11.1 Introduction
The following legislation, standards and
guidelines related to capture and culture fisheries and fisheries impact
assessment have been adopted in the assessment:
§
Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap 171);
§
Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap 353);
§
Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) (Cap. 358);
and
§
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.
499) and the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process
(EIAO-TM).
Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) –
Fishing activities in Hong Kong are governed by the Fisheries Protection
Ordinance, in which destructive fishing practices are prohibited in the Hong
Kong waters including the use of explosive, toxic substances, electric-fishing,
dredging and suction devices that damage the seabed. Trawling activities
(including pair, stern, shrimp and hang trawling) have been banned since 31
December 2012 for the protection of fisheries resources and the marine
ecosystem.
Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap 353) – The
operation of marine fish culture activities is regulated by the Marine Fish
Culture Ordinance. Culture activities
include the provision of rafts or impoundments, which are located in designated areas under a
licensing system.
WPCO (Cap. 358) – Statutory framework for the
protection and control of water quality in Hong Kong. According to the WPCO and
its subsidiary legislations, Hong Kong waters are divided into ten WCZs. WQOs
were established to protect the beneficial uses of water quality in WCZs and
specific WQOs are applied to each WCZ.
EIAO-TM – The technical memorandum is issued
under the EIAO (Cap. 499) Section 16 which sets out the principles, procedures,
guidelines, requirements and criteria for conducting an EIA. Annexes 9 and 17
of the EIAO-TM specify the criteria for evaluating fisheries impact and provide
guidelines for carrying out a fisheries impact assessment.
Information from the water quality impact
assessment was used to determine the size of the study area as that potentially
affected by perturbations to water quality parameters. The study area includes
areas within 500 meters from the boundary of the Project area and covers the
Western Buffer and Southern WCZs, as designated under the WPCO (Cap. 358). The
assessment area is shown in Figure 11.1.
11.3.2
Literature
Review
Baseline information on fisheries resources in
the assessment area was amassed via desktop review of available literatures. This
review included relevant fisheries baseline data presented in Port Survey 2006
(AFCD, 2013a) and other relevant information available in other reports and
publications, including but not limited to the following:
§
Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong
Kong Waters, ERM (1998);
The information available was comprehensive and
no information gaps were identified and therefore no fisheries field surveys
were considered necessary.
A
detailed description of the physical marine habitat is presented in the Water
Quality Assessment and the key aspects are summarised below.
In terms of water quality, the Western Buffer
WCZ in 2011 attained an overall WQOs compliance rate of 75% with a low DO level
recorded in the summer months of 2011.
The Southern WCZ has attained an overall WQO 67% with high compliance
rate of 100% for unionised ammonia and 94% for DO, but TIN recorded at all
stations within the Southern WCZ did not comply with the WQO, possibly due to
influence of Pearl River flow (EPD, 2012).
The Western Buffer WCZ and Southern WCZ contain
areas of fisheries importance, details of which are described below. Within
Western Buffer WCZ there is the Ma Wan fish culture zone (FCZ) (>16 km
away). Within the Southern WCZ, there is the Cheung Sha Wan FCZ at Lantau
Island (>16 km away), and Sok Kwu Wan FCZ (>5 km away) and Lok Tik Wan FCZ and its associated
artificial reefs (ARs) (>4 km away) at Lamma Island, and Po Toi FCZ (>11
km away). Several sites within the Southern WCZ, such as Waglan (>15 km
away), South Cheung Chau (>15 km away), Stanley (>6 km away) and South
Lamma (>7 km away) were identified as important spawning grounds for
commercial fish and crustaceans, while Sok Kwu Wan (>5 km away) and South
Cheung Chau were observed to be important nursery grounds for juvenile fish,
crustaceans and molluscs (ERM, 1998). The Cape d’ Aguilar Marine Reserve
(>10 km away) is also situated within the Southern WCZ. However given the
lack of marine construction works, potential impacts are focused on the 500m
assessment area and its immediate vicinity, within which no site of fisheries
importance was identified.
11.4.2
Capture
Fisheries
Fisheries Operation
In 2012, the capture fishing industry in Hong
Kong produced an estimated 155,230 tonnes of fisheries produce valued at about $2,317
million (AFCD, 2013a). The industry consisted of approximately 4,000 fishing
vessels and 8,800 local fishermen working on-board. Most of the fishing vessels
were manned by family members with assistance of hired crew. Main fishing
methods included trawling, long-lining, gill-netting and purse-seining, with
the majority of total catch obtained through trawling.
The latest AFCD Port Survey 2006 (AFCD, 2013a)
provides the best available information on capture fisheries in Hong Kong
waters, including fishing activities (Figure 11.2), adult fish production (Figure 11.3),
fish fry production (Figure 11.4) and fisheries production in terms of
value (Figure
11.5). In Port Survey, grid cells are normally categorised into one of
6 classes (except for fish fry production), and in the following text the
classes will be textually described as very low, low, moderately low, moderate,
high and very high respectively. As a territory-wide trawl ban has been
implemented since 31 December 2012, fishing activities and fisheries resources
below would be discussed in view of the absence of trawlers from Hong Kong. It
should be noted that vessels exceeding 15m length usually include many
trawlers.
Within the Western Buffer WCZ, the level of
overall fishing operations vary in different places, ranging from very low to
moderate (> 0 – 400 vessels), out of which number of fishing vessels less
than 15m length was very low to moderate (> 0 – 400 vessels) and number of
fishing vessels greater than 15m length was very low to low (> 0 – 50
vessels). Therefore it is supported mostly by fishing vessels less than 15m.
The types of fishing vessels operating in the study area included gill netter,
long liner, hand liner, purse seiner, sampan and miscellaneous crafts, and
sampans were the dominant fishing vessels (AFCD, 2013a).
Within the Southern WCZ, the level of overall
fishing operations vary in different places, ranging from very low to high
(> 0 – 700 vessels), out of which number of fishing vessels less than 15m
length was very low to high (> 0 – 700 vessels) and number of fishing
vessels greater than 15m length was very low to moderate (> 0 – 400 vessels).
Therefore it is supported mostly by fishing vessels less than 15m. Locations
with high level of fishing activity include Southern Lamma (>6 km away) and
around Po Toi. The types of fishing vessels operating in the study area
included gill netter, long liner, hand liner, purse seiner, sampan and
miscellaneous crafts, and sampans were the dominant fishing vessels (AFCD,
2013a).
Within the 500m assessment area, the level of
overall fishing operations was moderately-low (50 – 100 vessels), out of which
number of fishing vessels less than 15m length was moderately-low (50 – 100
vessels) and number of fishing vessels greater than 15m length was very low
(> 0 – < 10 vessels). Therefore it is supported mostly by fishing vessels
less than 15m. The types of fishing vessels operating in the study area
included gill netter, long liner, hand liner, purse seiner, sampan and
miscellaneous crafts, and sampans were the dominant fishing vessels (AFCD,
2013a).
Fisheries Resources
Within
the Southern WCZ, the production of adult fish was very low to very high (>
0 – 1000 kg/ha) while fish fry production was only reported around Northeastern
Lamma (Luk Chau Wan and Sok Kwu Wan) at > 0 to 100 tails/ha, and around Po
Toi at > 0 to < 50 tails/ha. Production of adult fish by vessels less
than 15m length was very low to moderate (> 0 – 400 kg/ha) while that by
vessels more than 15m length was very low to high (> 0 – 600 kg/ha).
Locations with high or very high adult fish production include Soko Islands
(>27 km away), South Cheung Chau, South Lamma and Po Toi. Scad (Carangidae)
and shrimp were the most common capture species with catches of more than 60
kg/ha. Outside of the Southern WCZ, shrimp may also be found in high abundance around
Tai O and Yan O. Production of croaker (Sciaenidae) was very low to high (<
5 – 60 kg/ha) while production of seabream (Sparidae) was very low to
moderately-low (< 5 – 20 kg/ha). Fisheries production in terms of value was
very low to very high (> 0 – 20,000 HK$/ha) (AFCD, 2013a). Fisheries
Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters (ERM, 1998) also support
the results of the Port Survey, as it was found to be important spawning and
nursery grounds for a number of commercial species, including the fish species Leiognathus brevirostris, Johnius
belangerii, Protonibea diacanthus, Gymnothorax reevesii, Inegocia japonica,
Alepes djedaba, Acanthopagrus schlegelii schlegelii, Cynoglossus
macrolepidotus, Larimichthys crocea and Oxyurichthys
tentacularis; the shrimp species Metapenaeus
joyneri, Solenocera crassicornis, Metapenaeus affinis, Metapenaeopsis barbata
and Metapenaeopsis palmensis; the
crab species Portunus pelagicus; and
the mantis shrimps Oratosquilla spp.
and Dictyosquilla foveolata.
Within
the 500m assessment area, the production of adult fish was moderate (200 – 400
kg/ha) while there was no reported fish fry fisheries production from the
fishermen. Adult fish production by vessels less than 15m length was moderate
(200 – 400 kg/ha) while that by vessels more than 15m length was very low (>
0 to ≤ 50 kg/ha). Rabbitfish (Siganidae) and squid were the most common
capture species with catches of 40 – 60 kg/ha. Outside of the assessment area,
squid may also be found in high abundance around Po Toi, Ninepin Islands,
Shelter Island and Grass Island. Production of croaker (Sciaenidae) was low (5
– 10 kg/ha) while production of seabream (Sparidae) was very low (< 5
kg/ha). Fisheries production in terms of value was moderate (2,000 – 5,000 HK$/ha)
(AFCD, 2013b). The area was also not found to be an important spawning or
nursery ground for commercial species (ERM, 1998).
Fisheries Enhancement Areas
AFCD
has been implementing an Artificial Reef (AR) project since 1996 to enhance
fisheries resources and promote biodiversity in Hong Kong’s marine waters
(AFCD, 2013b). There is one AR site in the Southern WCZ at Lo Tik Wan FCZ,
consisting of 6 units of biofilters with a total volume of 330 m3,
which were deployed in 2008 with the objective of enhancing habitat quality and
marine resources. However, the AR is situated far away from the Project
footprint (>4 km away).
The
Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve, which lies on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong
island and occupying a total sea area of approximately 20 ha, was designated on
5 July 1996 (AFCD, 2013c). It is the only marine reserve in Hong Kong where all
kinds of fisheries activities are prohibited, and serves the purpose of
enhancing fisheries resources in the surrounding area. However, the marine
reserve is located far away from the Project footprint (>10 km away).
11.4.3
Culture
Fisheries
In 2012, the total production of marine fish
culture in Hong Kong was estimated to be 1,299 tonnes valued at $117 million.
There are 26 FCZs occupying about a total marine area of 209ha, and operated by
1,008 licensed operators (AFCD, 2013d). Most of the licensed farms are
small, family-based and consist of one to two rafts with average total area of
around 290 m2. Common marine fish species under culture in Hong Kong
include green grouper, brown-spotted grouper, giant grouper, Russell’s snapper,
mangrove snapper, goldlined seabream, star snapper and red drum. Within the
Western Buffer WCZ, there is the Ma Wan FCZ; within the Southern WCZ, there are
Cheung Sha Wan, Lo Tik Wan, So Kwu Wan and Po Toi FCZ; however within the 500m
assessment area, there is no aquaculture activity.
11.4.4
Areas
of Fisheries Importance
Based on the literature review, there is no
area of fisheries importance identified within the assessment area. Although
there are several sites of fisheries importance within the Western Buffer and
Southern WCZs where the assessment area lies, they are all situated far away
from the Project footprint.
Direct Loss of Fishing
Grounds
The construction works of the proposed Project
(an indoor zone, an outdoor zone and a general approach area) are all
land-based activities. No reclamation or dredging in the marine environment or construction
of seawall will be involved. Therefore no impact due to loss of fishing ground
would occur.
The existing pier at TSW will be used to load
the superstructures associated with building roof during the later construction
phase. As reported from the Port Survey 2006 (AFCD, 2013a), level of fishing
operation within the assessment area is moderately-low, and mainly consists of
sampans. Given that the sampans are highly mobile, and the traffic of vessels
associated with the construction activities is expected to be kept to a
minimal, the construction marine traffic will not be expected to interfere with
the fishing activities of small vessel operators in the area. High level of
fishing activity around Southern Lamma and Po Toi are far away (>11 km away)
from the assessment area, and hence it is not expected that the construction
vessels will cross this area often. Therefore, direct impact on fishing
operations is predicted to be temporary and insignificant.
Indirect Impact of Deterioration of Water Quality
As there is no marine works such as
reclamation, dredging or construction of artificial seawall, no impact on
fisheries resources associated with the marine works will be expected. However,
as discussed in the water quality impact assessment (Chapter
6), potential indirect
impacts to the fisheries resources due to changes in water quality associated
with land-based construction works may occur. These include construction site
runoff, discharge of debris, rubbish and spillages of liquids from general
construction activities, release of suspended solids (SS) into the marine
environment due to expansion of the existing storm u-channel, interception of
two natural streams, site formation and foundation works, construction of
sewage sump pit and rising mains, accidental spillage and sewage effluent from
the construction workforce. However, with good site practices and mitigation
measures in place to control construction site runoff and drainage from the
works area, it is anticipated that the impacts to fisheries activities will be
temporary and insignificant. The location of several fisheries sensitive
receivers within the Western Buffer and Southern WCZs (including Cheung Sha Wan
FCZ (>16 km away), Sok Kwu Wan FCZ (>5 km away), Lok Tik Wan FCZ and its
associated ARs (>4 km away), Po Toi FCZ (>11 km away), important nursery
and spawning grounds for commercial species in Southern Hong Kong are far away
from the proposed Project, and hence impacts from the land-based construction
works are expected to be negligible. No fisheries-specific mitigation measures
are thus required.
From the information presented above, no
significant impacts on the fisheries resources within the assessment area will
be expected during the construction phase. An evaluation of the impact in
accordance with Annex 9 of the EIAO-TM is presented in Table 11.1 for
the construction phase.
Table 11.1: Evaluation of Potential Fisheries Impacts
during Construction Phase
|
Parameter
|
Loss of Fishing Grounds
|
Disturbance to Fishing Operations
|
Deterioration of Marine Water
Quality
|
|
Nature of Impact
|
No loss of fishing
ground as there will be no loss of marine area
|
Temporary and
insignificant
|
Temporary and
insignificant
|
|
Size
of Affected Area
|
No
|
Fishing vessels operations
will be obstructed by the vessels transporting the superstructures
|
Subject to results
of water quality impact assessment
|
|
Loss of Fisheries Resources/Production
|
No
|
Constitutes a
small proportion of total fisheries production in Hong Kong
|
The potential
impacts would be temporary and negligible with good site practices and
mitigation measures in place.
|
|
Destruction and Disturbance of Nursery and Spawning
Grounds
|
No
|
No recognised spawning
or nursery grounds within the assessment area. Thus, no destruction or
disturbance of areas of fisheries importance is expected due to the project
works. Spawning and nursery grounds in Southern Hong Kong are far away (>5
km away) to be affected.
|
No recognised
spawning or nursery grounds within the assessment area. Thus, no destruction
or disturbance of areas of fisheries importance is expected due to the
project works. Spawning and nursery grounds in Southern Hong Kong are far
away (>5 km away) to be affected.
|
|
Impact
on Fishing Activity
|
No
|
Moderately-low
number (50 – 100 vessels) of fishing vessels, mostly consisting of sampans,
will be affected.
|
Impacts to fishing
activities in the area due to indirect disturbance of water quality are expected
to be localised and temporary. Impact to fish with wide distribution range is
insignificant.
|
|
Impact
on Aquaculture Activity
|
No
|
There is no FCZ
within the assessment area. Within the Western Buffer and Southern WCZs, there are the Cheung Sha Wan FCZ (>16 km away), Sok Kwu Wan FCZ (>5 km away),
Lok Tik Wan FCZ and its associated ARs (>4 km away) and Po Toi FCZ (>11
km away). However, since they are far away from the proposed Project no
impact on culture fisheries activity is identified.
|
There is no FCZ
within the assessment area. Within the Western Buffer and Southern WCZs, there are the Cheung Sha Wan FCZ (>16 km away), Sok Kwu Wan FCZ (>5 km away),
Lok Tik Wan FCZ and its associated ARs (>4 km away) and Po Toi FCZ (>11
km away). However, since they are far away from the proposed Project no
impact on culture fisheries activity is identified.
|
Direct Loss of Fishing Grounds
There will be no direct impacts to fisheries
resources during the operation phase as there is no reclamation works. No
direct impact on fisheries resources is expected to results from the operation
of the Project.
Direct Impact of Disturbance to Fishing Operations
As there is expected to be no vessel to the Project
area during the operation phase, there would not be any notable changes to the
marine traffic vessel numbers or patterns in the area as a result of the
implementation of the project. As such, impacts to fishing operations are
expected to be negligible.
Indirect Impact of Change of Hydrology and Tidal Flow
As no reclamation is proposed in this Project,
the implementation of the Project would not induce any changes to the hydrology
and tidal flow of marine waters. Therefore, there will be no implications on
fisheries resources and fisheries operations.
Indirect Impact of Deterioration of Marine Water Quality
During
the operation phase, change in marine water quality may arise due to sewage
from staff and visitors, discharge of used pool water, discharge of spent
cooling water, discharge from flamingo pond and sea turtle exhibit, overflow
from the new sewage sump pit, runoff from road surfaces and runoff from on-site
planting area. However, with mitigation measures in place to control the
sewages and runoffs from the Project area, it is anticipated that the impacts
to fisheries activities will be reduced to negligible. As part of the new
facilities, potable water will be used in the chiller system. Spent cooling
water will be at a temperature of 38°C and contain residual chlorine at a
concentration of 5 mg/L, and a continuous release of 1.6 L/s of spent cooling
water will be generated during the park opening hours (0900 to 2300) according
to the scheme design. Spent cooling water generated will be reused fully on
site for flushing purposes, and there will be no direct discharge of spent
cooling water. Used pool water will be discharged seasonally to the storm
drains and into the marine environment via storm outfalls, but as detailed in Chapter
6 Water Quality the residual chlorine level is in compliance with the
TM-DSS, impact on water quality due to residual chlorine discharge is
anticipated to be minimal. Subsequently the effect on fisheries is expected to
be insignificant.
The location of several fisheries sensitive
receivers within the Western Buffer and Southern WCZs (including Cheung Sha Wan
FCZ (>16 km away), Sok Kwu Wan FCZ (>5 km away), Lok Tik Wan FCZ and its
associated ARs (>4 km away), Po Toi FCZ (> 11 km away), important nursery
and spawning grounds for commercial species in Southern Hong Kong (>5km
away) are far away from the proposed Project, and hence impacts from the
sewages and runoffs are expected to be negligible. No fisheries-specific mitigation
measures are thus required.
From the information presented above, no
significant impacts on the fisheries resources within the assessment area will
be expected during the operation phase. An evaluation of the impact in
accordance with Annex 9 of the EIAO-TM is presented in Table
11.2
for the operation phase.
Table 11.2: Evaluation of Potential Fisheries Impacts
during Operation Phase
|
Parameter
|
Disturbance Impact due to
Deterioration of Marine Water Quality
|
|
Nature of Impact
|
No direct impact
and no indirect impact will occur to fisheries resources within the assessment
area.
|
|
Size of Affected Area
|
Negligible impacts
to fisheries will be expected as there is no reclamation and occupation of
sea area, and when the water quality mitigation measures are implemented
during the operation phase.
|
|
Loss of Fisheries Resources/Production
|
Loss of fisheries
resources and production will be negligible.
|
|
Destruction and Disturbance of Nursery and Spawning
Grounds
|
No recognised
spawning or nursery grounds within the assessment area. Thus, no destruction or
disturbance of areas of fisheries importance is expected. Spawning and
nursery grounds in Southern Hong Kong are far away (>5 km away) to be
affected.
|
|
Impact on Fishing Activity
|
No operational
impact is predicted.
|
|
Impact on Aquaculture Activity
|
Within the Western
Buffer and Southern WCZs,
there are the Cheung Sha Wan FCZ (>16 km away),
Sok Kwu Wan FCZ (>5 km away), Lok Tik Wan FCZ and its associated ARs
(>4 km away) and Po Toi FCZ (>11km away). However, since they are far
away from the proposed Project no operational impact on culture fisheries
activity is identified.
|
Concurrent projects
may include hotel development within the study area of this Project. No information is available for the construction
timetable of this development. It is anticipated
that the proposed hotel development would be land-based. With
good site practices and mitigation measures in place, no fisheries cumulative
impact is anticipated.
Following the
EIAO-TM Annex 17, mitigation measures will be implemented in the order of
avoidance, minimisation and compensation for identified fisheries impacts.
Impacts to fisheries
resources and fishing operations have been largely avoided during the construction
and operation phases through the avoidance of marine works such as reclamation,
dredging or seawall construction. Mitigation measures recommended in the water
quality impact assessment (Chapter 6) for minimising water
quality impacts will also minimise any adverse environmental impacts to
fisheries. For the construction phase, mitigation measures recommended include
constructing cut-off drains with internal drainage works and sedimentation
control facilities, provision of sand/silt removal facilities for construction
site runoff, discharge water from foundation excavations into storm drains,
cover open stockpiles of construction materials or construction wastes on-site,
and adequately cover and temporarily seal manholes, and minimising excavation
works during the wet season. For the operation phase, mitigation measures
include discharging sewage effluent from staff and visitors to the APTW via a
new sewer connection, and the design of an overflow connection pipe to the
existing Sham Wan Road sewers to avoid any emergency discharge. Therefore, no
fisheries-specific mitigation measures are required during the proposed
Project.
No adverse
significant residual impact due to the proposed Project is expected after the
implementation of the mitigation measures to control water quality impacts.
11.9 Conclusion
Review of existing
information on commercial fisheries resources and fishing operations within the
study area shows that the importance of capture fisheries resources in the
study area is moderately-low in terms of overall fishing operations, and
moderate in terms of fisheries production (both weight and value). Fish fry
production is absent from the assessment area and no fish culture zones,
artificial reefs, important spawning areas or nursery grounds for commercial
species are present.
During the
construction phase, disturbance to fisheries may arise from vessel activities
associated with transportation of superstructures, and indirect impact of water
quality change associated with land-based construction works. However the
impact on fisheries resources/production and fishing activity is predicted to
be temporary and insignificant. During the operation phase, change in water
quality may also occur due to discharge of sewage and runoffs. However, only
negligible impact to fisheries resources/production is expected.
Furthermore, with
good site practices and mitigation measures in place, it is expected that there
would be no significant impacts to fisheries and no fisheries-specific
mitigation measures are required given that the water quality mitigation
measures are implemented properly.
11.10 References
AFCD, 2013a. Fisheries: Capture
Fisheries. Port Survey 2005/2006 Website: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_latest/fish_cap_latest.html
(Information retrieved on 17 October 2013).
AFCD, 2013b. Hong Kong Artificial Reef Project Website:
http://www.artificial-reef.net/English/main.htm
(Information retrieved on 18
October 2013).
AFCD, 2013c. Designated Marine Parks and Marine Reserve –
Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve Website: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_des/cou_vis_mar_des_cap.html
(Information retrieved on 18 October 2013).
AFCD, 2013d. Fisheries: Aquaculture Website. http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_aqu/fish_aqu_mpo/fish_aqu_mpo.html
(Information retrieved on 18 October 2013).
EPD, 2012. Marine Water Quality in Hong Kong in 2011. Hong Kong SAR Government.
ERM, 1998. Fisheries Resources and
Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters – Final Report for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department.