union.

10.4.4.11 Of the fauna species of conservation concern within the Assessment Area reported from literature reviews and field surveys, only Pacific Reef Egret mainly forages in coastal habitats. The artificial coastline of Airport Island is not considered to be important habitat of Pacific Reef Egret, due to the deep water and poor food base. More important habitat is present in the inter-tidal mudflats.

10.4.4.12 Though not presently protected under local law, Horseshoe crabs have recently been identified as a species of conservation importance in Hong Kong.

10.4.4.13 Established coral communities of any size are regarded as important habitat types in Hong Kong as defined in Annex 8 of EIAO-TM.

10.4.4.14 The list and evaluation of the floral and faunal species of conservation interest recorded within the Assessment Area, according to the TM-EIAO, are given in Tables 10-7 and 10-8. Relevant species are in bold form.

Table 10-7 Evaluation of floral species of conservation concern within the Assessment Area

Species	Protection status/China Red Data Book	Locations/Habitats recorded	EBS	EVS	Rarity	Relevant to the assessment
Dwarf Eel Grass *Zostera japonica*		San Tau Beach SSSI	P	P	*Locally Rare (Hu et al.* 2003)**	Potentially subject to water impacts
*Halophila minor*		San Tau Beach SSSI		P	*Not previously recorded at San Tau. Locally Rare (Hu et al.* 2003)**	Potentially subject to water impacts
*Halophila ovalis*		San Tau Beach SSSI	P		*Locally Rare (Xing et al.* 2000)**	Potentially subject to water impacts
Hong Kong Pavetta Pavetta hongkongensis	Cap. 96	Tall Shrubland	P	P	Common (Xing et al. 2000)	No, on North Lantau
Indian Sundew Drosera indica		Stream (HHW)	P	P	Rare (Xing et al. 2000)	No, on North Lantau
Pale Purple Eulophia Eulophia graminea	Cap. 586; Cap. 96	Stone crevices in Stream (HHW)	P	P	Restricted (Siu 2000)	No, on North Lantau
Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis	Cap. 586; Cap. 96;Near Threatened*; Class II Protected	Tall Shrubland, Secondary woodland	P	P	Common (Xing et al. 2000)	No, on North Lantau
Portia Tree Thespesia populnea		Coastline, Mangrove associate.	P	P	Limited range; coastal areas (Xing et al. 2000)	No, on North Lantau
Clammy Hop Seed Dodonaea viscosa		Coastal habitat (SLW)	P	P	Rare (Xing et al. 2000)	No, on North Lantau
Carex tristachya,		Tall Shrubland (HHW)	P		Very rare (Xing et al. 2000)	No, on North Lantau
White-green sedge (Carex leucochlora)		Not in present study			Very rare (Xing et al. 2000)	No, on North Lantau and not recorded in EBS and EVS
Bamboo Orchid Arundina chinensis	Cap. 586; Cap. 96	Shrubby grassland	P		Very Common (Siu 2000); Common (AFCD 2001)	No, on North Lantau

* Species relevant to impact assessment are bolded.

Table 10-8 Evaluation of fauna species of conservation concern within the Assessment Area (Species relevant to impact assessment are bolded.)

Species	Species of Conservation Interest*	Protection status/China Red Data Book*	Locations/Habitats recorded	EBS	EVS	Rarity****	Relevant to assessment
Mammals
Chinese White Dolphin (Indo-pacific Humpback Dolphin) *Sousa chinensis*	-	WAPO; Cap. 586; CITES App. 1; China Class I protected; IUCN Redlist (Near Threatened)	Mostly in waters north and west of Lantau, Seasonally in waters south and east of Lantau	#	#	Locally found in western waters, especially the North and West Lantau waters; some 103-193 individuals inhabit Hong Kong waters in various time of the year.	Yes. Habitat loss and potential water impacts
Red Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac	PRC	WAPO	Scrubland, Streams	P	P	Widespread (Shek 2004)	No, on North Lantau
Birds
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis	LC	-	Open water	P		Locally common	No, not recorded in the EVS
Grey Heron *Ardea cinerea* ^w	PRC	-	Soft Shore; Hard shore		P	Abundant winter visitor	Yes. Waterbirds,
Great Egret *Egretta alba* ^w	PRC (RC)	-	Soft Shore; Hard shore		P	Common to abundant resident	Yes. Waterbirds,
Little Egret *Egretta garzetta* ^w	PRC (RC)	-	Soft Shore; Hard shore		P	Abundant resident	Yes. Waterbirds,
Pacific Reef Egret *Egretta sacra* ^w	(LC)	Class II Protected* Rare***	Hard Shore		P	Locally uncommon resident	Yes. Waterbirds,
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis	(LC)	-	Soft Shore	P		Uncommon to common resident	No, on North Lantau
Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus	(LC)	-	Hard Shore	P		Common resident	No, on North Lantau
Striated Heron *Butorides striatus* ^w	(LC)	-	Intertidal; Streams		P	Uncommon in summer, scare in winter	Yes. Waterbirds,
Black-crowned Night Heron *Nycticorax nycticorax* ^w	(LC)	-	Intertidal; Streams		P	Common to abundant resident	Yes. Waterbirds,
Black Kite Milvus migrans	(RC)	Class II Protected*	Overhead		P	Abundant winter visitor and resident	No,
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus	LC	-	Overhead	P		Scare resident and winter visitor	No, not recorded in the EVS.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus	RC	-	Soft Shore	P		Common to uncommon winter visitor	No, not recorded in the EVS.
Little Ringed Plover *Charadrius dubius* ^w	(LC)	-	Soft Shore		P	Locally common winter visitor, scarce breeding.	Yes. Waterbirds,
Whimbrel *Numenius phaeopus* ^w	LC	-	Soft Shore		P	Common passage migrant	Yes. Waterbirds,
Grey-tailed Tattler *Heteroscelus brevipes* ^w	LC	-	Soft Shore		P	Passage migrant	Yes. Waterbirds,
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola	LC	-	Secondary Woodland	P		Scare winter visitor	No, not recorded in the EVS.
Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena	-	Class II Protected*	Tall Shrubland		P	Common and widespread resident	No, on North Lantau
Pacific Swift Apus pacificus	(LC)	-	Overhead	P		Common spring migrant, localized summer visitor, scarce and irregular in autumn and winter	No, not recorded in the EVS.
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis	(LC)	-	Soft Shore, Hard Shore	P		Resident, locally common in autumn and winter	No, not recorded in the EVS.
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica	-	Near Threatened; Vulnerable*	Tall Shrubland		P	Scarce but widespread resident	No, on North Lantau
Hwamei Garrulax canorus	-	Near Threatened**	Shrubland		P	Common and widespread resident	No, on North Lantau
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides	LC	-	Shrubland		P	Scarce winter visitor	No, on North Lantau
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus	LC	-	Village/farmland		P	Rare winter visitor	No, on North Lantau
Red-billed Starling Sturnus sericeus	GC	-	Coastal habitat, secondary woodland		P	Abundant but localized winter visitor	No, on North Lantau
White-shouldered Starling Sturnus sinensis	(LC)	-	Village/farmland		P	Common passage migrant, scare and localized breeding summer visitor and winter visitor	No, on North Lantau
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis	LC	-	Plantation		P	Scarce autumn migrant and irregular breeder	No, on North Lantau
Brown Fish Owl			Tai Ho Stream			Rare	No, at Tai Ho on North Lantau
Reptiles
Tokay Gecko Gekko gecko	RC	-	San Tau Village	P		Rare (Karsen et al. 1998)	No, on North Lantau
Amphibians
Chinese Bullfrog *Hoplobatrachus chinensis*	PRC	IUCN Least Concern Class II Protected*	Scenic Hill – concrete drainage system		P	Fairly common and widespread in NT and Lantau (Chan et al. 2005)	Yes, at Scenic Hill
Lesser Spiny Frog Paa exilispinosa	GC	IUCN Vulnerable	Streams	P	P	Common & Widespread in protected areas (Chan et al. 2005).	No, on North Lantau
Romer’s Tree Frog *Philautus romeri*	PGC	IUCN Endangered	Literature review and AFCD (Pers. comm.)			*Endemic to Hong Kong. Locally Common in protected areas (Chan et al.* 2005)**	Yes, at Scenic Hill
Fish
Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb Acrossocheilus beijiangensis	GC	-	Stream (ST9)		P	Rare (Lee et al. 2004)	No, on North Lantau
Indo-Pacific Tropical Sand Goby *Favonigobius reichei*	-	IUCN Lower Risk/Near Threatened	Estuaries of Streams (ST9, HH5, SL3)		P	*Common and widespread (Lee et al.* 2004, Nip 2005)**	Potentially subject to water impacts
Dark-margined Flagtail Kuhlia marginata	RC	-	Stream (ST9)		P	Status unknown (Lee et al. 2004)	No, on North Lantau
Rice Fish Oryzias curvinotus	GC	-	Stream (ST9, HH3, HH5)		P	Uncommon (Lee et al. 2004)	No, on North Lantau
Predaceous Chub *Parazacco spilurus*	-	Vulnerable***	Stream (ST9, SL3)		P	*Common and widespread (Lee et al.* 2004)**	Potentially subject to water impacts
Snowy Puffer Takifugu niphobles	-	IUCN “Data Deficient”	Soft Shore (San Tau)		P	Considered to be common in Hong Kong (AFCD 2008).	Potentially subject to water impacts
Takifugu ocellatus	LC	-	Stream (ST9)	P		-	No, on North Lantau
Butterflies
White Dragontail Lamproptera curius	LC	-	Stream At San Tau (ST9))		P	Limited Distribution (Lo 2005)	No, on North Lantau
Common Albatross Appias albina	LC	-	Cultivated field at San Tau	P		Rare (Lo 2005)	No, on North Lantau
Danaid Eggfly *Hypolimnas misippus*	LC	-	Shrubland at Scenic Hill	P		Uncommon (Lo 2005)	Yes, at Scenic Hill
Crustaceans
Sesarmine Crab Chiromantes sereni	-	-	Stream (HH3, SL3)		P	Endemic. Only known from four sites(Kwok & Tang 2005)	No, on North Lantau
Greasyback Shrimp *Metapenaeus ensis*	-	Vulnerable***	Stream (ST9, SL3)		P	Found on sandy-mud or muddy bottoms. Major species cultivated at Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve (AFCD 2004)	Potentially subject to water impacts
Freshwater Crab Somanniathelphusa zanklon