7.1
Introduction
7.1.1
This section
presents the potential fisheries impacts generated from the construction and
operation of the TKO-LT Tunnel.
7.1.2
Baseline conditions for fisheries resources in the assessment area were
identified from the latest relevant literature. Potential direct, indirect, cumulative
and residual impacts on fisheries resources during the construction and
operation phases of the Project were identified and evaluated. Mitigation measures have been
recommended where necessary.
7.2
Environmental Legislation, Standards and Criteria
7.2.1
This fisheries
impact assessment was conducted according to criteria and guidelines set out in
the Annex 9 and Annex 17 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact
Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) in order to provide complete and objective
identification, prediction and evaluation of potential fisheries impacts
arising from the Project. EIAO-TM
Annex 17 sets out the methodology for assessment of fisheries impacts and Annex
9 provides the evaluation criteria.
7.2.2
Other local
legislations that are relevant to this fisheries impact assessment include:
·
Fisheries
Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) – promotes the conservation of fish and other
forms of aquatic life within Hong Kong waters by regulating fishing practices
to prevent detrimental activities to the fisheries industry.
·
Marine
Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353) – regulates and protects marine fish cultured
by designating areas of fish culture zone, granting licenses, prohibiting
unauthorized vessels and any deposition of chemicals or other substances which
are likely to cause injury to fish in a fish culture zone.
·
Water
Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358) – aims to control water pollution in
waters of Hong Kong. Water control
zones (WCZs) are designated with individual water quality objectives to promote
the conservation and best use of those waters in the public interest. The most updated water quality
objectives for the Junk Bay WCZ, Eastern Buffer WCZ and Victoria Harbour WCZ
were revised in June 1997.
7.3
Assessment
Methodology
7.3.1
As specified in
the EIA Study Brief, the assessment area for the fisheries impact is the same
as that for water quality impact assessment and includes areas within Junk Bay
WCZ, Eastern Buffer WCZ and Victoria Harbour WCZ, as designated under the Water Pollution
Control Ordinance, and areas likely to be impacted by the Project.
Assessment Approach
7.3.2
Baseline
information on fisheries resources in the assessment area was acquired through
desktop review of available literature.
This review included relevant fisheries baseline data presented in Port
Survey 2006 (AFCD, 2012a) and other relevant information available in other
reports and publications.
Information gaps were not identified and therefore no field surveys were
considered necessary.
7.3.3
The fisheries
impact assessment followed the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and
assessing fisheries impacts as stated in Annex 9 and 17 of the EIAO-TM.
7.4
Description of
the Environment
7.4.1
There is one
mariculture area identified in the assessment area, Tung Lung Chau Fish Culture
Zone (FCZ), which is approximately 5 km to the southeast of the proposed
Project area. The locations of the
key fisheries resources within the assessment area are shown in Figure 7.1. Based on the findings of the literature
review, no important nursery or spawning area was identified within the
assessment area (AFCD, 1998).
7.4.2
In 2011, the Hong
Kong capture fishing industry landed approximately 170,720 tonnes of fisheries
product value at $2,358 million (AFCD, 2012a). The industry consisted of about 4,000
fishing vessels and 8,500 fishermen.
Fishing activities were mainly conducted in the waters of the adjacent
continental shelf in the South China Sea.
The majority of the fishing vessels were manned by family members with
the assistance of hired crews. Main fishing methods included trawling,
long-lining, gill-netting and purse-seining, with the majority of the total
catch obtained through trawling.
Some recent data on Hong Kong capture fisheries industry is summarized
in Table 7.1
Table 7.1 Recent
Hong Kong Capture Fisheries Industry Figures
Year Parameter |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
Fishing fleet size (No.
of vessels) |
4,000 |
3,900 |
3,700 |
3,800 |
4,000 |
3,950 |
4,150 |
4,300 |
4,600 |
4,470 |
5,100 |
Local fisherman engaged
in capture fisheries |
8,500 |
8,200 |
7,600 |
7,900 |
8,500 |
8,500 |
9,170 |
9,700 |
10,100 |
10,860 |
11,560 |
Production (thousand tonnes) |
170.72 |
168 |
159 |
158 |
154 |
155 |
162 |
167.5 |
157.4 |
169.8 |
174 |
Value of produce (HK$
million) |
2,358 |
2,100 |
2,000 |
1,780 |
1,530 |
1,600 |
1,600 |
1,600 |
1,500 |
1,600 |
1,700 |
Source: AFCD 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012a
7.4.3
The latest AFCD Port
Survey 2006 (AFCD 2012a) provides the most updated information on capture
fisheries in Hong Kong waters, including both fishing operation and fisheries
production (adult fish and fry). In
general, the highest fish yields in Hong Kong were obtained in the eastern
waters (e.g. Tolo Harbour, Crooked Haven, Port Shelter, and Po Toi) and the
southwestern waters (e.g. Lamma Island, Cheung Chau and Soko Island).
7.4.4
This fishing
operation within the assessment area was mainly supported by vessels of less
than 15 m in length. Sampans and
purse seiners were the dominant fishing vessels but other vessels such as gill
netters, stem trawler, shrimp trawler, hang trawler, long liners, handliners
and miscellaneous crafts were also operated within the assessment area. The capture fisheries data in the
assessment area are summarized in Table
7.2. The proposed reclamation
area for the project is located
in Chiu Keng Wan within the Junk Bay.
Table 7.2 Summary
of Capture Fisheries Data in the Assessment Area
WCZ Parameter |
Eastern Buffer WCZ |
Junk Bay |
Eastern Victoria Harbour |
Mid Victoria Harbour |
Western Victoria Harbour |
No. of vessels |
100 – 400 |
100 - 400 |
100 - 400 |
100 - 400 |
10 – 100 |
Adult fish annual
production in terms of weight (kg/ha) |
100 – 400 |
100 - 200 |
100 - 400 |
100 - 400 |
>0 and ≤ 100 |
Fish fry annual
production in terms of density (tails/ha) |
None Reported |
None Reported |
None Reported |
None Reported |
None Reported |
Fisheries annual
production (adult and fry) in terms of value (HK$/ha) |
2,000 – 10,000 |
2,000 – 10,000 |
5,000 – 10,000 |
5,000 – 10,000 |
>0 to 5,000 |
Source: AFCD 2012a
7.4.5
The number of
fishing vessels operating within the assessment area was generally between 100
and 400 vessels except the western Victoria Harbour (10 – 100 vessels).
7.4.6
In terms of
weight, the adult fish production ranged from >0 to 400 kg/ha on an annual
basis within the assessment area.
Within each water control zone, adult fish production can vary in
different regions. In fact, the
weight of adult fish production within the proposed reclamation of the Project
in Junk Bay ranged from 100 to 200 kg/ha only. Mid-Victoria Harbour and the west coast
of Tung Lung Chau yielded
adult fish production of 200 - 400 kg/ha, but these areas are located at
distance (>5 km) from the proposed marine works.
7.4.7
In recent years,
fry collection in Hong Kong has reduced in scale. The latest interview studies reported that fry
collection only occurs in a few areas (AFCD, 2012a). The highest fry collection was mainly
found in the northeast inshore waters at Three Fathoms Cove, Crooked Harbour,
Double Haven, and Long
Harbour. No fish fry production was
reported within Junk Bay WCZ, Eastern Buffer WCZ and Victoria Harbour WCZ.
7.4.8
Important nursery
grounds can be identified from the sites where juveniles of commercial fish and
crustaceans are abundant, and most fry of high value species are found; and important
spawning grounds are the sites where mature individuals are abundant. According to the “Fisheries Resources
and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters” (AFD, 1998), nursery grounds of
commercial fisheries resources were identified at Northeast Waters, Port
Shelter, Lamma Island and South Lantau; whilst spawning grounds of commercial
fisheries resources were identified at Northeast Waters, Eastern Waters,
Southeast Hong Kong in Mirs Bay, South Lamma, South Cheung Chau, Northeast
Lantau, and South Lantau (AFD, 1998).
These areas are all outside the assessment area.
7.4.9
Overall, in terms
of capture fishery production value, the assessment area showed a range of
production value from >HK$0 to 10,000 annually. Moderate production (HK$5,000 – 10,000
/ha) occurred in mid and eastern Victoria Harbour, whilst a low to moderate
production value (HK$2,000 – 10,000 /ha) was recorded in the proposed
reclamation within Junk Bay.
7.4.10
Capture fisheries
production of the top ten fish families within the assessment area is summarized
in Table 7.3.
Table 7.3 Fisheries
Production (kg/ha) of the Top Ten Families in the Assessment Area
WCZ Top Ten Fish Families |
Eastern Buffer WCZ |
Junk Bay |
Eastern Victoria Harbour |
Mid Victoria Harbour |
Western Victoria Harbour |
Scad (Caragidae) |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
Shrimp |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
None reported |
None reported |
≤ 5 |
Rabbitfish (Siganidae) |
20 – 60 |
20 - 60 |
> 60 |
> 60 |
≤ 5 – 20 |
Squid |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
Croaker (Sciaenae) |
5 – 20 |
≤ 5 – 10 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 – 10 |
Crab |
10 – 20 |
5 – 20 |
20 – 40 |
10 – 40 |
≤ 5 - 20 |
Mullet (Mugiidae) |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 – 10 |
5 – 10 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
Sardine (Clupeidae) |
≤ 5 – 10 |
≤ 5 – 10 |
≤ 5 – 10 |
≤ 5 |
≤ 5 |
Seabream (Sparidae) |
10 – 40 |
10 - 40 |
10 - 40 |
5 - 20 |
≤ 5 |
Anchovy (Engraulidae) |
≤ 5 – 40 |
None Reported |
None Reported |
None Reported |
≤ 5 |
Source: AFCD 2012a
7.4.11
The most common
capture fish within and near the proposed reclamation area was the low valued
Rabbitfish (Siganidae) (AFD, 1998), followed by Seabream (Sparidae). Rabbitfish was also the most common
capture fisheries in the rest of the assessment area.
7.4.12
Marine culture
fisheries include marine culture and oyster culture. Mariculture areas for marine fish in Hong
Kong includes 26 fish culture zones (FCZs) located in various sheltered coastal
areas in Hong Kong marine waters occupying approximately 209 ha of marine area
with about 1,015 licensed operators in 2011 (AFCD, 2012b). The majority of the licensed fish farms
are small, family-based and consist of one to two rafts with average total area
of around 280 m2. Oyster
culture has been practiced on the Deep Bay mudflats for at least 200
years. Production from oyster
culture in 2011 was about 60 tonnes (meat only) valued at $4 million (AFCD,
2012b).
7.4.13
There is one FCZ
but no oyster culture present in the assessment area. The location of the Tung Lung Chau FCZ
is shown in Figure 7.1. It is located approximately 5 km away
from the proposed marine works area.
7.4.14
Although no
figures are available for the individual production of FCZs, it was estimated
that culture fisheries of marine fish production in 2011 weighted 1,185 tonnes
and was valued at $94 million which catered for approximately 8% of local
demand for live marine fish (AFCD, 2012b).
Recent figures on marine fish culture are present in Table 7.4.
Table 7.4 Recent
Figures for Hong Kong Marine Culture Fisheries Industry
Year |
No. of licensed operators |
Production (tonnes) |
Value (HK$) |
2011 |
1,015 |
1,185 |
94 |
2010 |
1,035 |
1,512 |
118 |
2009 |
1,050 |
1,437 |
92 |
2008 |
1,060 |
1,370 |
82 |
2007 |
1,070 |
1,532 |
99 |
2006 |
1,078 |
1,490 |
89 |
2005 |
1,092 |
1,540 |
76 |
2004 |
1,125 |
1,540 |
79 |
2003 |
1,155 |
1,490 |
76 |
2002 |
1,240 |
1,211 |
57 |
2001 |
1,370 |
2,470 |
136 |
Source: AFCD 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012b
7.4.15
The species
cultured in Hong Kong varied depending on the availability of imported
fry. Common species under marine
culture included Green Grouper, Brown-spotted Grouper, Giant Grouper, Russell’s
Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Goldlined Seabream, Star Snapper and Red Drum (AFCD,
2012b).
7.5
Identification,
Prediction and Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
7.5.1
The proposed
marine works required under the Project could cause potential impacts to
fisheries resources. Marine-based
construction activities associated with the Project include:
·
Approximately
3 ha of reclamation works for protection of the depressed Road P2;
·
Piling
works for the construction of marine piers (approximately 0.6 ha) for the
elevated slip roads at TKO Interchange; and
·
Construction
and decommission of two temporary barging points at Chiu Keng Wan and Cha Kwo
Ling (approximately 0.3 ha).
7.5.2
The potential
impacts to the fisheries resources within the assessment area may include:
·
Permanent and temporary loss of
fishing ground (refer to Figure 7.2 and
Figure 7.3); and
·
Indirect
impact to fisheries resource due to change in water quality.
Direct
Impacts
Loss of
Fishing Grounds
7.5.3
The proposed
reclamation for the protection of Road P2 and the bridge pier construction would occupy
the fishing ground permanently, and result in a permanent loss of approximately
3.6 ha (3 ha due to reclamation and 0.6 due to bridge piers) of fishing ground
in Junk Bay. The construction
barges for the bridge structure and the temporary barging points at Chiu Keng
Wan and Cha Kwo Ling would limit the access of the fishing vessels to the works
area during the construction phase. Approximately 19 ha of marine area
(18.9 ha at inner Junk Bay and 0.1 ha at Eastern Victoria Harbour due to the
Cha Kwo Ling barging point) would be occupied temporarily for the duration of
the construction period (approximately 4.5 years). The marine works area would be reopened
for fishing after construction. The
temporary marine works area within inner Junk Bay yields low fisheries
production while the size of the temporary barging point at Cha Kwo Ling is
small (approximately 0.1 ha) with low to moderate fisheries production. Impacts arising from the loss of fishing
grounds due to the barging point at Cha Kwo Ling within the Victoria Harbour
WCZ are negligible, while the direct impact of the Project on fisheries
resources and operations within Junk Bay is low.
Indirect
Impacts
Changes in
Water Quality
7.5.4
Indirect impacts
on the fisheries resources would be associated with changes of water quality
due to reclamation works,
piling works, and site runoff from the land-based construction works. Details are described and evaluated
below.
Elevation of Suspended Solids (SS)
7.5.5
Marine works
would disturb the seabed and cause a temporary increase in SS level. The increase in SS level may potentially
cause lethal or sublethal effects on fish.
High SS levels may clog gill structures of fish and thus hinder transfer
of oxygen. Eggs and early life
stages (fry) are more susceptible to smothering of respiratory surface due to
high sediment levels.
7.5.6
Adult fish are
more likely to move away when they detect certain SS level and therefore less
sensitive to the effects from SS.
Suspended sediment fluxes occur naturally in the marine environment,
particularly in estuaries, and consequently fish have evolved behavioural
adaptations to tolerate increased SS loads, including clearing their gills by
flushing more water over them.
Where SS levels become excessive, fish may move to less turbid
waters. If SS levels exceed
tolerance thresholds and the fish are unable to move away from the area, they
may become stressed or even die.
The rate, timing and duration of SS elevations will influence the type
and extent of impacts on fish and crustaceans (CPPC, 2006). Lethal response had not been observed in
adult fish at SS level less than 125 mg/L, and sublethal effects were only
reported at levels exceeded 90 mg/L.
However, guideline values were identified for fisheries and selected
marine ecological sensitive receivers in Consultancy Study on Fisheries and
Marine Ecological Criteria for Impact Assessment based on international marine
water quality objective guidelines for the ecosystem protection. The recommended value was 50 mg/L
(AFCD, 2001). Besides, the Water
Quality Objective (WQO) for SS (i.e. elevation of less than 30% of ambient
baseline level) is also generally applicable to fisheries sensitive receivers
inside the relevant water control zones.
7.5.7
Potential impacts
on fisheries resource arising from elevation of SS in Junk Bay were identified
in the modeling results from water quality assessments. The water quality modeling results are
based on the scenario that the marine works of Cross Bay Link (CBL) is
happening concurrently and the application of silt curtain has been
implemented. Under these
conditions, the modeling results showed no exceedance of SS levels. The maximum level of suspended solid is
1.5 mg/L which is in compliance with WQOs
(Table 5.16 and Table 5.17 refer).
7.5.8
Indirect impacts
are not expected to occur at Tung Lung Chau FCZ as the predicted SS level would be below 50 mg/L. Therefore, possible indirect impacts would
be insignificant. (Table 5.16 and Table 5.17 refer).
Oxygen Depletion
7.5.9
Increase in SS in
water column combined with a number of other physical or biotic factors would
reduce dissolved oxygen (DO) in water
column. Elevated SS reduces light
penetration, lowers the photosynthetic rate of phytoplankton and so lowers the
rate of oxygen production in the water column. Also the release of inorganic substances
from the dredged sediment may cause eutrophication and algal bloom. Oxidation of dead algae may use up some
of the oxygen in the water. If oxygen
levels are depleted to low levels, fish, especially those in early life stages
may be unable to tolerate such conditions and suffer hypoxia-induced mortality
and / or stress including reduced feeding and growth rate.
7.5.10
The WQO standard
in Junk Bay regarding DO levels for bottom-waters should remain above 2.0 mg/L
and for the average depth it should remain above 4.0 mg/L. Both standards should be in compliance
for 90% of the time. Based on the
water quality modeling results in Section
5 and Table 5.20., the depletion
in DO level caused by the proposed works (refer to Table
7.6) is anticipated to be 0.02 mg/L at most.
The DO level would be similar to that of the
baseline condition and also in compliance with the WQOs. Thus,
indirect impacts on the fisheries resources arising from the oxygen depletion would be
insignificant.
Release of Contaminant from Marine Sediment
7.5.11
The reclamation can potentially cause the release of contaminants
(e.g. heavy metal, inorganic nutrients, etc.) from the marine sediment. Potential impacts on fisheries resources
may include the accumulation of contaminants in the tissues of fish, resulting
in sublethal effects which may alter behavior, reproduction and increase
susceptibility to disease. Eggs,
larvae and juveniles are particularly susceptible to the sublethal effects of
contaminants, and elevated levels may lead to increased mortality. Bioaccumulation in commercially
important fish species may ultimately impact human health. High nutrient levels in marine water
arising from marine sediment may trigger rapid increase in phytoplankton,
resulting in algal bloom. The
phytoplankton may produce biotoxins which could be lethal to fish.
7.5.12
In order to
assess the level of contaminants released, elutriate modeling tests have been
conducted. Test results show the
concentration of dissolved metals to be within compliance of the water quality
objectives (refer to Table 5.5). Impacts on fisheries resources due to
bioaccumulation of released contaminants from dredged sediment is therefore not
expected to occur.
Operation
Phase
7.5.13
Potential water
quality impacts during operational phase would be due to road surface
runoff. Runoff from road surfaces
and leaks from vehicles may be contaminated, however the road work designs are
equipped with adequate drainage systems and appropriate oil inceptors which
would guide the polluted runoff to be properly treated. Therefore, no significant impacts on
fisheries resources are expected during the operation phase of the
Project.
7.5.14
The overall
evaluation of fisheries impact arising from the proposed marine works are
summarized in Table 7.5.
Table 7.5 Summary
of Potential Fisheries Impact during Construction Phase
Criteria |
Construction Phase
Impact |
Nature of Impact |
Direct Impact Permanent loss of fishing
ground due to the proposed reclamation and pier construction is permanent in
nature. Temporary loss of fishing
ground for the construction of bridge structure and operation of the two temporary
barging points would last for about 4.5 years. Indirect Impact All water quality parameters such as level of SS, contaminants and
nutrients released and DO levels would be in compliance of the water quality
objectives. |
Size of Affected Area |
Direct Impact Low. Approximately 3.6 ha (3 ha due to
reclamation and 0.6 ha due to bridge piers) of fishing ground would be
permanently lost to reclamation and pier construction, and about 19 ha of
fishing ground would be temporarily lost. Indirect Impact Insignificant. Water quality parameters would stay
within compliance with water quality objectives under the mitigated scenario. |
Loss of Fisheries
Resource / Production |
Low. The loss is considered to be an
insignificant portion of the total fisheries production in Hong Kong. |
Destruction and
Disturbance of Nursery and Spawning Grounds |
No destruction and
disturbance of important nursery and spawning grounds for commercial
fisheries species. |
Impact on Fishing
Activity |
Low. The fishing grounds in Junk Bay where
reclamation for TKO-LT Tunnel is proposed supports 100 – 400 fishing vessels
and adult fish production with an annual weight of 100 – 200 kg/ha and annual
value of HK$2,000 – 5,000/ha. The
size of the fishing ground loss is small. The affected area only supports a small
proportion of fisheries production in Hong Kong. Whilst the fishing ground loss within
the Eastern Victoria Harbour supports 100 – 400 fishing vessels, adult fish
production of 100 – 400 kg/ha and HK$2,000 – 10,000/ha annually. The size of temporary loss of fishing
grounds within the Eastern Victoria Harbour is insignificant (0.1 ha). |
Impact on Aquaculture
Activity |
Insignificant impacts to
Tung Lung Chau FCZ within the assessment area. |
Overall Fisheries Impact |
Low. The permanent loss of low valued
fishing ground is small and the nature of other potential impacts are
temporary and within a small area. |
7.5.15
In summary, based on the water quality
modeling, the overall impact to the fisheries production in the vicinity of the
affected area is expected to be low.
Any potential significant impacts would exist only during the
construction phase. Furthermore,
the area of the impact is small and sustains a low and low to moderate value
(low value in Eastern Victoria Harbour and low to moderate in inner Junk Bay) in
terms of fisheries production.
7.6
Evaluation of Cumulative
Impacts
7.6.1
Marine-based
construction works for this Project would commence in January 2016 and finish
in October 2020. Marine works
associated with a number of other, separate projects within the assessment area
would likely overlap with the construction phase of this Project, and are
listed in Table
7.6.
Table 7.6 Summary
of Concurrent Projects
Project |
Project Proponent |
Construction Programme |
Major Marine-based Works |
Cross Bay Link |
Civil Engineering and Development Department |
May 2017 to August 2018 |
Filling |
Trunk Road T2 |
Civil Engineering and Development Department |
End of 2015 to end of 2020 |
Dredging and filling |
CLP Windfarm |
China Light and Power |
January 2017 to September 2017 |
Grab dredging and suction caisson |
7.6.2
Marine-based
construction works of CBL would be undertaken within Junk Bay concurrently with
the Project. According to the CBL
EIA study report (CEDD, 2013), a small area of fishing ground of less than 0.3
ha would be permanently lost and approximately 9.6 ha would be temporarily lost
during the nine month construction phase.
Together with the fishing ground loss of the Project (3.6 ha of permanent
and 19 ha of temporary loss for less than five years), the cumulative permanent
and temporary loss within Junk Bay would be approximately 3.9 ha and 28.6 ha
respectively. Given the small area
of permanent loss and the timeframe for the temporary loss, the cumulative loss
of fishing grounds arising from the Project and CBL is considered to be
acceptable.
7.6.3
Marine-based
construction activities, such as dredging and filling works required in the
above projects may produce indirect impacts to fisheries resources. Cumulative water quality modeling
including all three of the above projects, indicate that water quality parameters such as SS levels, contaminants and nutrients
released and DO levels would be in compliance with the WQOs under the mitigated scenario (Table 5.16 to Table 5.17 refer).
7.6.4
No significant cumulative impacts are expected to occur from concurrent
projects mentioned above (Table 7.6 refers)
under the mitigated scenario.
7.7
Evaluation of Residual
Impacts
7.7.1
The identified
residual impacts would be the permanent loss of 3.6 ha (3 ha due to reclamation
and 0.6 ha due to bridge piers) and temporary loss of 19 ha of fishing ground
in Junk Bay resulting from the proposed reclamation works, bridge construction
works and temporary barging points.
In view of the small size and low fisheries importance of the area being
affected, this residual impact is considered acceptable.
7.7.2
With the
implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, water quality impacts as a
result of the Project works would be minimized and acceptable. Residual impacts on fisheries resources due to water
quality deterioration is acceptable as water quality standards would be in
compliance with WQOs during operation phase.
7.8
Mitigation of
Adverse Environmental Impacts
7.8.1
According to the
guidelines in Annex 17 of EIAO-TM, the general policy for alleviating fisheries
impacts in order of priority are avoidance, minimization and compensation.
7.8.2
Potential impacts
on fisheries resources and fishing operations arising from the Project have
been avoided or minimized by minimizing the extent of reclamation and the application of non-dredge method
(refer to Section 2.5). The alignment option for the TKO-LT Tunnel,
particularly in relation to the extent of reclamation for the protection of P2
road and landing area for the elevated slip roads connecting the interchange
with CBL, has been substantially evaluated and revised. The option with minimal reclamation
extent (approximately 3.6 ha) has been selected. Therefore, the direct loss of fishing ground in Junk Bay due to
reclamation has been largely avoided.
7.8.3
Mitigation
measures recommended in the water quality impact assessment for controlling
water quality impact will also serve to protect fisheries from indirect impacts
and ensure no unacceptable impact on fisheries resources and operations. The proposed mitigation measure to be undertaken by the
contractor includes the installation of single floating silt curtain at the
opening of the newly installed seawall during the reclamation of Road P2. For more detailed mitigation measures
regarding water quality refer to Section
5.
7.8.4
Mitigation
measures are only required during construction phase in order to minimize SS
levels as well as to contain the spread of sediments so that there are no
potential threats to fisheries resources.
7.9
Environmental
Monitoring and Audit Requirements
7.9.1
No unacceptable
residual fisheries impact is expected from the project. No monitoring program specified for
fisheries is required. However,
monitoring of water quality parameters during the construction phase of the
Project would be required to ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation
measures (refer to Section 5.10.1).
7.10
Conclusion
7.10.1
Following the criteria and guidelines for
evaluating and assessing fisheries impact as stated in Annexes 9 and 17 of the
EIAO-TM, a study
based on existing information on commercial fisheries resources and fishing
operations within the waters of the assessment area has been undertaken. Sensitive areas of nearby FCZs, spawning areas and nursery grounds have been
identified, where present.
7.10.2
No important
spawning or nursery grounds were identified within or in the immediate vicinity
of the proposed marine works area, while the nearest Fish Culture Zone FCZ_
(Tung Lung Chau FCZ) is located approximately 5 km away from the proposed
marine works area.
The importance of capture
fisheries resources in the vicinity of the proposed
marine works area was identified as low in terms of both production weight and value. Fish fry production was absent from the assessment area and therefore would not be affected
by the proposed works.
7.10.3
The Project would
cause about 3.6 ha permanent loss and 19 ha temporary loss of fishing area in
inner Junk Bay and Eastern Victoria Harbor due to the proposed marine works. Considering the generally low importance of the fishing areas in inner Junk Bay and Eastern
Victoria Harbour when compared to the overall Hong Kong fisheries production
and the low and low to moderate production at these areas, the direct impact of
the Project on fisheries resources and operations would be regarded as low.
7.10.4
No significant indirect impacts due to
deterioration of water quality are expected. However, mitigation
measures for water quality impact, such as reduced filling
rates, closing of seawall before reclamation and refining construction schedule
between concurrent projects would still be implemented to protect fisheries resources. No operational phase impacts are
expected.
Agriculture and Fisheries Department (1998).
Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operation in Hong Kong Waters. Prepared by ERM for Agriculture and
Fisheries Department, HK SAR Government.
Agriculture, Fisheries and
Conservation Department (2001). Final Report. Consultancy Study on Fisheries and
Marine Ecological Criteria for Impact
Assessment. Prepared by Centre for Coastal Pollution and Conservation, City U
Professional
Services Limited for Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HK
SAR Government.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2002). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report
2001-2002.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2003). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report 2002-2003.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (2004).
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report 2003-2004.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2005). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report
2004-2005.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2006). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report
2005-2006.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2007). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report
2006-2007.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2008). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report
2008-2009.
Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department (2009). Agriculture, Fisheries and
Conservation Department Annual Report 2008-2009.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
(2010). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report
2009-2010.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2011). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Annual Report
2010-2011.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
(2012a) Fisheries: Capture Fisheries.http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_latest/fish_cap_latest.html. Accessed
on 19 September 2012.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(2012b). Fisheries: Aquaculture. http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_aqu/fish_aqu_mpo/fish_aqu_mpo.html. Accessed on 19 September 2012.
Civil Engineering and Development Department
(2013). Agreement No. CE
43/2008(HY) Cross Bay Link, Tseung Kwan O – Investigation. Environmental Impact Assessment Report.