14. Fisheries Impact

14.2 Relevant Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

14.2.1.1 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);

¡ Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476);

¡ Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM);

¡ Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) Cap. 358.

14.2.1.2 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 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.

14.2.1.3 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.

14.2.1.4 Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476) – The Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP) was designated on 26 November 1996 under the Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476). Fishing activities in SCLKCMP are controlled and regulated through a permit system. Only fishermen holding valid marine parks fishing permits issued by AFCD can conduct permitted fishing activities in SCLKCMP.

14.2.1.5 Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) – The technical memorandum is issued under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (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.

14.2.1.6 Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) (Cap. 358) – provides the 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 10 Water Control Zones (WCZs). Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) were established to protect the beneficial uses of water quality in WCZs and specific WQOs are applied to each WCZ. The WQOs that are relevant to this study are listed in Tables 8.1 to Table 8.4 of this EIA. The prediction of impacts on fisheries has taken into consideration the water quality impacts that may arise from the construction and operation of the project.

14.3 Methodology for Baseline Establishment

14.3.3 Literature Review

14.3.3.1 A desktop literature review has been carried out to establish the baseline conditions of the physical environment, to identify information gaps and to determine if fisheries surveys are required to ascertain fisheries information for subsequent impact assessment. Literature, including published scientific studies and approved EIAs for projects in the vicinity of the study area, have been reviewed. Locations of previous studies which deployed fisheries surveys are shown in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-002.

14.3.3.2 The proposed land formation works and the future operation of the project may affect the fisheries resources and fishing operations within the project footprint and adjacent waters. Appendix 14.1 summarises the fisheries resources and activities within the study area and are based on the literature review of the Port Surveys, other fisheries related reports from AFCD and approved EIAs. It should be noted that information from the literature review referred to the situation at the time of the referenced studies. The need for verification and updated fisheries surveys has been examined to gather adequate information for subsequent fisheries impact prediction and evaluation, formulation of proposed mitigation measures and monitoring requirements according to the EIAO-TM Annex 17. Details of literature review are presented in Appendix 14.1.

14.3.5 Identification of Information Gap

14.3.5.1 The objective of the fisheries impact assessment is to facilitate an objective prediction and evaluation of potential fisheries impacts through the provision of sufficient and accurate data. Desktop studies have generated a relatively comprehensive picture of fisheries resources in the study area. However, fisheries resources data within the proposed land formation footprint and HKIAAA were found to be lacking, as HKIAAA is a marine exclusion zone which has been closed to fishing vessels since the airport opened in 1998. Changes in fishing operations and potential recovery of fisheries resources can also be expected on account of the implementation of trawling ban by the HKSAR Government from 31 December 2012. As a result updated fisheries data were required to be collected to permit a robust impact assessment to be undertaken. In particular focus shall be given to the project footprint where there is direct impact, and adjacent areas including the Brothers, SCLKCMP, northern and western Chek Lap Kok waters which may be impacted by the proposed project (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-001).

14.3.5.2 Most of the data on nursery and spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources in the study area come from an ERM study in 1998. Recent project developments in the area (such as the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)) may result in changes in the spawning ground conditions. The Port Survey in 2006 does not contain detailed information on the commercial fish fry distribution in the study area. Therefore, updated information on the fish fry of commercial species, especially during the peak spawning season for majority of commercial fisheries between May and August that may be found in the study area was also considered to be required.

14.3.5.3 In previous approved EIA reports the fisheries impact assessments were mostly based on the Port Survey findings from AFCD. The latest review of fishing operations in the study area is the Port Survey in 2006, and no updated information is available covering the period after the 31 December 2012 trawl ban came into effect.

14.3.5.4 No information regarding fisheries resources at the ARs at SCLKCMP is available in the AFCD annual Hong Kong Reef Check or in other approved EIA covering a similar study area. The monitoring programme commissioned by AFCD to conduct gill net and hand line surveys at the AR site only lasted until 2006 and no updated data are available. Fisheries data around the ARs deployed in SCLKCMP were identified as an information gap under this EIA.

14.3.6 Fisheries Survey Methodology

14.3.6.1 In order to fill the identified information gaps and to collect sufficient baseline information for the impact assessment, the following fisheries surveys have been undertaken within the North Western WCZ, and the details of survey schedule are provided in Appendix 14.3:

¡ Fish trawl surveys to cover demersal fisheries resources;

¡ Purse-seine surveys to cover pelagic fisheries resources;

¡ Gill net surveys and hand lining surveys to cover other fisheries resources within the water column;

¡ Underwater visual counts around the ARs deployed at SCLKCMP to review the existing status of the ARs in terms of value of habitat provision for commercial fisheries;

¡ Ichthyoplankton and fish post-larvae survey to assess the abundance, composition and diversity of ichthyoplankton and fish post-larvae in the northern Lantau waters and thus determine if the survey areas are important for commercial fisheries resources; and

¡ Fisheries and aquaculture interview surveys to supplement other fisheries survey findings.

Fish Trawl Survey

14.3.6.2 Fish trawl surveys have been undertaken to collect baseline information on demersal fisheries resources within the proposed land formation footprint and adjacent waters. The survey transects covered the proposed land formation area within and outside HKIAAA and the immediately adjacent area (F1A, F1B, F2A, F2B, F3A and F3B), the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters identified in previous studies (F5A, F5B, F6A and F6B) and the waters to the west of the existing HKIA (F4A and F4B). The transect routes for the fish trawl surveys are shown in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-007.

14.3.6.3 A total of three daytime and three night time surveys were conducted for both the dry and wet seasons. One daytime and one night time survey were completed for the dry season in between November and December 2012, while another two daytime and two night time surveys were conducted in November 2013. Three daytime and three night time surveys were completed for the wet season between May and August 2013. Details of fish trawl survey are presented in Appendix 14.2.

Purse Seine Survey

14.3.6.4 Purse seine surveys have been conducted at 10 monitoring stations to collect baseline information on pelagic fisheries resources, and included areas where trawling is not permitted (e.g. in Marine Park), or with unsuitable bottom conditions such as rocky substrates (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-008). The survey area included the proposed land formation footprint within HKIAAA (P3A and P3B), the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters (P5A, P5B), SCLKCMP where fish trawls have been prohibited since gazettal of the marine park (P2A and P2B), the planned Brothers Marine Park (BMP) where the water is relatively shallow (P1A and P1B) and the waters to the west of HKIA (P4A and P4B).

14.3.6.5 Purse seine surveys have been conducted twice in daytime for the dry season in both March and November 2013, and four times in daytime for the wet season between May and August 2013. Night time purse seine surveys in northwestern waters are not feasible, as this survey has to be conducted with the aid of bright lighting to attract fish, which is prohibited in this area according to relevant shipping laws (Cap.548 Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation). Details of purse seine survey are presented in Appendix 14.2.

Gill Net Survey

14.3.6.6 Gill net surveys have been conducted at 10 monitoring stations in addition to fish trawl survey and purse seine survey to obtain a more complete inventory of the species composition (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-008). The survey stations are similar to the purse seine survey but a bit closer to the coast in order to collect fisheries resources that inhabit in shallower waters.

14.3.6.7 Gill net surveys were conducted twice in the daytime for the dry season in both March and November 2013, and four times during the daytime for the wet season between May and September 2013. Night surveys for gill netting were not proposed on account of safety as it is not practical to deploy and collect the gill nets during night time, as well as the fact that the duration for gill net deployment would be difficult to standardise at night time. Gill net stations P3A, P3B, P5A and P5B were not surveyed on 28 March 2013 due to high current speed and the supplementary surveys were conducted in 09 November 2013. Details of Gill Net Survey are presented in Appendix 14.2.

Hand Line Survey

14.3.6.8 Hand lining was used after the deployment of gill nets in parallel with the gill net survey. This is the common practice adopted by those fishermen who use gill nets. Hand line surveys have been conducted at five monitoring stations (H1, H2, H3, H4 and H5) to add to the species inventory obtained from fish trawl surveys, purse seine surveys and gill net surveys (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-008). The survey stations were similar to the purse seine surveys but a little closer to the coast to allow data to be collected to reflect those fisheries resources that inhabit shallower waters. The survey area included the proposed land formation footprint within HKIAAA (H3), the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters (H5), SCLKCMP where fish trawls have been prohibited since gazettal of the marine park (H2), the planned BMP where the water is relatively shallow (H1) and the waters to the west of HKIA (H4). Hand lining surveys were conducted twice during the daytime in both March and November 2013, and four times during the daytime for the wet season between May and September 2013. Details of hand line survey are presented in Appendix 14.2.

Artificial Reef Survey

14.3.6.9 The baseline conditions at the ARs located within the study area were reviewed using published information from AFCD. Two preliminary dive surveys were conducted on 11 July and 8 November 2013 at the artificial reefs of SCLKCMP to review the status of the ARs as well as the suitability of carrying out further underwater visual count surveys. Initial findings indicated that the waters around the artificial reefs were similar to other parts of the western Hong Kong waters, i.e. turbid and with low visibility of less than 1 m on both days of the site visit. Secchi disc measurements were also made on 5 and 6 November, 2013 to review the underwater visibility and suitability of conducting underwater visual count. The locations of the fisheries surveys in the vicinity of the artificial reefs are shown in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-008.

14.3.6.10 Dive surveys within the artificial reefs which are located within the northeast of the Chek Lap Kok waters, i.e. within the existing HKIAAA, were not undertaken as diving conditions were assessed to be unsafe. Details are presented in Appendix 14.2.

Ichthyoplankton and Fish Post-larvae Survey

14.3.6.11 The objective of this survey is to assess the abundance, composition and diversity of ichthyoplankton and fish post-larvae in northern Lantau waters, and also determine if the survey areas are important for commercial fisheries resources.

14.3.6.12 The ichthyoplankton survey is required to determine the abundance and species composition of fish larval assemblages. At this stage, the fish are in their planktonic phase and float freely with the water currents.

14.3.6.13 The fish post – larval survey is intended to determine the abundance and species composition of the fish post settlement. During this stage, the fish have attained a relatively larger size and are capable of swimming against currents, or have adopted to staying above sea bottom most of the time.

14.3.6.14 Surveys of ichthyoplankton and fish post-larvae were conducted four times during the spawning season between May and August 2013. According to the findings of ERM (1998), higher number of reproductive fish individuals could be found in the study area (The Brothers, Lung Kwu Chau and Deep Bay) during March to April, May to August and December to January. Three monitoring stations were located within the land formation footprint (L4, L5 and L6), three stations were located at the planned Marine Park at the Brothers (L1, L2 and L3), three stations at the waters to the west of the existing HKIA (L13, L14 and L15), three stations at the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources (L10, L11 and L12) and three stations in SCLKCMP (L7, L8 and L9). The survey locations are shown in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-009. Details of survey methodology are presented in Appendix 14.2.

Fisheries Interview Survey

14.3.6.15 In addition to the desktop review of relevant literature on culture and capture fisheries and the programme of fisheries surveys, interviews with fishermen were conducted between January and November 2013 to supplement all obtained information. Eleven homeports that are likely to have vessels operating in the study area were visited, including Castle Peak Bay, Tung Chung / Sha Lo Wan, Ma Wan / Tsing Lung Tau / Yam O, Tsuen Wan, Tai O, San Pui / Lau Fau Shan and Aberdeen. Five extra homeports outside of the study area, namely, Cheung Chau, Yung Shue Wan / Sok Kwu Wan, Peng Chau and Silver Mine Bay were also visited (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-001).

14.3.6.16 A survey questionnaire was developed for interviewing fishermen, in order to acquire information on fishing vessel types and numbers deployed by fishermen for fishing operation, to help determine locations where capture fisheries occur, fishing time in various locations, major species of adult fish catches, etc. The template for the fisheries survey questionnaire is shown in Annex A of Appendix 14.2.

14.3.6.17 The interviews with fishermen for this project were conducted with reference to the numbers of interviews conducted in the Port Survey 2006. However, the actual number of interviewees was dependent on availability and willingness to be part of the interview process.

14.3.6.18 Since the trawl ban effected from 31 December 2012, fishermen using trawlers have moved to outside Hong Kong, while some of the trawlers have transformed their operation to purse seining, gill netting and hand lining. For the survey conducted right after the trawl ban in Hong Kong, the survey results may not directly reflect the impact of the trawl ban on the fishermen. The dominant catches reported by the fishermen were verified with the information collected from fisheries surveys.

Aquaculture Interview Survey

14.3.6.19 Site visit and interview with aquaculture farmers were conducted between August and September 2013. Aquaculture activities within the study area include Ma Wan Marine FCZ and oyster production area in Deep Bay. Information relating to aquaculture activities was acquired from aquaculture representatives and fish or oyster farmers during the site visits to these culture zones.

14.4 Fisheries Baseline Conditions

14.4.1 General

14.4.1.1 The fisheries baseline condition is developed based on literature review which includes surveys and studies of projects in the vicinity of the study area, and fisheries surveys of this study as described in Section 14.3.6.1. Literature review is mostly based on the Port Survey, which is a comprehensive fisheries study conducted by AFCD. The Port Survey consists of an interview programme with 1,505 interviews conducted. About 36% of the local fishing fleet which accounted for all homeports (i.e. places at which local fishing vessels are based) and vessel types was interviewed. During the interviews, particulars (e.g. vessel length, type and its homeport) of the fishing vessels were recorded and information about their fishing operations and fisheries production in Hong Kong waters were collected. The results of Port Survey 2006 including production, number of vessels and catch value were presented by a uniform grid on a map of Hong Kong’s waters. Other literature review data are obtained from surveys and studies of projects in the vicinity of the study area, including latest status of capture fisheries and aquaculture in Hong Kong on the AFCD website (AFCD, 2014) and Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters report commissioned by AFCD (ERM, 1998).

14.4.1.2 Less trawlers were sampled in the present fisheries interview survey for various reasons, e.g. spending more time operating outside Hong Kong waters, switching to other non-trawl operations or retired from the industry. It was further reviewed that by excluding the trawlers from the interview survey, the dominant vessel type was sampan (comprising approximate 73.1%), with purse seiner approximate 5.8%, gill netter approximate 5.5 % and long liner/ hand liner/ miscellaneous vessel approximate 15.6%. The findings were considered consistent with the Port Survey 2006 vessel type composition, with the dominant vessel type as sampan (comprising approximate 71.3% of total vessels excluding trawlers), purse seiner approximate 4.7%, gill netter approximate 9.9%, and long liner /hand liner /miscellaneous vessel approximate 14.1%.

14.4.1.3 In brief, the fisheries interview survey findings conducted in 2013 suggested that the information presented in Port Survey 2006 is still applicable. The interview surveys conducted in 2013 only focused in western Hong Kong waters, while the AFCD Port Survey 2006 provides a more comprehensive analysis that covered all homeports in Hong Kong. The following fisheries impact assessment will be conducted based on the updated fisheries interview survey in 2013 and the fisheries surveys conducted between 2012 and 2013 for the 3RS project, with reference to the Port Survey 2006 findings.

14.4.2 Physical Environment

14.4.2.1 The study area for fisheries impact assessment covers four WCZs, which is the same as the study area for marine water quality. The Project Site is located in northern Lantau waters, within the western estuarine zone of Hong Kong waters. The North Western WCZ is influenced by the discharges from Pearl River, especially in the wet season. The influence of freshwater from Pearl River can greatly reduce the surface salinities to the west of Hong Kong to as little as 1-2 psu (Morton & Morton 1983). Northern Lantau waters have a predominantly sandy substrate due to the heavily influenced by the Pearl River. Therefore, the water in North Western WCZ is low in salinity and sediment laden. In addition, the seabed off northern Lantau is shallow, with usually less than -20 m CD. Details of the baseline water quality and sediment quality of the study area are presented in Section 8.3.3 and Sections 10.4.1 of this EIA respectively.

14.4.3 Capture Fisheries

Overview

14.4.3.1 Detailed data on recent HKSAR capture fisheries in the study area were taken from AFCD website (AFCD, 2014), results of Port Survey 2006 (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-003 to Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-006) conducted by AFCD, and Environmental Monitoring and Audit data from Contaminated Mud Pits (CMP EM&A) project (CEDD, 2013a; CEDD, 2013b). Details of the capture fisheries are provided in Appendix 14.1, Appendix 14.3 and Appendix 14.4.

14.4.3.2 The estimated fisheries production in Hong Kong in 2013 was 170,129 tonnes with the value estimated at about HK$2,338 million (AFCD, 2014). Within HKSAR waters, the highest yields for local fisheries were concentrated at eastern and southern waters, especially at Tap Mun, Ninepin Group and Po Toi (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-003), while the western waters were comparatively less productive.

14.4.3.3 Within the study area, the level of overall fishing operations varied in different places, ranging from very low to moderate (approx. 1-400 vessels) (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-006). There was no reported fish fry fisheries production from the fishermen (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-004). SCLKCMP is the only place with reported high adult fish production in terms of weight (400 – 600 kg/ha) (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-003).

14.4.3.4 Northern Lantau waters had been identified as spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources such as Leiognathus brevirostris (shortnose ponyfish), Lateolabrax japonicus (Japanese seabass), Konosirus punctatus (dotted gizzard shad), Solenocera crassicornis (coastal mud shrimp), Metapenaeus affinis (jinga shrimp) and Oratosquilla oratoria (mantis shrimp), based on a scientific study which conducted fisheries surveys (ERM, 1998). The highest number of reproductive individuals was observed during May to August, while other months with increased spawning activities included March to April, and December to January (ERM, 1998). In the same scientific study, the study area was not recognised as important nursery ground for juvenile fish, crustaceans or molluscs (ERM, 1998). Places with high fisheries production in terms of value included waters around SCLKCMP, and western Lantau waters off Tai O (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-005).

14.4.3.5 Although the study area covers the North Western Water Control Zone (WCZ), North Western Supplementary WCZ, Deep Bay WCZ and Western Buffer WCZ, it is anticipated that the focal area for capture fisheries issues would be the land formation footprint itself located at the north of existing airport island, and adjacent areas in the Brothers, Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP), western and northern Chek Lap Kok waters which may be impacted by the proposed project. Therefore these five areas will be discussed in detail.

Northern Chek Lap Kok waters

14.4.3.6 For fisheries surveys of this study, trawling, purse seine, gill net and hand line surveys were conducted in northern Chek Lap Kok waters. Except for the high yield recorded by hand line survey during the wet season, most of the surveys were generally recorded a moderate yield. Thryssa kammalensis, Sardinella albella, Temnopleurus toreumaticus, Leiognathus brevirostris and Alepes djedaba were the top five abundant species recorded, while Thryssa kammalensis, Sardinella albella, Nematalosa nasus, Rhizoprionodon acutus and Temnopleurus toreumaticus were the dominant species recorded in terms of yield. All these species are of no or low commercial values. From the CMP surveys (Appendix 14.1), catches were also dominated by species of low or no commercial value (e.g. Turritella terebra, Charybdis spp.) in terms of both abundance and yield (CEDD, 2013a; CEDD, 2013b). This supports the fisheries survey findings of this study. From Port Survey 2006, the overall fisheries production was moderately low to moderate in terms of weight (100 - 400 kg/ha/year) and moderate to high in terms of value (AFCD, 2006). Of the top ten families of fisheries production in the Port Survey 2006, sardine, anchory, shrimp and croaker were recorded with moderate-low production (10-20 kg/ha). In summary, moderately low to high yield were observed in this area with dominant species of no to low commercial values. Therefore, the level of fisheries resources is considered as moderate in the northern Chek Lap Kok water.

14.4.3.7 From the fisheries interview survey of this study, a moderate number of vessels (approx. 110 vessels) were recorded frequently operated around northern Chek Lap Kok waters (Appendix 14.4). Based on the Port Survey 2006, the overall level of fishing operation in the northern Chek Lap Kok waters was in the range of moderately low to moderate (approx. 50-400 vessels). Therefore, a conservative estimation of the number of vessels operating frequently around the northern Chek Lap Kok waters for each year is around 110 – 400.

14.4.3.8 The northern Chek Lap Kok waters lies within the identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern waters (ERM, 1998). However, from the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae surveys conducted for the 3RS project, it was shown that the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae densities (1.16 ± 1.37 larvae m^-3) and family richness (6.50 ± 2.92) were low and mostly consisted of families of low commercial values.

Western Chek Lap Kok waters

14.4.3.9 For fisheries surveys of this study, trawling, purse seine, gill net and hand line surveys were conducted in western Chek Lap Kok waters and moderate yield was recorded in most of the surveys. Most of the dominant species are of no or low commercial values. Sardinella albella, Thryssa kammalensis, Ilisha elongata, Konosirus punctatus and Thryssa hamiltonii were the top five abundant species recorded, while Thryssa kammalensis, Sardinella albella, Alepes djedaba, Thryssa hamiltonii and Leiognathus brevirostris were the dominant species recorded in terms of yield. Most of the dominant species are of no or low commercial values, except for Illisha elongata which is of medium commercial value (Appendix 14.3). From the CMP surveys (CEDD, 2013a; CEDD, 2013b), catches were dominated by species of no or low commercial values (e.g. Turritella terebra, Anadara ferruginea and Charybdis spp.) in terms of abundance and yield (Appendix 14.1). This supports the fisheries survey findings of this study. From Port Survey 2006, the overall fisheries production in western Chek Lap Kok waters was moderately low in terms of weight (100 - 200 kg/ha/year) and moderately low to moderate in terms of value (AFCD, 2006). Among the top ten families of fisheries production recorded in Port Survey 2006, shrimp and croaker were recorded with moderate-low production, while others were recorded with low production. In summary, moderately low to moderate yield were observed in the western Chek Lap Kok waters, with dominant species of no to medium commercial values. Overall, the level of fisheries resources is considered as moderate in the western Chek Lap Kok waters.

14.4.3.10 From the fisheries interview survey of this study, the survey findings indicated that a low number of vessels (Approx. 30) frequently operate around the western Chek Lap Kok waters (Appendix 14.4). Based on Port Survey 2006, the overall level of fishing operation was moderately low (approx. 50-100 vessels). Therefore, a conservative estimation of the number of vessels operating frequently around the western Chek Lap Kok waters for each year is around 50 - 100.

14.4.3.11 Western Chek Lap Kok waters lies outside the identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in the northern Lantau waters (ERM, 1998). From the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae surveys of this study, ichthyoplankton and post-larvae densities (1.00 ± 0.95 larvae m^-3) and family richness (7.04 ± 2.42) were also shown to be low and mostly consisted of families of low commercial values.

SCLKCMP

14.4.3.12 For the fisheries survey of this study, purse seine, gill net and hand line surveys were conducted in SCLKCMP. Trawl survey was not conducted for minimising the disturbance to seabed within the marine park. High yield was recorded in both purse seine survey (during both wet and dry seasons) and gill net survey (during dry season). Species caught with high abundance (Nematalosa nasus, Sardinella albella, Valamugil cunnesius, Ilisha elongata and Pampus argenteus) and yield (Nematalosa nasus, Sardinella albella, Collichthys lucidus, Valamugil cunnesius and Leiognathus brevirostris) are of medium to high commercial value (Appendix 14.3). However from CMP surveys (CEDD, 2013a; CEDD, 2013b), there was a high portion of species with low or no commercial value (e.g. Turritella terebra, Charybdis spp.) recorded (Appendix 14.1). From Port Survey 2006, captured species with moderate levels of production in this area included shrimp and croaker (AFCD, 2006). The overall fisheries production in terms of weight was moderate (200 - 400 kg/ha/year) and in terms of value was moderate to high (AFCD, 2006). For the top ten families of fisheries production in Port Survey 2006, shrimp and croaker were recorded with moderate production (20-40 kg/ha) while rabbit fish, crab, mullet, sardine and anchovy are of moderate-low production (10-20 kg/ha). Others species were recorded with low production. In summary, moderate to high yield were observed in this area with dominant species of no to high commercial values. Therefore, SCLKCMP is considered with moderate to high level of fisheries resources.

14.4.3.13 From the fisheries interview survey findings, a low number of vessel (Approx. 20 vessels) was recorded frequently operated within and around SCLKCMP (Appendix 14.4). Based on Port Survey 2006, the overall level of fishing operation was moderate (approx. 100-400 vessels) around SCLKCMP. Therefore, a conservative estimation of the number of vessels operating frequently within SCLKCMP each year is around 100 - 400.

14.4.3.14 SCLKCMP lies within the identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters (ERM, 1998). However, from ichthyoplankton and post-larvae surveys for this study, it was shown that the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae densities (1.13 ± 1.98 larvae m^-3) and family richness (6.79 ± 3.34) were low, and mostly consisted of families of low commercial values.

The Brothers

14.4.3.15 The Brothers are recognised as a planned Marine Park. The discussion on designating the BMP originated from a recommendation to designate a marine park for dolphin protection in order to mitigate the cumulative ecological impacts on the CWD as a result of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge (HZMB), Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF), Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) and Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) Projects. High yield was recorded in both gill net survey (during wet season) and hand line survey (during dry season). Trawl survey was not conducted for minimising the disturbance to seabed. Most of the dominant species recorded in terms of abundance (Thryssa kammalensis, Sardinella albella, Alepes djedaba, Sebastiscus marmoratus and Temnopleurus toreumaticus) and yield (Sardinella albella, Thryssa kammalensis, Konosirus punctatus, Sebastiscus marmoratus and Siganus canaliculatus.) are with low or no commercial value (Appendix 14.3), except for Sebastiscus marmoratus, which is of high commercial value. From Port Survey 2006, capture species reportedly with moderate to very high levels of production in this area included scad, shrimp and croaker (AFCD, 2006). The overall fisheries production in terms of weight was moderate (200 - 400 kg/ha/year) and in terms of value was moderate to high (AFCD, 2006). For the top ten families of fisheries production recorded in Port Survey 2006, scad and shrimp were recorded with moderate production, while rabbitfish, squid, crab, mullet, anchovy and sardine were recorded with moderate-low production. Other species were recorded with low production. In summary, low to high yield were observed in this area with dominant species of no to high commercial values. Therefore, the waters around the planned BMP are considered with moderate to high level of fisheries resources.

14.4.3.16 From the fisheries interview survey of this EIA, a moderate number of vessels (Approx. 100 vessels) were recorded frequently operated around the Brothers, Nevertheless, many fishermen indicated that since the commencement of construction of HKBCF in March 2012, they have shifted their major fishing ground from northern Lantau Island (The Brothers and Yan O) to southern Lantau Island (Peng Chau) and western Lantau Island (Tai O), as a result of their perceived changes in water quality and current (Appendix 14.4). From Port Survey 2006, the overall level of fishing operations around the Brothers was considered to be moderate (approx. 100-400 vessels), which is consistent with the fisheries interview survey findings of this EIA. Therefore, a conservative estimation of the number of vessels frequently operating within the waters of the planned BMP each year is around 100 - 400.

14.4.3.17 The Brothers lies within the identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters (ERM, 1998). However, from ichthyoplankton and post-larvae surveys for this study, it was shown that the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae densities (8.66 ± 24.80 larvae m^-3) and family richness (3.54 ± 1.56) were low and mostly consisted of families of low commercial values.

Project Footprint

14.4.3.18 For fisheries survey of this study, trawl, purse seine, gill net and hand line surveys were conducted within the proposed land formation footprint. Most of the dominant species recorded in terms of abundance and yield are with low or no commercial value. The top three dominant species recorded within the footprint in terms of abundance and yield were Temnopleurus toreumaticus (sea urchin) and Siphonosoma sp., which are non-commercial species, and Turritella terebra (sea snail), which is of low commercial value. Although high yield was recorded in trawl survey during both wet and dry season, a large portion of species caught are of low or no commercial value. Apart from trawl survey, most of the dominant species recorded in terms of abundance (Konosirus punctatus, Sardinella albella, Thryssa kammalensis, Temnopleurus toreumaticus and Thryssa hamiltonii) and yield (Konosirus punctatus, Sardinella albella, Nematalosa nasus, Rhizoprionodon acutus and Drepane punctata) are also of low commercial value, except for Drepane punctata which is of medium commercial value (Appendix 14.3). According to the Port Survey 2006, the overall fisheries production in terms of weight was moderately low (100 – 200 kg/ha/year) and in terms of value was moderately low to moderate (AFCD 2006). Among the top ten families of fisheries production in Port Survey 2006, shrimp and croaker were recorded with moderate-low production, others were recorded with low production. In summary, moderately low to high yield were observed in this area, with dominant species of no to medium commercial value. In view that the high yield was recorded by trawl surveys with a large proportion of non-commercial species, the level of fisheries resources in project footprint is considered as low to moderate.

14.4.3.19 From the fisheries interview survey of this EIA, a moderate number of vessels of 150 frequently operated within the project footprint were recorded. According to the Port Survey 2006, the level of overall fishing operations was moderately low to moderate (approx. 50-400 vessels/year) within the proposed land formation footprint. However, the numbers of each type of vessel recorded were very low (around 0 – 50 vessels) (Appendix 14.1). Therefore, a conservative approach will be adopted for the impact assessment i.e. the use of the range of 150-400 vessels operating frequently within the project footprint for each year will be adopted.

14.4.3.20 The northeastern corner of the project footprint overlaps with the identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources within the northern Lantau waters (ERM, 1998). However, from ichthyoplankton and post-larvae surveys for this study, it was shown that the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae densities (6.42 ± 9.33 larvae m^-3) and family richness (3.67 ± 2.24) were low, and mostly consisted of families of low commercial values.

14.4.4 Culture Fisheries

14.4.4.1 Marine fish culture is protected and regulated by the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353), which requires all marine fish culture activity to operate under licence in designated fish culture zones. Currently, there are 26 fish culture zones occupying a total sea area of 209 ha with some 987 licensed operators. In 2013, the production from local marine fish culture was 1,005 tonnes valued at $94 million, constituting 6% of the local demand for live marine fish (AFCD, 2014).

14.4.4.2 Oyster farming is another type of mariculture in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s oyster farming operations occur along the intertidal mudflat of Deep Bay only, in northwestern Hong Kong and within the Deep Bay WCZ. In 2013, the production was about 108 tonnes (meat only) valued at $9 million (AFCD, 2014).

14.4.4.3 From literature review and interview findings, no marine fish culture, pond fish culture or oyster culture exists within the project footprint. The only Fish Culture Zone (FCZ) in the study area at Ma Wan which is over 13 km away from the project footprint, while the oyster production area in Deep Bay is over 14 km away from the project footprint. Details of the culture fisheries within the study area are provided in Appendix 14.1 and Appendix 14.5.

14.4.5 Artificial Reef

14.4.5.1 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, 2013a). Artificial reefs are devices used for attracting and supporting large populations of fish, which provide complex, hard surface habitat in areas where only soft bottom seabed occurs (Wilson, 2003). Details of artificial reef (AR) deployment within the study area are provided in Appendix 14.1 and Appendix 14.3. ARs were deployed near the northeastern corner of airport island within Marine Exclusion Zone 3 and at SCLKCMP for the purposes of Chinese White Dolphin feeding station and enhancement of habitat quality and marine resources (AFCD, 2013a). There is no AR deployed within the project footprint.

14.4.5.2 Since the AR sites in the Chek Lap Kok waters are significantly affected by the construction of the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) as a result of potential suspended solids elevations that exceed the water quality objective at this AR would occur, they are not considered as sites of fisheries importance and will be excluded from the impact assessment. While it is in the HZMB-HKBCF EIA report (Arup, 2009a) that ARs would be provided as fishery enhancement measure, and part of them might be deployed in the planned BMP, details of the new ARs are not yet available at the time of the current EIA study and hence they will not be considered in the impact assessment also. The AR deployment sites at SCLKCMP are relatively far from the project footprint (over 3 km away). It has managed to attract species of high commercial value (Acanthopagrus latus, Acanthopagrus schlegeli, Eleutheronema tetradactylus, Argyrosomus japonicus, Terapon jarbua and Sparus sarba) and rocky/hard habitat species (Apogon fasciatus, Halichoeres dussumieri, Sebasticus marmoratus, Monacanthus chinensis and Epinephelus awoara) (Tsang et al., 2001), as shown by the AFCD monitoring programme between 2000 and 2006.

14.4.5.3 Two dive visits were conducted as described in Section 14.3.6.9. Due to the high turbidity and low observation range, quantitative surveys by underwater visual count was not feasible and only qualitative records were obtained from the two dive visits. Soft corals were observed in low density on the artificial reefs, with macroinvertebrates (e.g., unidentified crabs) and sessile fauna recorded as being attached to the artificial reefs. This indicated the artificial reefs do serve the function of providing hard substrates for the colonisation of benthic fisheries resources at the artificial reefs of SCLKCMP.

14.4.6 Review of the Information Gap

14.4.6.1 The fisheries survey findings have filled the information gap identified in section 14.3.5. The fisheries survey has provided baseline information in the proposed land formation footprint and HKIAAA area, which was identified to be lacking in previous study. The ichthyoplankton and fish post-larvae survey in this study provided updated information on the fish fry of commercial species in the study area. After the fisheries interview survey, it was found that the AFCD Port Survey data in 2006 are still valid. The fisheries impact assessment can therefore based on AFCD Port Survey data in 2006, with the fisheries interview survey as supplementary information.

14.4.7 Sites of Fisheries Importance Based on Literature Review and Fisheries Survey Findings

14.4.7.1 According to EIAO-TM Annex 17 Section 3.2.2, sites of fisheries importance include nursery and spawning grounds of commercial important species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine organisms, and seasonal occurrence of juvenile and spawning stocks in the study area. A literature review to provide the background information on culture and capture fisheries especially within the northern Lantau waters has been undertaken. Fisheries surveys were conducted to fill the information gap identified from the literature review. Based on the above literature review and fisheries survey findings, the following sites of fisheries importance were identified and shown in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-001:

¡ Spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters, which had been identified as site of fisheries importance in previous study for AFD (ERM, 1998), and which consist of spawning individuals of high commercial value (e.g. Lateolabrax japonicus, Metapenaeus affinis and Oratosquilla oratoria);

¡ SCLKCMP, which was identified as a site of rich fisheries resources and nursery grounds for the abundance of marine fish and shellfish species recorded by the AFCD (AFCD, 2013b);

¡ ARs at SCLKCMP, which were also considered as sites of fisheries importance in other approved EIA and these devices served to enhance the fisheries resources in the area. The proposed ARs at BMP is also considered as site of fisheries importance;

¡ Ma Wan Marine Fish Culture Zone (FCZ), which was the only FCZ in the study area and supports the aquaculture of commercial important fish species;

¡ Oyster production area at Deep Bay mudflat, which was the only location for Hong Kong’s oyster farming operations;

¡ Area of high production of capture fisheries off Tai O, where AFCD 2006 Port Survey (AFCD, 2014) identified area of high fisheries production (400 – 600 kg/ha/year) of adult fish. The area also had moderate level of fishing operation (approx. 100-400 vessels); and

¡ Area around the Brothers which has been proposed to be designated as Marine Park arising from the HZMB-HKBCF project.

14.4.7.2 It should be noted that the baseline information collected during the course of the study spanned the period before the trawl ban on 31 December 2012 and following the effective ban. As the ban on trawling activities has only been implemented for slightly over a year, the recovery of fisheries resources is unlikely to be captured in the surveys undertaken for this EIA. The impact assessment is therefore based on the best available information and latest fisheries survey findings.

14.5 Fisheries Impact Assessment Methodology

14.5.1.1 A comprehensive review of literature has been conducted for the establishment of baseline information on fisheries resources, composition of commercially important species, the level and pattern of fishing activity and fisheries production in the study area. Focused fisheries survey including trawl, purse seine, gill net, hand line, ichthyoplankton and post-larvae surveys, and artificial reefs dive visits at the project footprint and adjacent waters that may potentially be impacted directly or indirectly have been conducted, for the collection of updated baseline information to supplement the identified information gaps. Sites of fisheries importance within the study area were identified for further impact assessment.

14.5.1.2 In addition, an updated fisheries interview survey at 16 homeports of the western Hong Kong waters was also conducted between January and November 2013, to review the validity and to supplement the Port Survey 2006 findings.

14.5.1.3 The fisheries impact assessment was carried with reference to the EIAO-TM Annex 17. The potential impacts on fisheries due to the project were identified in Section 14.6. The nature and extent of impacts on aquaculture and capture fisheries were described and quantified where possible. The prediction of impacts has also taken into account the assessments for water quality and ecological impacts as detailed in Chapter 8 and Chapter 13 respectively. The impact significance of potential deterioration of water quality has made references to the Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) established to protect the beneficial uses of water quality in WCZs under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. Specific WQOs relevant to this study were listed in Table 8.1 to Table 8.4 of this EIA. The meeting of WQOs reflects the potential changes in water quality are within environmentally acceptable levels which support the fisheries resources and habitats. The significance of the predicted impacts on fisheries was evaluated with reference to the criteria presented in Annex 9 of the EIAO-TM and summarised as follows:

¡ Nature of impact: Permanent, irreversible or long term impact would be rated as higher impact significance.

¡ Size of affected area: The area of fisheries habitats, fishing grounds or aquaculture sites to be affected constituting a high proportion of the total area of fisheries habitats, fishing grounds or aquaculture sites in Hong Kong would be rated as higher impact significance.

¡ Loss of fisheries resources / production: The loss of fisheries resources / production constituting a high proportion of total fisheries resources / production in Hong Kong would be rated as high impact significance.

¡ Destruction and disturbance of nursery and spawning grounds: Nursery and spawning grounds of commercially important species to be disturbed or destroyed, affecting the recruitment of juveniles and hence the adult population in future, would be rated as higher impact significance.

¡ Impact on fishing activity: Large number of fishermen or fishing vessels with high dependence on the affected area would be rated as higher impact significance.

¡ Impact on aquaculture activity: Large number of aquaculturists or aquaculture farms to be affected would be rated as higher impact significance.

14.5.1.4 Impacts are ranked as “low”, “moderate”, or “high”, although in a few cases, “insignificant” (less than “low”) may also be given. The ranking of a given impact will vary based on the criteria listed above.

14.5.1.5 If fisheries impacts are found to be moderate or high, mitigation needs to be carried out in accordance with the EIAO-TM. Mitigation measures are not required for insignificant and low impacts although precautionary and /or enhancement measures may be recommended if desirable. The policy for mitigating moderate or high impacts on fisheries is to seek to achieve impact avoidance, impact minimisation and impact compensation in that order of priority.

14.6 Impact Identification

14.6.1 General

14.6.1.1 The project description is detailed in Chapter 4 of this EIA report. The main areas of marine habitat loss will be as a result of the land formation for the airport platform extension. The 3RS additional seawalls and land platform will be formed over a period of several years starting in late 2015 / early 2016 to mid-2022, noting that the third runway and taxiway sections (which accounts for the majority of the land formation) would be completed by 2020 for closure of the existing North Runway and opening of the third runway by 2021. Based on the construction planning, the land formation works has been primarily divided into three main stages, as shown in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/8-003, the snapshots for key land formation sequence is shown in Appendix 8.4 of Chapter 8 and described below:

¡ Stage 1 has a T-shaped footprint and consists mainly of the land formation works for the third runway, the associated west taxiways, the western support area and other supporting facilities. Construction of this stage is anticipated to commence in 2016 Q1 by installation of geotextile, sand blanket and ground improvement. Ground improvement for this stage will only be completed around 2017 Q4. Marine and land filling is anticipated to commence around 2016 Q4. It is expected that the marine works will be completed by early 2018.

¡ Stage 2 consists of land formation works for the new third runway concourse and aprons supported by facilities within the east support area. Construction of the southern portions of this stage by installation of geotextile, sand blanket and ground improvement is anticipated to commence in 2016 Q1. Ground improvement for this stage will only be completed around 2018 Q2. Marine and land filling at southern portions of this stage is anticipated to commence around 2016 Q4. It is expected that the marine works will be completed by end 2018.

¡ Stage 3 is the land formation area at both ends of the existing North Runway associated with the new wrap-around taxiways, whereby construction activities are restricted by the need to maintain operation of the existing North Runway until completion of the third runway. Construction of this stage is anticipated to commence around 2016 Q2 by installation of geotextile and sand blanket. Marine and land filling of this stage is anticipated to commence in 2017 Q2 and the marine works will not be completed until end 2021.

14.6.1.2 The proposed land formation and associated works and the future operation of the third runway project may affect the fisheries resources and fishing operations within the project footprint and adjacent waters. This section identifies the potential short-term and long-term impacts on capture and culture fisheries during the construction and operation phases of the project.

14.6.2 Construction Phase

Direct Impacts

14.6.2.1 The potential impacts during the construction phase will include both permanent and temporary loss of fishing grounds, fisheries habitats (and resources), spawning or nursery grounds at the northern Chek Lap Kok waters due to the proposed land formation works, diversion of submarine cables, site investigation (SI) within SCLKCMP and construction of a temporary floating platform for the submarine pipeline diversion works, the provision of approach lights at two ends of the third runway, and provision of lighted marks and beacons along the boundaries of the future HKIAAA. The major marine construction activities and the related direct fisheries impacts are identified in the following sections.

14.6.2.2 There will be an approximate 672 ha of seabed habitat and marine waters (650 ha land formation footprint + 22 ha of seawall construction – 10 ha of existing seawall to be demolished + 10 ha of scour apron) to be lost due to the land formation and seawall construction. There will also be a temporary works area of approximately 981 ha for the land formation works (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/4-008). The marine works will affect the fishing activities in the northern Chek Lap Kok waters due to the confinement of works area that will cause loss of fishing grounds. The installation of geotextile, sand blanket, ground improvement works and land formation works will cause direct loss of fisheries resources and habitats.

14.6.2.3 A portion of the land formation footprint will encroach to the spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources at northern Chek Lap Kok waters delineated by previous study. Therefore, there is a potential of direct impact on the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources.

14.6.2.4 The diversion of submarine 11 kV cables will involve water jetting and open trench activities. Perturbation of seabed will result and may cause direct impact on the fisheries resources and habitats. The construction activities will also cause temporary loss of fishing grounds.

14.6.2.5 There will be a need for an advance site investigation within SCLKCMP prior to the submarine pipeline diversion works. Approximate four boreholes of size around 0.12 m²(0.03 m² x 4) will be drilled for taking samples for facilitating the detailed design. Temporary disturbance of seabed will be resulted that may cause direct loss of fishing grounds and fisheries habitats (and resources).

14.6.2.6 A temporary floating platform formed by two to three barges is proposed to be set up between the Sha Chau Island and the AFRF (where the water is in the order of 4 m deep) to provide a working platform for pipeline welding and fabrication in order to minimise direct impacts to Sha Chau Island. This construction method for the temporary platform would not require any removal or disturbance of marine sediments from the seabed. However, it will cause temporary loss of fishing grounds.

14.6.2.7 Approximate 11 flashed approach lights will be constructed at two ends of the third runway by bore piling. Approximate 108 m² (4.9 m² x 11 x 2) seabed and marine waters will be lost. This will cause direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) and fishing ground.

14.6.2.8 The operation of 3RS will require an extension of HKIAAA for security purposes. There will be an approximate of 9 lighted marks and beacons to be installed at the boundaries of the future HKIAAA that will cause loss of seabed and marine waters. The loss of seabed and marine waters for the lighted marks and beacons will cause direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) and fishing ground.

Indirect Impacts

14.6.2.9 There may be indirect construction related impacts on capture and aquaculture fisheries associated with the construction of the land formations and the associated changes to water quality, underwater noise impacts, confinement of works area and increase in marine traffic in the study area. A summary of the potential indirect construction phase impacts on fisheries resources and activities is provided as follows:

¡ Elevation of suspended solids during ground improvement and land formation, bored piling for the new approach lights, lighted marks and beacons, diversion of the existing aviation fuel submarine pipeline and diversion of the submarine cables including minor excavation works at the field joint locations, which can cause clogging of gills of the fishes and smothering of crustaceans and mollusks that rely on filter feeding;

¡ Reduction in dissolved oxygen in marine waters due to presence of elevated suspended solids and cause an increase in metabolic rate for the fish or cause suffocation to die;

¡ Potential release of contaminants from pore water during Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) process and surcharge, especially at location around the existing contaminated mud pits;

¡ Release of nutrients and other contaminants from sediments from the above works that may have adverse effects on fishes;

¡ Risk of oil or chemical spills, including from construction phase vessels accidents, on fisheries resources;

¡ Impacts to fisheries resources from the importation and transportation of marine fill and filling activities;

¡ Disturbance of fishing activities due to increase in construction barges and vessels utilizing the northern Lantau waters; and

¡ Underwater sound generated from construction activities may deter fish from important feeding and spawning grounds or cause stress-induced reduction in growth and reproductive output.

14.6.2.10 Details of the construction phase fisheries impact prediction and evaluation are provided in Section 14.7.1.

14.6.3 Operation Phase

Direct Impacts

14.6.3.1 Upon the completion of land formation works and associated approach lights, lighted marks and beacons, there will be a permanent loss of fishing ground/ fisheries habitats (and resources) as identified in the construction phase. There will also be a permanent loss of fishing ground due to the extension of HKIAAA which restrict vessel entry for security purposes. The change in coastline will potentially change the hydrology of surrounding marine waters and directly affect the distribution of fisheries resources.

Indirect Impacts

14.6.3.2 Indirect operation phase fisheries impacts would be associated with the potential oil or chemical spills from the operation of the airport expansion, the extension of HKIAAA for security purposes and discharges from the operation of the airport expansion. A summary of the potential indirect operation phase impacts on fisheries activities and fisheries resources is provided as follows:

¡ Impact on fisheries resources due to indirect impact by oil or chemical spills from the operation of the airport expansion;

¡ Indirect disturbance of fisheries habitats due to deterioration of water quality from storm water runoff, sewage effluent discharge, spent cooling discharge, fuel spillage, maintenance dredging of the navigable waters north of HKIA;

¡ Potential physical damage to fisheries resources, in particular juvenile fishes and crustaceans impingement on screen and entrainment of fish eggs and larvae due to seawater intakes to satisfy cooling demand for new facilities associated with the 3RS;

¡ Potential change in fisheries resources distribution due to change in hydrodynamic regime of the adjacent waters and subsequent changes in water quality;

¡ Disturbance of marine fishes due to aircraft noise; and

¡ Potential positive impact due to the extension of HKIAAA as fisheries “No-take-zone”

14.6.3.3 Details of the operation phase fisheries impact prediction and evaluation are provided in Section 14.7.2.

14.7 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts

14.7.1 Construction Phase

14.7.1.1 The potential impacts of the proposed project on fisheries identified in Section 14.6.2 are predicted and evaluated in the following sections.

Direct Impacts associated with Land Formation and other Marine Works

Direct Loss of Fishing Ground

14.7.1.2 The proposed land formation for the third runway comprises around 650 ha of area above the high water mark. Works include the modification and integration of the existing seawall at the northern, western and eastern sides of the existing North Runway into the land formation area and the reprovisioning of a new seawall around the land formation area. The land formation area will be divided into a number of works areas with general sequence or methods by placing sand blanket on the seabed, conducting ground improvement works, constructing a minimum of 200 m leading seawall to confine the works area and depositing marine fill. There will also be a temporary works area of approximately 981 ha for the land formation works (Drawing MCL-P132-EIA-4-008). Based on the tentative construction programme, the sand blanket laying/ marine filling works will be carried out in phases from late 2015/ early 2016 to late 2021, with majority of the works completed by late 2018. Of the existing HKIAAA around the existing North Runway of around 490 ha that fishing vessels are prohibited to enter, around 240 ha is within the proposed land formation footprint. Therefore, the net area of permanent loss of fishing ground on-site upon completion of land formation of the project will be around 410 ha (650 ha – 240 ha).

14.7.1.3 The diversion of submarine 11 kV cables will require excavation of seabed in the field joint area to expose a section of the existing cable for connection to the newly laid cable. The field joint area to be excavated is approximately 120 m in length and 32 m in width. The approximate area of temporary fishing ground loss on-site due to the excavation is therefore around 0.38 ha (120 m x 32 m = 3,840 m²). The new submarine cable will be laid by water jetting method, which will occupy a total area of around 6 km in length and about 0.45 m in width. Therefore, approximately 0.27 ha (6 km x 0.45 m = 2,700 m²) of fishing ground will be temporarily affected on-site due to the water jetting works. The cable diversion works will be conducted between 2015 and 2016 tentatively. The seabed will be reinstated upon completion of the diversion works.

14.7.1.4 There will be approximately 11 flashing approach lights supported by piers to be constructed approximately 300 m offshore from both ends of the proposed third runway (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/8-010). The proposed construction method will be by bored piles, with up to around 4.9 m² of pile area for each approach light (subject to the detailed design). At locations within the CMP area, ground improvement by Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) will be conducted prior to the bored piling activities. It is anticipated that the construction of approach lights will be completed by 2021 when the proposed third runway will commence its operation (see Section 4.3.1). It is estimated that up to about 108 m² (4.9 m² x 11 x 2) of fishing ground would be lost on-site construction of the approach lights.

14.7.1.5 As part of the future requirements for operation of the proposed third runway, a new HKIAAA would be designated at the marine waters surrounding the proposed runway strip. This future HKIAAA would be a restricted access area where lighted marks and beacons will be positioned along its boundaries to ward any unauthorised vessels away from the perimeter of HKIAAA. Lighted marks along the northern edge of the future HKIAAA are proposed for delineating the future restricted area boundary. In addition, up to nine beacons would also be required along the western side of the northern edge of the future HKIAAA (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/8-011).

14.7.1.6 Based on the initial scheme design, the lighted marks and beacons are anticipated to be installed on piled structures topped with steel light posts. The pile area for each lighted mark/beacon will be approximately 0.34 m². At locations within the CMP area, ground improvement by DCM will be conducted prior to the piling activities. It is anticipated that the construction of lighted marks and beacons will be completed by 2021 when the proposed third runway will commence its operation (see Section 4.3.1). A total fishing ground of up to around 3.1 m² (0.34 m² x 9) will be lost on-site due to the construction of 9 lighted marks/beacons.

14.7.1.7 To facilitate the detailed design for diversion of the submarine aviation fuel pipelines, marine site investigation (SI) will first be conducted along the proposed horizontal directional drilling (HDD) alignment to provide the necessary geotechnical information. A total of four SI boreholes (each about 0.03 m² in area) will be drilled within SCLKCMP to bedrock level below the seabed by drilling vessel / jack-up platform. The drill holes will be backfilled after completion of the SI work. As the proposed SI works will be completed within a few months, there will be a temporary loss of fishing ground on-site of approximately 0.12 m² (0.03 m² x 4) due to this SI works. During the actual HDD work, the drilling will be largely carried out in the bedrock level (drilling depth will be largely about 50 m below the seabed) from the west of the existing airport island to the daylighting point adjacent to the offshore receiving platform at Sha Chau Island for subsequent installation of the fuel pipelines. A temporary floating working platform of 225 m² (7.5 m x 30 m) will be constructed between Sha Chau Island and the offshore receiving platform. It will also be temporarily in position for about one year while the diversion works are on-going. Therefore, no permanent loss of any fishing ground would be resulted from the HDD and pipeline installation works.

14.7.1.8 Table 14‑1 summarises the fishing grounds that would potentially be affected due to the various construction works of the project, based on the tentative construction programme in Appendix 4.2.

Table 14‑1 Summary of fishing grounds directly affected by the construction works

Proposed Construction Works	Approximate Size of Fishing Ground to be Affected	Nature of Impact
Land formation and seawall construction	410 ha (650 ha - 240 ha of existing HKIAAA)	Permanent loss upon completion of marine filling works by late 2021
Temporary works area	981 ha	Temporary loss during construction but part of the area will become future extended HKIAAA upon operation of the 3RS project
Diversion of submarine 11 kV cables – excavation at the field joint area	0.38 ha (120 m x 32 m)	Temporary loss between 2015 and 2016
Diversion of submarine 11 kV cables – laying of new cable by water jetting	0.27 ha (6 km x 0.45 m)	Temporary loss between 2015 and 2016
Approach lights construction – bore piling	108 m² (4.9 m² x 11 x 2)	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021
Construction of lighted marks and beacons for the future HKIAAA – bore piling	3.1 m² (0.34 m² x 9)	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021
Marine SI at SCLKCMP for submarine aviation fuel pipelines – borehole drilling	0.12 m²(0.03 m² x 4)	Temporary loss for a few months in 2015
Floating temporary platform for diversion of submarine aviation fuel pipelines	225 m² (7.5 m x 30 m = 225 m²)	Temporary loss

14.7.1.9 As summarised in Table 14‑1, the total (permanent plus temporary) loss of fishing ground during construction phase is approximately 1,392 ha, which is about 0.9% of the total Hong Kong marine waters of approximately 162,460 ha (1,651 km² (or 165,100 ha) of total Hong Kong marine waters (EPD, 2011) – 1,950 ha of 10 principal fairways – 7.4 ha of core area within Tung Ping Chau Marine Park – 20 ha of Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve – 611 ha of existing HKIAAA around Chek Lap Kok – 52 ha of existing HKIAAA around the Brothers) available for fishing.

14.7.1.10 Though the proportions in terms of total fishing ground available for fishing is low, but in view of the scale of the project, and the large size to be temporary and permanently lost, the impact significance of loss of fishing ground associated with the land formation, construction of approach lights and lighted marks and beacons for the future HKIAAA, diversion of submarine 11 kV cables, marine SI at SCLKCMP for submarine fuel pipelines and floating temporary platform for diversion of submarine fuel pipelines is considered to be low from the commencement of construction to moderate upon completion of land formation works.

Direct Loss of Fisheries Habitats (and Resources)

14.7.1.11 The direct loss of habitat for fisheries on-site is estimated as the proposed land formation area (approximately 650 ha) plus the seawall toe area (about 22 ha) plus the scour apron area (about 10 ha) but excluding the existing seawall toe area (about 10 ha), i.e., 672 ha. Beyond the seawall toe at the seabed, varying widths of scour aprons of approximate 10 ha will be constructed (the actual width required for scour protection is subject to detailed design). The scour aprons will be in the form of stone or gravels. These habitats will provide hard substrates for the re-colonization of benthic fauna. In addition, there will also be direct fisheries habitat losses due to the various construction works as described in Section 14.7.1.2 to Section 14.7.1.7 and summarised in Table 14‑2.

Table 14‑2 Summary of fisheries habitats directly affected by the construction works

Proposed Construction Works	Approximate Size of Fisheries Habitat to be Affected	Nature of Impact
Land formation and seawall construction⁽¹⁾	672 ha (650 ha + 22 ha + 10 ha – 10 ha)	Permanent loss upon completion of marine filling works by late 2021
Diversion of submarine 11 kV cables – excavation at the field joint area	0.38 ha (120 m x 32 m)	Temporary loss between 2015 and 2016
Diversion of submarine 11 kV cables – laying of new cable by water jetting	0.27 ha (6 km x 0.45 m)	Temporary loss between 2015 and 2016
Approach lights construction – bore piling	108 m² (4.9 m² x 11 x 2)	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021
Construction of lighted marks and beacons for the future HKIAAA – bore piling	3.1 m² (0.34 m² x 9)	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021
Marine SI at SCLKCMP for submarine aviation fuel pipelines – borehole drilling	0.12 m²(0.03 m² x 4)	Temporary loss for a few months in 2015
Floating temporary platform for diversion of submarine aviation fuel pipelines	225 m² (7.5 m x 30 m = 225 m²)	Temporary loss

Note (1): While a works area for the land formation works will be designated (see Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/4-008), it should be noted that this area will be enclosed with only floating booms being deployed and the working barges will only work close to the proposed footprint. Thus, the marine waters within the works area can still be utilised by fisheries resources and would not be considered as habitat loss.

14.7.1.12 As summarised in Table 14‑2, the total (permanent plus temporary) loss of fisheries habitat during construction phase is approximately 673 ha, which is about 0.4% of the total Hong Kong marine waters of approximately 1,651 km² (or 165,100 ha) of total Hong Kong marine waters (EPD, 2011) as fisheries habitat.

14.7.1.13 The land formation works, construction of approach lights, lighted marks and beacons, diversion of submarine cables and SI works for submarine aviation fuel pipelines diversion prior to construction by HDD, and installation of floating temporary platform for the pipelines diversion will cause direct loss of fisheries resources during the placement of sand blanket, ground improvement, seawall construction, marine filling activities, water jetting, field joint excavation and bore hole drilling works. Species that are less mobile will be more susceptible by the above activities. The fisheries survey findings suggest that fisheries resources exist both within the existing HKIAAA and the adjacent waters, and most of the dominant species recorded were of low or even no commercial values. Sections 14.4.3.18 to 14.4.3.20 summarised that the level of fisheries resources recorded within the project footprint is low to moderate. The potential loss of fisheries production of the waters affected by the submarine 11 kV cable diversion works, marine SI at SCLKCMP for aviation fuel pipelines diversion prior to the construction by HDD and floating temporary platform for the pipelines diversion works would be insignificant due to its small temporary fisheries habitat loss (a total of 0.67 ha). When compared to the overall capture fisheries production in Hong Kong, the estimated loss in production due to the submarine 11 kV cable diversion works and aviation fuel pipelines diversion works represents a very small portion (approx. 0.00004% - 0.00008%). Furthermore, since the floating temporary platform will be of water depth of 4 m (the fisheries resources could still utilise the marine waters underneath the platform), and does not disturb the seabed, the associated habitat (and resources) loss is expected to be very small.

14.7.1.14 Based on the Port Survey 2006 findings, the fisheries production within the land formation footprint is in the range of 100 – 200 kg per ha per year (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-003), which is considered to be of low to moderate production. There will be a temporary loss of approximate 1 ha and permanent loss of approximate 672 ha (650 ha + 22 ha +10 ha – 10 ha) of fisheries habitats (Table 14‑2 refers). When compared to the overall capture fisheries production of about 170,129 tonnes in 2013 in Hong Kong (AFCD, 2014), the estimated loss (temporary plus permanent) in production due to the proposed land formation and associated marine works (approx. 673 ha) represents a very small portion (approx. 0.04 – 0.08 %).

14.7.1.15 There will be progressive increase in direct impact on the fisheries habitat due to the phasing of land formation works, in which the marine fishes will be displaced to adjacent marine waters. Though the proportions in terms of total fisheries habitats in Hong Kong is low, but in view of the scale of the project and the large size to be permanently lost, the impact significance of loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) associated with the land formation and other marine works is considered to be low from the commencement of construction to moderate upon completion of land formation works. For works associated with diversion of submarine cable, marine SI at SCLKCMP for submarine aviation fuel pipelines diversion prior to HDD construction and floating temporary platform for pipeline diversion works, the impact significance on direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) is considered of insignificant.

Direct Loss of Spawning or Nursery Grounds

14.7.1.16 The most abundant families recorded for ichthyoplankton and post-larvae survey were of low commercial value. Two families which comprise mostly species of high commercial value and one species of high commercial value were identified, namely Cynoglossidae, Sillaginidae and Hippocampus kuda. Although the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae of these families (except for post-larvae of Sillaginidae and post-larvae of Hippocampus kuda) were all found within the proposed land formation footprint, they are mostly with very low abundances and density.

14.7.1.17 According to the Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters report commissioned by AFCD (ERM, 1998), northern waters of Lantau water (approximately 4,961 ha) was delineated as spawning (but not nursery) ground of fisheries resources (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-001 and Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-009), and main fish species which reportedly spawn in this area included Shortnose ponyfish, Japanese seabass and Konoshiro gizzard shad. Approximately 78 ha of the project footprint will be within this identified spawning ground (i.e. 1.57% of total area of identified spawning ground). Results of ichthyoplankton and post-larvae survey indicated that the ichthyoplankton and fish post-larvae density in the study area was generally low, while fish density or number of fish families between identified spawning ground (which included monitoring stations at the Brothers, SCLKCMP and northern Chek Lap Kok) and adjacent areas (which included monitoring stations at project footprint and western Chek Lap Kok waters) were similar (Appendix 14.3). Therefore, the impact significance of the loss of 78 ha of identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources on-site (which constitutes a small portion of the total area of identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters) which consist of mostly families of low commercial value, is considered to be low.

Indirect Disturbance of Fisheries Habitats due to Deterioration of Water Quality

14.7.1.18 Marine works which may cause perturbation in the seabed / water column and consequently affecting water quality include modification and integration of the existing seawall, ground improvement, seawall construction and marine filling. These activities can cause sediment plume thereby increasing sediment suspension within the water column with a consequential deterioration in water quality both on-site and off-site, which could potentially include increase in turbidity/ suspended solids (SS), decrease in dissolved oxygen levels and release of contaminants (especially around the CMP area) to the receiving water column. High SS levels may clog the gills of fishes and cause suffocation, while the crustaceans or bivalves that rely on filter feeding will also be affected by an increase in metabolic rate required to clear SS from their respiratory system. Impacts due to deterioration of water quality which will have indirect impact on areas in the vicinity of the project footprint, including spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters, SCLKCMP, ARs at SCLKCMP and proposed ARs at the planned BMP, Ma Wan Marine FCZ, the planned BMP, area of high production of capture fisheries off Tai O and oyster production area at Deep Bay mudflat were assessed.

Suspended Solids

14.7.1.19 The release of SS from the proposed land formation works is expected to be a temporary situation, i.e., mainly between years 2015 and 2017, as substantial completion of the seawall surrounding the land formation footprint is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017 (see the key land formation sequence in Appendix 8.4). As a result the potential dispersion of sediment plumes to the surrounding marine environment would be limited to that period.

14.7.1.20 As detailed in Sections 8.6.4.24, two worst case scenarios, namely, scenarios A and B, have been selected for modelling of the SS levels in the marine environment during construction phase of the project. The worst case scenario A refers to Q1 to Q3 of year 2016 when the key construction activities would be sand blanket laying and ground improvement at open sea conditions (seawall yet to be built). The worst case scenario B refers to Q4 of 2016 to Q3 of 2017 when the highest sediment loss would be expected due to the highest number of vessels undertaking ground improvement (via DCM) and marine filling activities with partial seawall completion.

14.7.1.21 Based on the water quality modelling results (see Table 8.48 and Table 8.49 of Section 8.7.1), it is predicted that the unmitigated SS level elevation (due to the project only) at spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources at northern Lantau waters (F2) would be up to respectively 9.12 mg/L under the worst case scenario A and 3.06 mg/L under the worst case scenario B. An exceedance of 4.32 mg/L at 0.1% of the time was observed for scenario A at mid-depth in wet season.

14.7.1.22 At the planned BMP (CR3), the unmitigated SS level elevation would be up to 9.09 mg/L under the worst case scenario A, and up to respectively 4.56 mg/L under the worst case scenario B. An exceedance of 1.41 mg/L at bottom level in wet season under the worst case scenario A was observed. In scenario B, an exceedance of 0.06 mg/L was observed at mid-depth in wet season while another exceedance of 0.41 mg/L was observed at surface level in dry season. All the exceedances are at 0.1% of the time.

14.7.1.23 At the Ma Wan Marine Fish Culture Zone (F1), the unmitigated SS level elevation would be up to 1.14 mg/L under the worst case scenario A, and up to respectively 1.90 mg/L under the worst case scenario B. No exceedance was observed.

14.7.1.24 No SS elevation and exceedance level was observed in both oyster production area at Deep Bay mudflat (E1) and area of high production of capture fisheries off Tai O (F3).

14.7.1.25 At SCLKCMP, SS is predicted to increase at M4d (maximum level: 39.48 mg/L), M4e (maximum level: 27.53 mg/L), E5 (maximum level: 2.43 mg/L), CR2 (maximum level: 4.22 mg/L). For the former two, the predicted SS elevation at M4d is 3.64 – 32.49 mg/L higher than the surface, mid-depth, bottom and depth-averaged criteria used for WQO at station NM6 (Table 8.21) during wet season in scenario A and dry season in scenario B, all of which are of low frequency (0.1 – 3.9%). Similarly results were observed for M4e, for which the worst case SS elevation is 0.10 – 20.54 mg/L higher than the criteria used for WQO at station NM6, all of which are of low frequency (0.1 – 0.5%). It should be noted that M4d and M4e are only considered as observation points and not representative water sensitive receivers, and hence are not assessed in Table 8.48 and Table 8.49. As other monitoring stations within the SCLKCMP (e.g. E5 and CR2) do not show particularly high elevations or exceedances in SS criteria, the relatively higher SS levels at M4d and M4e are probably limited to a small area at the southern boundary which is closest to the construction activities of the project. For the ARs at SCLKCMP (CR2), the unmitigated SS level elevation would be up to 3.02 mg/L under the worst case scenario A, and up to respectively 4.22 mg/L under the worst case scenario B. No exceedance was observed.

14.7.1.26 In summary, the land formation and seawall construction works may cause impact on water quality and subsequently disturb the fisheries habitats outside the land formation footprint. The potential impact is considered temporary, as the seawall construction would be substantially completed by the end of 2017, which would effectively limit the sediment plume dispersal. The water modelling results (Section 8.7.1) show that under the unmitigated worst case scenarios, the predicted cumulative SS levels at SCLKCMP, spawning grounds for commercial fisheries resources at northern Lantau waters identified in previous study and area with high production of capture fisheries at Tai O would mostly be within WQO criterion for SS elevation.

Dissolved Oxygen Depletion

14.7.1.27 The dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion due to the release of sediment from the water jetting and excavation activities associated with the submarine cable diversion was calculated and presented in Table 8.65 of Section 8.7.1. The findings showed that the DO depletion levels due to the above works at Tai O area with high production of capture fisheries (F3), the planned BMP (CR3), and the artificial reefs at SCLKCMP (CR2) are up to respectively 3.60E-03 mg/L, 5.64E-03 mg/L and 9.79E-02 mg/L, which are insignificant. The depth averaged DO levels at the above sites of fisheries importance are predicted to be above 6.30 mg/L, 5.30 mg/L and 6.10 mg/L respectively, which are all within the DO criterion of >4 mg/L. Therefore, no appreciable changes in the baseline depth-average DO concentration would be anticipated due to elevated SS arising from the water jetting and excavation works.

Nutrients and Other Contaminants

14.7.1.28 To assess the potential release of nutrients and other contaminants during water jetting and excavation activities associated with the submarine cable diversion, elutriate tests were conducted for sediment samples collected along the new cable alignment and at the field joint location. The criteria taken for metals and non-nutrients are from Table 8.27, which are based on relevant overseas water quality criteria on environmental quality standards for shellfish waters, criteria maximum concentration (CMC) and criterion continuous concentration (CCC). The CMC and CCC are estimates of the highest concentration of a material in ambient water to which an aquatic community can be exposed briefly (for CMC) or indefinitely (for CCC) without resulting in an unacceptable adverse effect. For nutrients, the 90th percentile values from baseline monitoring results of EPD’s marine water quality monitoring stations in the North Western WCZ were adopted, which indicated 90% of the time, the concentrations are below these levels. Detailed findings at individual sites of fisheries importance are presented in Table 8.67 and Table 8.68 under Section 8.7.1. The modelling results show that concentrations of all contaminants at the spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters (F2), Tai O area with high production of capture fisheries (F3), the planned BMP (CR3) and the artificial reefs at SCLKCMP (CR2) off-site are below the relevant criteria or baseline.

Release of Contaminants from Pore Water during DCM Process and Surcharge

14.7.1.29 To determine the types and concentrations of contaminants that may be released from pore water at both the CMP and non-CMP areas, pore water tests have been conducted as part of the Sediment Sampling and Testing Plan (SSTP) for this project. The pore water content extracted from vibrocore samples in the laboratory showed that pore water comprised at most 1.3% of the whole sample volume. Details of the pore water testing findings and the water quality modelling results at individual sensitive receivers are presented in Table 8.69 under Section 8.7.1.

14.7.1.30 The findings from the tracer dilution model show that even with the assumption of 100% release of pore water during the DCM process, and potential release of contaminants from pore water during the surcharge process, the concentrations of all contaminants predicted at the spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters (F2), Tai O area with high production of capture fisheries (F3), the planned BMP (CR3) and artificial reefs at SCLKCMP (CR2) off-site would be well below the relevant criteria or baseline.

14.7.1.31 In summary, SS elevation would mostly comply with the relevant criteria. In addition, the calculated dissolved oxygen concentration, nutrients and other contaminants would also comply with the relevant criteria that no unacceptable adverse impacts on marine fauna be observed. Therefore adverse impacts due to potential SS elevation, depleted oxygen and release of contaminants on the sites of fisheries importance during the construction period are considered to be insignificant.

Oil / Chemical Spillage

14.7.1.32 Spillage of oil and chemicals from construction vessels accidents or leakage of petroleum from construction plants, could release liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the marine environment and cause pollution. Oil spills may cause short term and long term impact on marine fishes. It may cause large-scale death of fish by poisoning or bioaccumulation of toxic materials in the internal organ of the fish and may affect breeding success that indirectly affect fisheries production. Impacts may also include oil or petroleum clogging up of fish gills that cause the fish suffocate to die. The risk of oil / chemical spillage will increase with marine traffic. However, as the construction vessels will travel at slow speed, and will mostly be routed to travel from west and south around Lung Kwu Chau instead of through Urmston Road, the risk of vessel collision and cause oil / chemical spillage will be lowered. The impact is considered to be insignificant.

Importation and Transportation of Marine Fill and Filling Activities

14.7.1.33 According to Appendix 13.13, the existing and projected marine traffic activities during construction and operation phases, the importation and transportation of marine fill will be principally come from the west of the airport to minimise the impact on existing marine traffic (Figure 4 and Figure 5 of Appendix 13.13). There may be a potential of fill materials runoff to the marine waters during transportation and cause indirect impact along the transportation routes and adjacent waters. However, as part of the general good housekeeping, the barges or hoppers shall not be filled to a level which will cause overflow of materials or pollution of water during loading or transportation. Plants should not be operated with leaking pipes and adequate freeboard shall be maintained on barges to reduce the likelihood of decks being washed by wave action. All vessels shall also be sized with adequate clearance maintained between vessels and the seabed at all states of the tide to ensure that undue turbidity is not generated by turbulence from vessel movement or propeller wash. With the implementation of this good site practices, the potential impact of fill materials runoff due to importation and transportation of marine fill on marine fishes is considered be low.

Indirect Impact on Aquaculture Sites

14.7.1.34 The nearest aquaculture site to the project is Ma Wan Marine FCZ, which is of size approximate 13,200 m² (Appendix 14.5) at around 13 km to the east of the proposed land formation footprint. The other aquaculture site within the study area is the oyster production areas, which is located approximately 14 km to the north of the land formation footprint along the mudflat area at Deep Bay. The size for the oyster rafts at Lau Fau Shan is approximate 64 ha (5,000 rafts x 8 m x 16 m) (Appendix 14.5). According to the water modeling results under the worst case scenarios (Table 8.48 and Table 8.49 of Section 8.7.1), the unmitigated SS level at Ma Wan Marine FCZ (F1) (due to the project only) would be up to 1.14 mg/L for scenario A and 1.90 mg/L for scenario B, whereas the unmitigated SS level at the oyster production area would be undetectable. Such predicted levels are well below 50 mg/L, which is the criterion derived from the international marine water quality guidelines for the protection of ecosystems (CCPC, 2001) and recommended by AFCD as references on the fish culture zones.

14.7.1.35 The estimated DO depletion at Ma Wan Marine FCZ due to the water jetting and excavation works would be up to 1.58E-03 mg/L, with depth averaged DO level not lower than 5.20 mg/L. Therefore, there would be neither appreciable changes in DO concentration from baseline nor exceedance of the WQO criteria for DO.

14.7.1.36 The impact significance of the potential indirect off-site impact on aquaculture sites is considered to be insignificant.

Indirect Impact on Artificial Reefs

14.7.1.37 The Chek Lap Kok artificial reefs (ARs) at the east of the proposed land formation area is anticipated to be impacted by the nearby construction activities for Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link and the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities projects as a result of potential elevation of SS that may cause exceedance of SS criterion. New ARs will be reprovision by the above projects but details of the proposed location to be deployed is yet to be confirmed. Thus the Chek Lap Kok ARs is not considered as a site of fisheries importance for this study. However, the artificial reefs proposed to be reprovisioned at the planned marine park at the Brothers and the existing ARs at the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park may be subject to indirect water quality impact due to this project.

14.7.1.38 There are no established legislative criteria for water quality for protecting artificial reefs or corals. Hawker and Connell (1992) suggested that the sedimentation rate higher than 200 g/m²/day would introduce moderate to high impact upon all corals. This limit was adopted as the assessment criterion for protecting the corals and artificial reefs that may provide habitat for corals and fisheries in this study. In addition, an elevation criterion of SS levels less than 30% of ambient baseline conditions has also been adopted as the critical value, above which impacts to the habitat may occur. This criterion has been adopted in previously approved EIA reports for assessing SS impacts on corals.

14.7.1.39 Based on the water quality modelling results, it is predicted that the unmitigated sedimentation rate (due to the project only) at the hard corals recorded at the Brothers and the Tai Mo To waters (CR3) would be up to 11.21 g/m²/day under the worst case scenario A and up to 4.61 g/m²/day under the worst case scenario B. Both sedimentation values are well below the criterion that may introduce adverse impact upon corals. The unmitigated SS levels (due to the project only) at such locations under the worst case scenarios A and B are up to respectively 9.09 mg/L and 4.56 mg/L, which are mostly within the corresponding WQO, except for 0.1% time in wet season at bottom level under scenario A, and 0.1% time in wet season at mid-depth level and 0.1% time in dry season at surface level at west of the Brothers under scenario B that may receive SS exceedance. Thereby, the impact significance on these artificial reefs due to the land formation works is anticipated to be low.

14.7.1.40 The maximum SS elevation levels at SCLKCMP Artificial Reefs (CR2) are within the assessment criterion of SS levels under the WQO (i.e. <30% of ambient baseline conditions) at all depth levels in both wet and dry seasons. The highest sedimentation rate estimated at SCLKCMP is 10.76 g/m²/day, which is below 200 g/m²/day. Thereby, the impact significance on these artificial reefs due to the land formation works is anticipated to be low.

Disturbance of Fishing Activities

14.7.1.41 The fisheries interview survey findings indicated that most of the fishing vessels operating in the northern Lantau waters are small vessels that are less than 15 m in length. The implementation of the trawl ban will prohibit all trawlers operating in Hong Kong waters, but sampans which are the dominant types of vessels in the study area would not be affected. The impact may include conflict among various types of marine users travelling along the northern Chek Lap Kok waters that may be induced by the increase in construction vessels for the proposed project. As the proposed land formation works will reduce the fishing area for the fishermen operating small vessels, the fishermen may need to select alternative fishing grounds which are further away from their homeports.

14.7.1.42 During the construction stage, large numbers of construction barges and other vessels will be required during the formation of the new land for the 3RS project. The daily average barge movements during the construction works are shown in Figure 4, Appendix 13.13, with the daily average number of construction vessel movements to and from the west of the works area being 42, and to and from the east of the works area being 22. During peak construction periods, these numbers would increase to about 120 and 60 vessel movements daily, respectively (Figure 5, Appendix 13.13). In addition, there will be about a peak of 120 stationary vessels located within the works area which will house the land formation plant and equipment, with an average of about 100 vessels anticipated to be working within the works area during the peak periods from 2016 Q2 to 2017 Q4. As these vessels will not be moving overall and will stay within the works area, they would not cause disturbance to fisheries activities outside the works boundary.

14.7.1.43 The most affected fishing operations by the conflict of uses of marine waters to the north of the construction area for the 3RS, would be those with existing operations at the northern Chek Lap Kok waters. According to the fisheries interview surveys findings and Port Survey 2006 for all vessels, a low to moderate number of fishing vessels of around 50 – 400 vessels using northern Chek Lap Kok waters and vicinity of the project footprint were recorded (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-006). However, as the majority of fishing vessels are small-sized vessels (i.e. sampan) with high manipulation ability and also utilise other fishing grounds, these vessels are less sensitive to disturbance from marine traffic.

14.7.1.44 The waters within the concerned area are used by fishing vessels at low to moderate levels (50-400 vessels). Given the high mobility of the fishing vessels and designated routes of construction vessels to be implemented as good site practices, it is considered that the disturbance on fishing activities would be low during the construction phase. No specific mitigation measure for the impact on fishing activities will be required.

Disturbance to Fisheries Resources associated with Underwater Sound

14.7.1.45 The increase in marine traffic due to construction vessels, the ground improvement works as well as the construction activities for the approach lights, lighted marks and beacons for the proposed third runway by bored piling may generate underwater sound that may deter fish from important feeding and spawning grounds or cause stress-induced reduction in growth and reproductive output.

14.7.1.46 The underwater noise emitted by marine vessels is in the frequency range of 0.02 kHz to 10 kHz (BMT, 2009). Anthropogenic noises generated by marine construction (including piling) and vessels activities are generally in the frequency range of 30 Hz – 5 kHz (Slabbekoorn et al., 2010). The hearing range of fishes is around 50 Hz to 1.5 kHz, while some species with special adaptations can detect sounds up to 3 kHz – 5 kHz (Popper and Hastings, 2009; Slabbekoorn et al., 2010).

14.7.1.47 During the construction phase, increase in marine traffic from construction vessels may cause disturbance to fishes in the study area through the generation of underwater noise. Some effects caused by sound on fishes include mortality, physical injury, auditory tissue damage, temporary threshold shift, behavioural changes, egg viability and larval growth (Popper and Hastings, 2009). However, Slabbekoorn et al. (2010) advised that there are few studies suggesting negative correlations between the presence of noise and the presence of fish. There are also limited studies indicating the potential reproductive consequences of anthropogenic noise on fish spawning activities, masking effects on communicative sounds and predator-prey relationships. Fishes sometimes congregate, seeking shelter or food at places with artificially high noise levels. The greater impact on fishes will be from less intense sounds that are of longer duration.

14.7.1.48 Underwater percussive piling work will not be adopted for the project, but some vibratory sheet piling may be needed for some aspects of the construction. Information on noise produced by percussive piling is available (Würsig et al., 2000), but very little information has been published about noise and effects of vibratory piling. However, vibratory piling is undoubtedly much quieter than percussive piling and has less potential to cause disturbance to fisheries resources.

14.7.1.49 The proposed bored piling activities for the construction of approach lights, lighted marks and beacons will last for several weeks. The bored piling areas are very small – a total of approximately 108 m² for 11 approach lights and approximately 3.1 m² for 9 lighted marks/ beacons. In view of the very small bored piling areas and the availability of suitable marine habitats nearby, the short-term bored piling activities would cause minimal disturbance to the surrounding marine fishes. The impact significance is anticipated to be low.

14.7.2 Operation Phase

14.7.2.1 During the operation phase, potential impacts include permanent fishing ground/ fisheries habitat losses due to the proposed land formation and the associated structures and new HKIAAA as discussed in the construction phase, permanent changes in hydrodynamics and tidal influence on fisheries resources and indirect disturbance due to surface runoff and cooling water discharges to the adjacent waters. There may be impact of permanent disturbance of fishing activities due to conflict with users along the realigned channel between the future HKIAAA and SCLKCMP. The potential impacts of the proposed project on fisheries identified in Section 14.6.3 are predicted and evaluated in the following sections.

Direct Loss of Fishing Grounds

14.7.2.2 As discussed under the construction phase impact, there will be permanent loss of 410 ha of fishing ground upon completion of the proposed land formation. During future operation of the proposed third runway by 2021, however, a new HKIAAA (approximately 358 ha, the extent of the new HKIAAA is indicative and subject to change upon further design development that the new HKIAAA will follow the boundary as stipulated in CAP 313A Shipping and Port Control Regulations) will be designated where no fishing vessels will be allowed to enter. Therefore, the total fishing ground loss during operation phase will amount to 768 ha (410 ha + 358 ha), as summarised in Table 14‑3 This total permanent loss of fishing ground is about 0.5% of the total Hong Kong marine waters approximately 162,460 ha available for fishing.

Table 14‑3 Summary of direct fishing ground loss during operation phase

Permanent Structures	Approximate Size of Fishing Ground to be Affected	Nature of Impact
Land formation footprint as well as the future HKIAAA	768 ha (650 ha – 240 ha of existing HKIAAA + 358 ha of new HKIAAA)	Permanent loss upon completion of land formation works and establishment of new HKIAAA by late 2021
Approach lights for third runway	108 m² (4.9 m² x 11 x 2)*	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021
Lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA	3.1 m² (0.34 m² x 9)*	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021

*Note: These areas are within the 358 ha of new HKIAAA.

14.7.2.3 In view of the large size of fishing ground to be permanently loss and the large scale of the project, the impact significance of direct loss of fishing ground on-site is considered to be moderate during operation of the project. Mitigation measure is considered required.

Direct Loss of Fisheries Habitat (and Resources)

14.7.2.4 Similar to the construction phase impact as discussed earlier, there will be permanent loss of 672 ha of fisheries habitat due to the proposed land formation (650 ha) and seawall toe construction (22 ha) and scour apron (10 ha) for the project excluding the existing seawall toe that will be demolished (10 ha), 108 m² marine habitat for the future approach lights (see Section 14.7.1.4 for details) and 3.1 m² for the lighted marks and beacons for demarcation of the future HKIAAA boundary. Table 14‑4 summarises the fisheries habitats that will be lost during the operation phase. The total loss of 672 ha, which is about 0.4% of the total Hong Kong marine waters of approximately 1,651 km² (or 165,100 ha) of total Hong Kong marine waters (EPD, 2011) as fisheries habitat, is considered to be of low proportion in terms of the total area of fisheries habitats available in Hong Kong.

14.7.2.5 Though the proportions in terms of total fisheries habitats in Hong Kong is very low, but in view of the scale of the project and the large size to be permanently lost, the impact significance of loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) associated with the land formation and other marine works is considered to be moderate upon completion of land formation works.The existing artificial seawall along the northern coast of existing airport island (about 5.9 km in length) will be lost during the proposed land formation work. However, the lost seawall will then be reprovisioned by similar but longer (13 km in length) artificial seawall along the future land formation coastline. The loss of 5.9 km seawall habitat is considered of low significance in the operation phase. Overall, the impact significance of the direct loss of fisheries habitat is considered as moderate.

Table 14‑4 Summary of direct fisheries habitat loss during operation phase

Permanent Structures	Approximate Size of Fisheries Habitats to be Affected	Nature of Impact
Land formation footprint and seawall toe footprint	672 ha (650 ha + 22 ha + 10 ha – 10 ha)	Permanent loss upon completion of marine filling works by late 2021
Approach lights for third runway	108 m² (4.9 m² x 11 x 2)	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021
Lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA	3.1 m² (0.34 m² x 9)	Permanent loss upon completion of construction works by 2021

Direct Loss of Spawning or Nursery Grounds

14.7.2.6 As mentioned in construction phase, the northern waters of Lantau water (approximately 4,961 ha) was delineated as spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-001). Approximately 78 ha of the project footprint will be within this identified spawning ground (i.e. 1.57% of total area of identified spawning ground). There is no marked difference between fish density or number of fish families detected between identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau (including the Brothers, SCLKCMP and northern Chek Lap Kok waters) and the adjacent areas (including project footprint and western Chek Lap Kok waters) (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-009), and most of the ichthyoplankton and post-larvae come from families of low commercial value, that only a few individuals from families of high commercial value (Cynoglossidae, Sillaginidae and Hippocampus kuda) were caught within the proposed land formation footprint, SCLKCMP, the Brothers and the northern Chek Lap Kok waters of low abundance and density. As such, the loss of 78 ha of identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources (which constitutes a small portion of the total area of identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters) is considered to be of low significance.

Change in Hydrodynamics and Tidal Influence

14.7.2.7 The seawall construction as part of land formation works is scheduled to complete by late 2021, but majority of the marine filling activities would be completed by late 2018. The newly formed land may cause changes to the hydrodynamic flow regime in surrounding waters including the Pearl River Estuary.

14.7.2.8 Tidal flow simulations for the Year 2026 has been undertaken to identify the changes resulting from operation of the project versus the base scenario in the absence of the project. Details of the plots comparing the “with” and “without” project scenarios are shown in Appendix 8.14 of Chapter 8. Based on the water quality modelling result as presented in Table 8.72, it can be generally seen that the changes in peak tidal discharges, including both increases and decreases, are relatively small after implementation of the project as compared to the base scenario for all locations except the east of airport channel. Details of the water quality impact assessment associated with the changes to hydrodynamic regime are presented in Section 8.7.2. Impact assessment relevant to fisheries are summarised below.

14.7.2.9 As identified in the water quality impact assessment that more significant changes are identified for the flow through the east of airport channel. The high percentage difference in residual flows during dry season is largely due to the very low residual flow volumes that occur in this area and does not represent significant changes in the residual flow (in absolute terms), however, the general reductions in peak flow in both directions during both wet and dry season may indicate a tendency towards reduced flushing and assimilative capacity of the water body. However, the water quality results do not appear to show significant deteriorations in water quality in this area despite the reduced flows (refer to the results for DO, BOD5, TIN, NH₃ and SS shown in Appendix 8.15). Thus it is not anticipated that the flow reductions will significantly affect water quality in this area.

14.7.2.10 For assessment of local effects due to the project, flow velocities at individual sites of fisheries importance locations (F1 – Ma Wan Marine Fish Culture Zone; F2 – spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters; F3 – high production of capture fisheries at Tai O; CR2 – AR at Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park; and CR3 – the planned BMP) were summarised in Appendix 8.14 (Table 1) for the with and without project scenarios. The results show generally minimal changes in flow velocities at most sites of fisheries importance especially for dry season (<0.1 m/s), which suggests that the project would not induce significant changes to the hydrodynamic regime at most locations. Areas showing more significant changes in peak velocity (e.g. >0.2 m/s) are generally areas immediately surrounding the project (e.g. the area immediately north of the airport at F2 and the embayed areas to the west of the airport). As species recorded in the northern Chek Lap Kok waters and adjacent waters did not show significant difference in species abundance, the impact significance on the change in hydrodynamic flow is anticipated to be low. For the western waters of existing airport, though the peak velocity shows more significant changes, the future embayed areas to the extension of the airport would provide a slower flow region that is similar to the condition without the project in place, thus provide similar habitats for the fisheries resources. The impact significance on the change in hydrodynamics and flow regime are considered to be low.

Disturbance of Fishing Activities

14.7.2.11 As HKIAAA will be restricted to any unauthorised vessel entry including fishing vessels, while the existing SCLKCMP is also restricted to fishing except with permission granted by the AFCD. The remaining northern Lantau waters where fishing operations are possible will also be used by other vessels such as high speed ferries, cargo vessels and barges to and from Macao/ the Mainland. As a result, there would be increased conflict of uses in such reduced marine waters among different users during the operation phase, hence resulting in indirect disturbance of fishing activities in the northern Lantau waters.

14.7.2.12 The findings of fishermen surveys and Port Survey 2006 indicated that fishing activities at the northern Lantau waters were around 50 – 400 vessels. This is considered of low to moderate usage. The fisheries interview survey findings indicated that fishermen operating at the northern Lantau waters would also go to southern, western and eastern Lantau waters for capture fisheries (Appendix 14.4).

14.7.2.13 As the proportion of fisheries production to be affected in each year would be small as mentioned in the construction phase impact, the low to moderate usage by fishing operation at the northern Chek Lap Kok waters, the high mobility of the fishing vessels, and the designated route for the SkyPier high speed ferries (HSFs) under the jurisdiction of AAHK that will reduce the risk of vessels collision and conflict, it is considered that the indirect disturbance of fishing activities due to the operation of 3RS and the future extension of HKIAAA would be of low significance. No specific mitigation measure for the disturbance of fisheries activities is considered required, but mitigation measures for Chinese White Dolphin impacts including the speed restriction and diversion of SkyPier HSFs would also further minimise the disturbance impact on fisheries activities.

Indirect Disturbance of Fisheries Habitats due to Deterioration of Water Quality

Storm Water Runoff

14.7.2.14 There may be potentially polluted storm water runoff from the expanded airport operation to the adjacent marine waters. Contaminants may include hydrocarbons, chemicals and SS runoff. The amount of these pollutants entering marine waters would be limited, due to good housekeeping and silt-grease traps installation as part of standard drainage system design which will minimise pollutants runoff to surrounding marine waters. The impact significance is considered as insignificant.

Sewage Effluent Discharge

14.7.2.15 Sewage effluent would be generated from a range of activities at HKIA including from the airport-based workforce, passengers, staff and other visitors using airport facilities, food and beverage outlets, offices and hotels, as well as from certain maintenance activities in HKIA. Foul sewage would be disposed to the public sewerage system and transferred to the Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works (SHWSTW) for treatment. Wastewater collected from kitchens, washroom sinks, and aircraft catering and cleaning activities will be treated at the greywater treatment facilities onsite for reuse in landscape irrigation or cleansing related activities and any surplus discharge of treated greywater will divert to the foul sewer as is currently the case at HKIA. As such, there will be no sewage outfall at HKIA and no discharge of sewage effluent from HKIA into the marine environment. No adverse water quality impact on fisheries due to sewage disposal is anticipated.

Spent Cooling Discharge

14.7.2.16 Cooling water discharges may cause elevation of water temperature, discharge of residual amine and chlorine that may pose impacts on the marine environment and marine fishes. Elevation of water temperature may increase the metabolic rate of the marine fauna and increase the dissolved oxygen depletion rate. Temperature may also affect early development and nutrient dynamics for marine fishes (Wen et al.,2013). Free chlorine and chloramine toxicity may cause behavioural aberrations for marine fishes, including distended gills and erratic swimming behaviour and reduction in respiration rates if concentrations approaching lethal levels (Capuzzo et al., 1977).

14.7.2.17 The findings from the hydrodynamic model on spent cooling discharges showed non-exceedances of surface temperature during both wet and dry season with and without the project in place (Table 1 of Appendix 8.16). This confirms there are no impacts due to temperature associated with the spent cooling discharges from the project.

14.7.2.18 The findings on the predicted maximum depth-averaged residual chlorine levels (Table 2 of Appendix 8.16) show that there was no exceedance at all representative site of fisheries importance on the criteria adopted for assessment. The locations with notably elevated residual chlorine levels are at the eastern coast of the airport island adjacent to the outfall No.7, outfall No.14 and outfall No.8 (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/8-008). The predicted maximum concentration of the chlorine level is around 0.0563 mg/L. Under the worst case tidal period, the maximum extent of the mixing zone for residual chlorine release is approximately 260 m from outfall No.7 (as shown in Appendix 8.16 (Figure 21)), and approximately 550 m from outfall No.14 (as shown in Appendix 8.16 (Figure 20)). Discharge from outfall No.8 is due to the concurrent North Commercial District project which is not part of 3RS, hence the mixing zone associated with this outfall is due to the concurrent project only and is not related to the 3RS project.

14.7.2.19 The criteria is based on the more stringent USEPA Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) limit of 0.0075 mg/l, which is a very conservative limit compared to EPD’s No Observable Effect Concentration (NOEC) value of 0.02 mg/l for residual chlorine. A study on the eggs of estuarine fish Oryzias javanicus exposed to residual chlorine (1 mg/L NaOCl) for 14 days indicated that a delay in hatching time was recorded, while other variables such as hatching rate of eggs, survival, body length and body weight of larvae were not affected (Anasco et al., 2008).

14.7.2.20 Chlorine decay in seawater through four pathways: oxidation, addition or substitution reaction and light decomposition. The decay rate depends on the initial concentration of chlorine and physicochemical properties of seawater. In a laboratory experiment, 3-4 mg/L chlorine was dispersed in seawater with a total organic carbon content of 4-5 mg/L. The half-lives of chlorine in the seawater with and without light were found to be 9.6 and 13.5 hours respectively, while the chlorine disappeared completely within 3 days (Nadeeshani Nanayakkara et al., 2011).

14.7.2.21 In view of the low concentration of residual chlorine to be discharged, the fast decay rate, the mixing zone for residual chlorine release is localised, the dilution effect of the seawater and the insignificant effect of residual chlorine on estuarine fish eggs and larvae, the predicted exceedance is considered to be unlikely to cause adverse impacts at sites of fisheries importance. The potential impact from spent cooling discharge on fisheries is considered to be insignificant.

14.7.2.22 The findings on the predicted maximum depth-averaged residual amine levels at all sites of fisheries importance show no exceedance on the criteria. Details of the hydrodynamic model results on the predicted cumulative amine levels at sites of fisheries importance in year 2026 are presented in Table 3 of Appendix 8.16. Therefore, the potential fisheries impact due to the residual amine release from spent cooling is considered to be insignificant.

Fuel Spillage

14.7.2.23 The risk of fuel spillage at the facility was considered extremely low with reference to the approved EIA report for Permanent Aviation Fuel Facility (PAFF) (Application No. EIA-127/2006). Incidences of aviation fuel leakage / spillage into the marine environment that may arise during refueling operations and/or aircraft-related accidents were also assessed as low risk, in view of the proper measures already in place in the existing HKIA and similar or enhanced measures be put in place for the newly diverted pipelines. Assessment of potential fuel spillage to marine environment and the potential water quality impact is provided in Section 8.7.2. In summary, the risk of jet fuel spillage into the marine environment would be minimal, and therefore the potential impact on fisheries resources and indirect disturbance to fisheries habitat off-site is considered to be insignificant.

Maintenance Dredging of the Navigable Waters North of HKIA

14.7.2.24 During operation phase, it has been identified that the changes to the tidal flow regime resulting from the new land formation may induce sedimentation along the navigable waters to the north of HKIA, thereby creating a need for periodical maintenance dredging at the navigable area.

14.7.2.25 Sediment transport modelling has been conducted for the project. As presented in Section 8.7.2, the modeling findings indicate that there is potential for sediment accretion within the embayed areas and along some of the edges of the airport island. However the output plots suggest limited to no potential for sedimentation along the northern waters of HKIA, particularly outside the boundary of the future HKIAAA (HKIAAA is prohibited from vessel entry so maintenance dredging is not required) where shipping vessels will travel, hence maintenance dredging would not be required along the navigable waters to the north of HKIA. Therefore, no further assessment of impacts due to possible maintenance dredging is required.

14.7.2.26 In summary, the discharge of surface runoff/ stormwater and spent cooling water into the adjacent marine waters of expanded airport island may cause insignificant impact on fisheries resources with no exceedance of water quality criteria at sites of fisheries importance predicted. Operational discharges will also be regulated by the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) for the protection of the marine environment. No effect on aquaculture activity is anticipated as the nearest FCZ and oyster farm are far away from the proposed third runway and the associated stormwater discharge points. The overall impact significance of deterioration of water quality on disturbance of fisheries habitats is therefore considered to be insignificant. Furthermore, such impact can be further reduced by implementation of measures to minimise contaminants in stormwater, such as installation and maintenance of gullies and oil/grease interceptors to remove silt, grit, oil and fuel.

Impingement and Entrainment due to Seawater Intakes

14.7.2.27 The existing eastern seawater pump house (SWPH-1) provided a peak load of 4,255 L/s of water to the existing terminal buildings for cooling in 2012. There will be an increase in cooling demand from the existing seawater pumping house (SWPH-1) as a result of the expanded Terminal 2. In addition, a new seawater pumping house (SWPH-7) and associated seawater intakes for the third runway facilities will likely be situated on the east side of the third runway (Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/8-008). Based on the cooling demand for the new facilities, associated with the third runway, it is anticipated that the expanded SWPH-1 and the new SWPH-7 will have a peak flow of 7070 l/s and 7400 l/s respectively.

14.7.2.28 The increase in sea water flow in surrounding waters adjacent to the seawater intakes may cause physical damage of fish especially juvenile fishes and crustaceans by collisions with the screen and cause impingement or die. Fish eggs or larvae of smaller size will pass through the screen but might subject to exposure to vaporization and cause entrainment or desiccation.

14.7.2.29 The location of the seawater pumping house (SWPH-1) and future pumping house (SWPH-7) are located either further away or at the boundary of the identified spawning ground for marine fishes. It is considered that the increase in water flow in the eastern Chek Lap Kok waters will not cause unacceptable adverse impacts to the fisheries resources caused by impingement and entrainment of larvae and fish post-larvae. The impact significance is considered to be low.

Indirect Disturbance of Marine Fishes due to Aircraft Noise

14.7.2.30 Anthropogenic noise may affect fish distribution, reproduction, communication and predation abilities (Slabbekoorn et al., 2010). The effect of aircraft noise is not well investigated. It has been reported that aircraft noise did not have any effect on fish at a hatchery near airport frequented by commercial jets; mild sonic boom did not have any effect on fish eggs, and only intense sonic boom might startle and cause jumping reactions in fish (Gladwin et al., 1987). Although fish has been reported to respond to noise such as those generated by underwater explosions and vessels, airborne sound such as those generated by aircraft is usually reflected off the water’s surface, with only a small proportion actually penetrating the air-water boundary (ACRP, 2008). Therefore they are not likely to be affected by the sound generated by aircrafts. The impact significance is considered to be insignificant.

Potential Fisheries “No-take-zone”

14.7.2.31 The future HKIAAA extension by approximately 358 ha will provide a fisheries “no-take-zone” as it will be a marine exclusion zone where entry of fishing vessel is prohibited; fishing activities will no longer be possible in these areas during the operation phase of the project. The artificial seawall along the future land formation coastline would be 7.1 km longer than the existing seawall that will be removed (from existing 5.9 km to 13 km). Moreover, eco-enhancement features are proposed to be incorporated into the future seawall design with a view to providing suitable microhabitats for re-colonisation of marine fauna that will benefit recruitment of juvenile fishes as well as substrates for fisheries enhancement.

14.7.2.32 Therefore, the future operation of HKIAAA is considered of beneficial in conservation of fisheries resources and habitats. The impact significance on fishing activities is considered to be low.

14.7.2.33 The above potential fisheries impacts are evaluated according to the criteria in Annex 9 of the EIAO-TM and are summarised in Table 14‑5 and Table 14‑6 for construction and operation phase impacts respectively.

Potential Impact	Source of Impact	Affected Area	Criteria	Impact significance	Mitigation required
Direct loss of fishing ground	Temporary works area, land formation works, construction of approach lights, construction of lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA, diversion of submarine 11 kV cables, marine SI at SCLKCMP and floating temporary platform for diversion of submarine fuel pipelines	Fishing ground at northern and western Chek Lap Kok and SCLKCMP	Temporary for the works area, diversion of submarine cables and marine SI at SCLKCMP; Permanent loss upon completion of land formation; and construction of approach lights, lighted marks & beacons by late 2021	Temporary works area of approx. 981 ha; Total permanent loss of fishing grounds of 410 ha (Note: The loss due to construction of approach lights, lighted marks & beacons is only 0.011 ha, which is negligible.)	Potential loss in fisheries production would be ranged from 100 - 200 kg/ha per year	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	The northern portion of the footprint and the proposed temporary works area were moderately used by small vessels (approx. 150 – 400 vessels will be affected) Moderately-low usage of western waters of the airport by small vessels (approx. 50 - 100 vessels will be affected).	No aquaculture activity be affected directly	Low from commencement of construction to moderate	Yes, minimisation of project footprint from 827 ha to 650 ha, and consideration of alternative construction methods
Direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources)	Land formation works Construction of approach lights Construction of lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA	Fisheries habitats at the land formation footprint and future HKIAAA	Permanent loss upon completion of land formation; and construction of approach lights, lighted marks & beacons by late 2021	Total permanent loss of fisheries habitats = 672 ha (Note: The loss due to construction of approach lights, lighted marks & beacons is only 0.011 ha, which is negligible.)	Low proportion of fisheries resources (0.04 - 0.08 %)	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	The northern portion of the footprint was moderately used by small vessels (approx. 150 – 400 vessels will be affected).	No aquaculture activity be affected directly	Low from commencement of construction to moderate	Yes, minimisation of project footprint from 827 ha to 650 ha, consideration of alternative construction methods to minimise disturbance, compensation of permanent loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) by establishment of Marine Park to connect with the existing and planned / potential Marine Parks.
	Diversion of submarine 11 kV cables Marine SI at SCLKCMP for submarine fuel pipelines and floating temporary platform for diversion of submarine fuel pipelines	Fisheries habitat at western Chek Lap Kok and SCLKCMP	Diversion of submarine 11 kV cables – temporary loss between 2015 and 2016 Marine SI work at SCLKCMP – temporary loss for a few months in 2015 Floating temporary platform – temporary loss	Total temporary loss of fisheries habitat = 0.67 ha (Note: The loss due to marine SI work at SCLKCMP is only 0.000012 ha, which is negligible.)	Low proportion of fisheries resources (approx. 0.00004% - 0.00008%)	Insignificant	Moderately-low usage of western waters of the airport by small vessels (approx. 50 – 100 vessels will be affected).	No aquaculture activity be affected directly	Insignificant	No, the seabed will be reinstated after the diversion and SI works
Direct loss of spawning or nursery grounds	Land formation works Construction of approach lights Construction of lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA	Spawning ground at northern Lantau waters	Permanent loss upon completion of construction	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	Low proportion of fisheries resources (0.04 – 0.08%)	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	No	No	Low	No
Indirect disturbance of fisheries habitats due to deterioration of water quality	Diversion of the submarine pipeline and cable	Fishing ground at western Chek Lap Kok outside HKIAAA	Temporary (2015 to 2016)	Western Chek Lap Kok waters	Low, the area is not of high fisheries production.	Insignificant	Moderately-low usage of western waters of the existing airport island by small vessels (approx. 50 – 100 vessels will be affected).	No aquaculture activity be affected	Insignificant	No specific measure for fisheries is required. Water quality mitigation measures including the use of alternative construction methods, phasing of works, etc. would minimise the impact.
	Land formation works including ground improvement, marine filling and seawall construction	Sites of fisheries importance at Tai O, Brothers waters, SCLKCMP and spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources at northern Lantau waters	Temporary (2016 to end 2017 when seawall construction would be substantially completed)	N/A	Constitutes a small proportion of total fisheries resources/ production in Hong Kong	Low	Impacts on fishing activities are expected to be localised and will be substantially reduced upon the seawall establishment to surround the works area	No significant impact on marine fish culture activity.	Insignificant	No specific measure for fisheries is required. Water quality mitigation measures including the use of alternative construction methods, phasing of works, etc. would minimise the impact.
Oil and chemical spill	Fisheries habitats at northern Lantau waters	Temporary	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Insignificant	No specific measure for fisheries is required.
Importation and transportation of fill materials	Fisheries habitats along the transportation routes and adjacent waters	Temporary	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Low	No specific measure for fisheries is required. Water quality mitigation measures including good housekeeping would minimise the impact.
Indirect impact on Aquaculture sites	Land formation works including ground improvement, marine filling, seawall construction and water jetting and excavation at field joint area	Ma Wan Marine Fish Culture Zone (FCZ) and oyster production areas at Deep Bay	Temporary	Approx. 13,200 m² aquaculture rafts at Ma Wan marine FCZ; approx. 64 ha of oyster rafts at Lau Fau Shan	Insignificant	Insignificant	N/A	Insignificant	Insignificant	No
Indirect impact on artificial reefs	Land formation works including ground improvement, marine filling and seawall construction	Artificial reefs (ARs) in SCLKCMP and planned BMP	Temporary (2016 to end 2017 when seawall construction would be substantially completed)	6 AR sites at SCLKCMP with total area of approx. 1,200 m² BMP; approx. 10,800 m³	The impact on ARs in SCLKCMP and planned BMP is low.	Low	No fishing activities are allowed at ARs.	N/A	Low on ARs in SCLKCMP and planned BMP	No specific measure for fisheries is required. Water quality mitigation measures including the use of alternative construction methods, phasing of works, etc. would minimise the impact.
Disturbance on fishing activities	Conflict of usage of marine waters with construction vessels and other marine vessels	Northern waters between the works boundary to the north and SCLKCMP	Temporary	Large	Low	N/A	Yes	N/A	Low	No
Disturbance to fisheries resources associated with underwater sound	Increase in marine construction vessels, ground improvement works and bored piling for approach light and lighted marks and beacons	Fisheries resources at and surrounding the land formation footprint	Temporary for several weeks at bore piling locations and during construction phase from late 2015/ early 2016 to end 2021 for marine traffic	N/A	Low for small area to be affected. Some fish may deter from the area with underwater sound and vibration	Juvenile species may be susceptible to noise damages	No impact on fishing activity is expected	No aquaculture activity will be affected	Low	No specific measure for fisheries is required, but use of alternative construction method instead of percussive piling.

Potential Impact	Source of Impact	Affected Area	Criteria	Impact significance	Mitigation required
Direct loss of fishing ground	Land formation works Construction of approach lights Construction of lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA	Fishing ground at northern Chek Lap Kok outside existing HKIAAA	Permanent loss	Total 768 ha	Potential loss in fisheries production range from 100 – 200 kg/ha/year	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	The northern portion of the footprint was moderately used by small vessels (approx. 150 – 400 vessels will be affected).	No	Moderate	Yes, minimisation of project footprint from 827 ha to 650 ha, consideration of alternative construction methods, improvement of fisheries resources by marine park establishment.
Disturbance of fishing activities	Conflict of usage of marine waters with marine vessels especially high speed ferries	Northern waters between the works boundary to the north and SCLKCMP	Permanent	Large	Low	N/A	Yes	N/A	Low	No
Direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources)	Land formation works Construction of approach lights Construction of lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA	Fishing habitats for the land formation footprint, approach lights and lighted marks and beacons	Permanent loss	Total 672 ha	Low proportion of fisheries resources (0.04 - 0.08 %)	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	The northern portion of the footprint was moderately used by small vessels (approx. 150 – 400 vessels will be affected).	No	Moderate	Yes, minimisation of project footprint from 827 ha to 650 ha, consideration of alternative construction methods to minimise disturbance, compensation of fisheries habitats (and resources) by establishment of Marine Park to connect with the existing and planned / potential Marine Parks.
Direct loss of spawning or nursery grounds	Land formation works Construction of approach lights Construction of lighted marks and beacons for future HKIAAA	Spawning ground at northern Lantau waters	Permanent loss	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	Low proportion of fisheries resources	Encroach on 78 ha (around 1.57%) of identified spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources	No	No	Low	No
Change in hydrodynamics and tidal influence	Land formation footprint	Fisheries habitats at northern Lantau waters	Permanent	Northern Lantau waters	No	There may be disturbance on identified spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources	Minor changes in most of the sites of fisheries importance, more significant changes at immediate north of land formation footprint and west of existing airport island	No	Low	No, but enhancement measures at west of future airport extension embayed area will be considered to promote fishery recovery.
Indirect disturbance of fisheries habitats due to deterioration of water quality	Storm water runoff, sewage effluent discharge, spent cooling water discharge, fuel spillage and maintenance dredging	Fisheries habitats at northern Lantau waters	Temporary	Waters surrounding the expanded airport island	Low as the area is not of high fisheries production	Potentially disturb spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources	No, as fishing vessels are not allowed to enter the future HKIAAA	No	Insignificant	No specific measure for fisheries is required. Water quality mitigation measures would minimise the impact.
Impingement and entrainment due to seawater intakes	Increase seawater flow due to seawater intake	Fisheries habitats at northern Lantau waters especially for juvenile fishes, eggs and crustacean	Temporary	Waters surrounding the seawater intakes at airport island east	Insignificant	Potentially disturb spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources immediate to the seawater intakes	No	No	Low	No
Indirect disturbance due to aircraft noise	Increase in aircraft	Fisheries resources at northern Lantau waters	Permanent	Waters influenced by the landing and take-off noise from aircraft	Not likely	Not likely	No	No	Insignificant	No
Potential Fisheries “No-take zone”	Extension of HKIAAA as marine exclusion zone	Future extended HKIAAA	Permanent	Future HKIAAA of approx. area of 358 ha	Fisheries resources or production are expected to increase with the extension of fisheries “no-take” zone	Nursery and spawning ground will not be affected, while HKIAAA may provide habitat for larvae and juvenile fish recruitment	The area was moderately used by small vessels (approx. 150 – 400 vessels will be affected).	No	Positive to fisheries resources conservation and low impact on fishing activities	No

14.8 Cumulative Impacts

14.8.1.1 Chapter 4 has identified the potential concurrent projects within the study area and the locations of concurrent projects for cumulative impact assessment are shown in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/4-008. Table 14‑7 below summarises those projects that may cause cumulative impact on fisheries resources and operations. The potential cumulative impacts may include temporary and permanent loss of fishing grounds / fisheries habitat and potential deterioration of water quality during construction and operation phases.

Table 14‑7 Concurrent Projects with Potential Cumulative Impact on Fisheries

Proposed Development/ On-going Projects	Nature of the Projects	Potential Fisheries Impact	Latest Programme as of August 2013	Status
Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge: Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR)	Dual 3-lane carriageway connecting HKBCF	Temporary loss of seabed during construction: 243 ha* Permanent loss of seabed for marine piers and reclamation: 30 ha* Potential water quality impact during construction phase	Commenced in May 2012, for completion by end 2016	Under construction
Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge: Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	Boundary crossing facilities and serves as transfer point for road traffic between HKLR and TM-CLKL	Temporary loss of seabed during construction: 226 ha* Permanent loss of seabed for reclamation: 138 ha* Potential water quality impact during construction phase	Commenced in November 2011, for completion by end 2016	Under construction
Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL)	Dual 2-lane carriageway between Northwest New Territories and HKBCF	Temporary loss of seabed during construction: 141 ha* Permanent loss of seabed for marine piers and reclamation: 48 ha*	Commenced in November 2011, for completion by end 2016	Under construction
Tung Chung New Town Development Extension	New town development extension for accommodate 220,000 population to meet housing and other development needs	Permanent loss of seabed of around 134 ha for reclamation	No construction programme is confirmed at this stage	Under engineering and environmental assessment
Lantau Logistics Park (LLP)	Reclamation site at Siu Ho Wan for establishment of logistics facilities	Permanent loss of seabed: 112 ha Potential water quality impact during construction phase	Development programme yet to be confirmed	Project status not confirm
New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) East / East of Sha Chau	Contaminated mud disposal facilities	Temporary loss of seabed at HKIA East: about 164 ha* Temporary loss of seabed for South Brothers and East Sha Chau Mud Pits: about 106 ha* Potential water quality impact during construction phase	CMP to the south of the Brothers operate between 2013 and 2016; CMP at the East of Sha Chau operate between 2016 and 2017	Operated in 2013
Development of the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (IWMF)	Waste incineration plant, mechanical treatment plant and ancillary facilities at Tsang Tsui Ash Lagoon in Nim Wan (TTAL), Tuen Mun and an artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau (SKC)	^#TTAL: confined to terrestrial area, loss of fishing grounds and resources not expected. ^#SKC (south of Lantau Island outside the study area)	Latest programme yet to be confirmed	EIA approved
Providing Sufficient Water Depth at Kwai Tsing Container Basin and its Approach Channel	Dredging activities to provide sufficient seabed depth at Kwai Tsing Container Basin, portions of the Northern Fairway and Western Fairway	Temporary loss of fishing ground and resources: 446 ha^@(about 220 ha are within the Principal Fairways where fishing is restricted)	Planned for commencement in early 2013 for completion by early 2016	Detailed design and construction stage
Container Terminal 10 Development at Southwest Tsing Yi (CT10)	Development of a container terminal and associated facilities at the southwest of Tsing Yi island	Permanent loss of approx. 180 ha of seabed with dredging, construction of seawalls and reclamation	No programme yet	Preliminary feasibility study
Harbour Area Treatment Scheme – Stage 2A	Strategic sewage disposal scheme to provide treatment for the sewage collected from urban areas in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island	Indirect disturbance in operation phase due to changes to water quality induced by the sewage discharge	Construction commenced in 2009 and scheduled for completion in 2014	Under construction
Leisure and Entertainment Node at Sunny Bay	Leisure and entertainment node at Sunny Bay to provide a cluster of entertainment, leisure and tourist facilities	Potential permanent loss of seabed of 70 ha^	No programme yet	Feasibility study
Outlying Islands Sewerage Stage 2 – Upgrading of Cheung Chau and Tai O Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal Facilities (Upgrading of Tai O Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal Facilities)	Upgrading of sewage collection, treatment and disposal facilities in Tai O	Potential water quality impacts during construction phase Permanent marine habitat loss of approx. 0.23 ha	Scheduled to commence construction in late 2014 for completion in 2019	Project profile submitted in 2012
Sludge Treatment Facilities	Proposed facility for treatment of dewatered sludge generated from the sewage treatment process.	Potential water quality impact during operation phase	Planned for commissioning in November 2013	Under construction

Source:*Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge – Hong Kong Link Road EIA Report (Arup, 2009)

^#Engineering Investigation and Environmental Studies for Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 – Feasibility Study, Environmental Impact Assessment Report (AECOM, 2011)

^@Providing Sufficient Water Depth for Kwai Tsing Container Basin and its Approach Channel – Environmental Impact Assessment Report (Mott MacDonald, 2010)

^Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy Stragic Environmental Assessment – Revised Concept Plan for Lantau (LCP) Broad Brush Environmental Appraisal of the LCP (Hyder Consulting and Mott Connell, 2007)

14.8.1.2 The potential cumulative fisheries impacts due to the loss of fishing grounds / fisheries habitats (and resources) and potential deterioration of water quality within the study area have been reviewed based on the fisheries impact assessments of relevant approved EIA studies where available, or based on the latest baseline information on fisheries production and operations in respective area. Those projects with status not confirmed or design information not available would only be considered for their potential permanent loss of fishing grounds as worst case scenarios.

14.8.1.3 As detailed in Table 14‑8, there would be cumulative total permanent loss of approximately 1,480 ha of fishing ground or 1,384 ha of fisheries habitats if all the identified concurrent projects are implemented as planned. With regard to the cumulative loss of fisheries habitats, the impact significance is considered to be moderate, as a considerable portion (49 %) of the total area to be lost would be contributed by the third runway project. Mitigation measure is considered required.

Table 14‑8 Summary of Permanent Fishing Ground/ Fisheries Habitat Losses of this Project and the Concurrent Projects

Projects	Permanent Loss of Fishing Ground or Fisheries Habitats
Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway System	Fishing ground loss: 768 ha Fisheries habitat loss: 672 ha ( Land formation works carried out in phases from late 2015/ early 2016 to late 2021, with majority of marine filling works competed by late 2018)
Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge: Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR)	About 30 ha seabed for marine piers and reclamation (Completion by end 2016)
Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge: Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	About 138 ha seabed for reclamation (Completion by end 2016)
Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL)	About 48 ha seabed for marine piers and reclamation (Completion by end 2016)
Tung Chung New Town Development Extension	Around 134 ha seabed on south and southeast of Chek Lap Kok waters with low to very low fisheries production and operation (Project programme and design information not confirmed but considered as worst case scenario)
Lantau Logistics Park (LLP)	Around 112 ha seabed on northeast of Tai Ho Bay with low fisheries operation (Project programme and design information not confirmed but considered as worst case scenario)
New Contaminated Mud Marine Disposal Facility at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) East / East of Sha Chau	No permanent loss
Providing Sufficient Water Depth at Kwai Tsing Container Basin and its Approach Channel	No permanent loss
Container Terminal 10 Development at Southwest Tsing Yi (CT10)	About 180 ha of seabed with low fisheries operations (Project programme not confirmed but considered as worst case scenario)
Harbour Area Treatment Scheme – Stage 2A	No loss of fishing ground
Leisure and Entertainment Node at Sunny Bay	About 70 ha seabed with moderate fishing operations (Project programme and design information not confirmed but considered as worst case scenario)
Outlying Islands Sewerage Stage 2 – Upgrading of Cheung Chau and Tai O Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal Facilities (Upgrading of Tai O Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal Facilities)	Permanent marine habitat loss of about 0.23 ha affecting the fishing ground with low operation in the western Lantau waters
Sludge Treatment Facilities	No loss of fishing ground
Total	Fishing ground loss: 1,480 ha Fisheries habitat loss: 1,384 ha

14.8.1.4 As detailed in Section 8.5.3, the cumulative water quality impact assessment has already taken into account all the relevant concurrent projects where information is available. The cumulative impact assessment findings as detailed in Section 8.7.1 indicated that there would be exceedances of the SS criterion under the WQO (i.e. < 30% of ambient baseline conditions) at the Brothers under the mitigated worst case scenarios. Elevated SS cause adverse impacts on the water body, such as reduced penetration of light, temperature changes, release of contaminants and nutrients, deplete dissolved oxygen levels, and all these changes can have negative impact on the marine biota (Bilotta and Brazier, 2008). The contributions to the SS exceedances by the third runway project are predicted to be up to 12%. The frequency of depth-average SS exceedances would be up to around 0.1% of the time in a year. The result is due to the very conservative modelling assumptions adopted for the disposal / capping operations at the CMPs at East Sha Chau and South of the Brothers. These disposal / capping activities were assumed based on the maximum allowable production rate as specified in the Environmental Permit for that concurrent project. Based on recent information provided by that project proponent in October and December 2013, it is understood that daily peak disposal and capping operations would be much lower than the allowable production rate in the past five years of operation (between 2009 and 2013). It is predicted that with a more realistic prediction of production rates using historic rates for disposal and capping, the SS elevations at the Brothers would be significantly reduced and no cumulative exceedance of the principal criteria would arise. Thus cumulative impacts due to this concurrent project are considered to be low.

14.8.1.5 The cumulative effect of concurrent projects has already been taken into account in the hydrodynamic model for operation phase scenario. Based on the hydrodynamic model findings, the changes in tidal discharges, including both increases and decreases, are relatively small after implementation of the project as compared to the base scenario. More significant hydrodynamic changes are identified for the flow through the east of airport channel. The areas immediately surrounding the project are also predicted to have more significant changes in peak velocity. However, the water quality results do not appear to show significant deteriorations in water quality in this area despite the reduced flows (refer to the results for DO, BOD5, TIN, NH₃ and SS shown in Appendix 8.15). Thus it is not anticipated that the flow reductions will significantly affect water quality in this area.

14.8.1.6 For assessment of local effects due to the project, flow velocities at individual sites of fisheries importance locations (F1 – Ma Wan Marine Fish Culture Zone; F2 – spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters; F3 – high production of capture fisheries at Tai O; CR2 – AR at Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park; and CR3 – the planned BMP) were summarised in Appendix 8.14 (Table 1) for the with and without project scenarios. The results show generally minimal changes in flow velocities at most sites of fisheries importance especially for dry season (<0.1 m/s), which suggests that the project would not induce significant changes to the hydrodynamic regime at most locations. Areas showing more significant changes in peak velocity (e.g. >0.2 m/s) are generally areas immediately surrounding the project (e.g. the area immediately north of the airport at F2 and the embayed areas to the west of the airport). As species recorded to the north of the land formation footprint and adjacent waters did not show significant difference in species abundance, the impact significance on the change in hydrodynamic flow is considered to be low. For the western waters of existing airport, though the peak velocity shows more significant changes, the future embayed areas to the extension of the airport would provide a slower flow region that is similar to the condition without the project in place, thus provide similar habitats for the fisheries resources. The impact significance on the cumulative change in hydrodynamics and flow regime are considered to be low.

14.9 Mitigation Measures

14.9.1.1 Based on the assessment in Section 14.7, the various potential fisheries impacts during construction and operation phases of the third runway project are considered to be of low to moderate significance. As such, mitigation measures for the moderate fisheries impact are considered necessary. In addition, implementation of the recommended water quality mitigation measures will also minimise the impacts on fisheries resources and fishing ground. Details of the relevant water quality mitigation measures are described in Section 8.8, and are also summarised below.

Minimisation of Land Formation Area

14.9.1.2 During the course of design consideration for the 3RS, through the strategic assessment of options, the required overall size of the land formation needed for the additional facilities has been minimised to reduce, as much as possible, the overall loss of habitat for fisheries resources. The alignment of a runway is governed by the geographical location as well as the predominant wind direction for landings and take-offs. Considerations for runway alignment therefore form the first major foundation for any airport project, as runway alignment effectively governs available options for future layout and operation of airport facilities and can result in permanent operation constraints on an airport.

14.9.1.3 A total of 15 alignments were further developed to focussed on generic layouts to demonstrate the broadest range of possible runway alignments options and these were subject to assessment against a set of mandatory compliance criteria and a sixteenth option.

14.9.1.4 In addition, a total of 18 airport layout options were considered and evaluated against constructability and operation requirements and environmental considerations. Further details are provided in Chapter 3. Overall, previous land requirement estimates were in the region of 743 ha to 827 ha but have now been reduced to 650 ha of open waters and 672 ha of seabed area as a minimum requirement. This will greatly minimise the direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) and fishing grounds.

14.9.1.5 During the course of preliminary engineering design, key environmental differentiators for comparison of airport layout options have been considered in the development of preferred layout (Section 3.4 in Chapter 3). CWD, fisheries and marine ecology are some of the key environmental differentiators. The options comparison have considered the potential disturbance to fisheries production, disturbance to fishing operation and loss in fisheries value due to construction; potential permanent loss in fisheries production and fisheries habitats (and resources), disturbance to fishing operation and loss in fisheries value due to the operation of the 3RS and extension of HKIAAA, in shortlisting the options where potential impacts were relatively lesser than other options. An example of minimising the potential impact to fisheries activities that has been considered in developing the preferred option layout is by optimising the separation distance between the new HKIAAA, SCLKCMP and Hong Kong marine waters boundary (Option 3-R(A+Y)) (Table 3.9 in Chapter 3). This option has been further refined taking into account the environmental benefit and dis-benefit in developing the preferred layout option.

Use of Construction Methods with Minimal Risk/Disturbance

14.9.1.6 Some marine construction methods may impact upon fisheries habitats and fishing ground, and thus every attempt has been made to avoid these types of methods during construction of the 3RS project. Percussive piling and underwater blasting are the two most significant examples and this project plans to avoid these two methods. While dredging is not considered as harmful as the above practices, it still has the potential to cause disturbance to fisheries resources. Therefore, dredging and filling operations will be avoided during the land formation and non-dredge techniques will be adopted for the main land formation and ancillary works including the diversion of the aviation fuel pipeline to the AFRF. The use of the Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) method instead of conventional seabed dredging for creation of the 3RS land platform will significantly reduce the risk of negative impacts though the elevation of suspended solids and contaminants on fisheries. Land filling activities will be undertaken only behind a 200 m leading seawall and filling rates restricted to 3,000 m³/hour. In addition, only short term bored piling will be used to form the new approach lights and marker beacons for the new runway. Also, the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method and water jetting methods will be used for placement of undersea cables and pipelines and these will minimise the disturbance to the fisheries resources.

Consideration of Alternative Alignment for Pipeline Diversion with Minimal Risk/Disturbance

14.9.1.7 Alternative alignment for the submarine pipelines diversion has been considered to reduce the length within the bed rock levels of SCLKCMP (Appendix 13.14). By adopting a similar alignment as Option 2 as far as possible, the HDD horizontal alignment close to Sha Chau would be as shown in yellow (Appendix 13.14) (the preferred alignment is shown in red).

14.9.1.8 This alignment involves both additional drilling distance and the introduction of a compound radius curve (combined horizontal and vertical curve) with a compound radius in the order of 700 m. Both of these changes from the preferred alignment will substantially increase the construction risk associated with the HDD works and in particular the ability to day light at the selected location on the island close to the Aviation Fuel Facility. The layout of the compound curve means that any misalignment would be virtually impossible to adjust given the very hard rock conditions and the day lighting has the potential to occur in the water to the north of the island. It is therefore concluded that this alignment is not a viable alignment.

14.9.1.9 By adopting the HDD method, disturbance to the fisheries habitats would be negligible as the drilling will be carried out through the bedrock well below the seabed and both the bedrock and the sediment layers of the seabed would dampen any indirect and minor noise impact that may be expected during HDD drilling activities. It is again noted that the HDD drilling would take place at a depth of several tens of metres below the seabed. Although the section passing through rock underneath the existing SCLKCMP would be slightly shorter, adopting the alternative and longer alignment would increase the risk of failing to accurately reach the selected day lighting location as discussed above and would also result in a larger amount of excavated materials and longer work duration for the pipeline installation. It should also be noted that the alternative alignment would ultimately be located completely underneath the seabed of the proposed extended marine park which in future will link the existing SCLKCMP with the planned BMP as well as with the future 3RS HKIAAA.

Consideration of Alternative Treatment to Existing Pipelines after Diversion

14.9.1.10 It is considered to cap the two ends of the existing submarine pipelines after diversion, but alternative treatment has been reviewed to minimise the risk of leaving the pipelines in existing locations. If the whole length of the two pipelines is to be filled, grout would have to be introduced into them from both ends i.e. from the end at the airport island and the end at Sha Chau Island. This would require significant additional works within SCLKCMP and involve the handling of additional cement grout at the works area within the marine park. Due to the long length of the pipelines and the curved alignment, the complete filling of the pipelines could not be fully guaranteed. For these reasons and taking into account the significant depth of the pipelines below the seabed and the rock armour protection above them, it has been reasonably concluded that filling the whole length of the pipelines with cement grouting is not necessary and is unlikely to result in any environmental benefit. It should be noted that the existing pipelines will be completely flushed in order to remove any aviation fuel inside the pipelines prior to any grouting activity, with flushing residues treated / disposed of in accordance with all relevant Hong Kong requirements. Also, pipeline pigging would be deployed to remove any remaining fuel residues that may have adhered to the inner walls of the pipelines prior to capping at the two ends. Therefore, the demobilised pipelines would not cause any adverse impact on fisheries habitats even if they are only capped and grouted along a relatively short section at each end.

Strict Enforcement of No-Dumping Policy

14.9.1.11 Often, construction work involves extended work by personnel from coastal sites, reclaimed lands, anchored barges, skiffs, or other types of vessels. A No-Dumping Policy is simply a policy prohibiting dumping of wastes, chemicals, oil, trash, plastic, or any other substance that would potentially be harmful to fisheries resources and/or their habitat in the work area. It is mandatory that an educational program of the no-dumping policy be made available to all construction-site personnel for all project-related works. Obviously, to be effective, such a policy needs to be strictly enforced and there need to be stiff fines for infractions. Unscheduled, on-site audits will also generally be required.

Good Construction Site Practices

14.9.1.12 Good construction site practices will be observed, which is standard in most marine construction projects in Hong Kong these days. Among other things, this should include the regular inspection of the integrity and effectiveness of all silt curtains, and monitoring of effluents to ensure that any discharge meets effluent discharge guidelines. To minimise the potential temporary disturbance due to the delivery barges and stationary construction vessels north of the airport platform during construction, construction traffic (land and sea) including construction plants, construction vessels and barges should be kept to a practical minimum. Any idle vessels should be avoided in the construction area. The overall objective is to keep the number of working or stationary vessels present on-site to the minimum anytime. Unscheduled, on-site audits for all good site practice restrictions should be conducted, and fines or penalties sufficient to be an effective deterrent need to be levied against violators.

Mitigation for Indirect Disturbance due to Deterioration of Water Quality

14.9.1.13 The water quality mitigation measures during construction phases include consideration of alternative construction methods, deployment of silt curtain and good site practices.

14.9.1.14 Alternative construction methods including use of non-dredge methods for ground improvement (e.g. Deep Cement Mixing (DCM), prefabricated vertical drains (PVD), sand compaction piles, steel cells, stone columns and vertical sand drains) have been proposed to minimise the need for marine sediment removal, which will limit the release of sediment plumes during the construction phase (details see Section 3.6.2). This will greatly reduce the potential for adverse construction-related water quality impacts and associated impacts on fisheries.

14.9.1.15 For the construction of other marine infrastructure facilities, no percussive piling will be used, but instead bored piling is selected as the preferred foundation system to support the approach lights, lighted marks and beacons for less disturbance to the surrounding environment (details see Section 3.7.2).

14.9.1.16 For the diversion of submarine aviation fuel pipelines, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) through the sub-sea bedrock level will greatly reduce the disturbance that may induce on fisheries habitats and fishing ground between the airport island and Sha Chau.

14.9.1.17 For the diversion of submarine 11 kV cables, water jetting method will be used for direct burial of cable from airport to outside of SCLKCMP boundary (details see Section 3.7.4). No trench excavation is required and the seabed will be reinstated to original level upon construction completion. This will reduce the sediment release to the marine environment. For the field joint location, excavation will be carried out to expose a section of the existing cable for connecting to the new cable. The excavated trench will then be reinstated and backfilled with sediment on top to the original seabed level. This will allow recolonisation of marine fauna and fisheries resources.

14.9.1.18 Other specific measures for water quality impacts are presented in Sections 8.8.1. In summary, these recommended measures include selection of marine fill materials with optimal fines content, provision of advance seawall of at least 200 m prior to commencement of marine filling activities, deployment of double layer silt curtains around active eastern works areas prior to commencement of sand blanket laying activities, deployment of double layer silt curtains around the partially completed seawalls prior to commencement of marine filling activities, use of closed grabs for field joint excavation works for the submarine cable diversion, and deployment of silt curtains to surround the closed grab dredger as a precautionary measure. Other measures to minimise contaminants in storm water discharges during operation phase are also specified in Section 8.8.2.

Establishment of a New Marine Park

14.9.1.19 Based on the cumulative impact assessment in Section 14.8, while the permanent loss of fisheries habitats of 672 ha due to this third runway project alone is considered as moderate impact significance, the cumulative permanent loss of fisheries habitats of 1,384 ha due to this project and the relevant concurrent projects (Table 14‑8) is also considered as moderate impact significance. The permanent fisheries habitat loss due to this project accounts for about 49% of the cumulative loss. As a result, it is proposed to compensate the loss of 672 ha fisheries habitats due to this third runway project by establishment of a Marine Park to the north, west and east of the proposed land formation footprint and HKIAAA extension as illustrated in Drawing No. MCL/P132/EIA/14-010. The Marine Park would also serve to mitigate the moderate impacts associated with loss of 768 ha of fishing ground due to the future extension of HKIAAA. As avoidance and minimisation measures are exhausted, compensatory measure is therefore required.

14.9.1.20 The approximate area for the proposed Marine Park will be around 2,400 ha in size. The proposed Marine Park will be connected with the existing SCLKCMP to the north, the planned BMP to the east and the marine mammals conservation area at the Mainland waters to the west. It should be noted that the actual extent of the proposed new Marine Park will need to be designated under the Marine Parks Ordinance and the current estimate of its area is indicative and subject to change after discussion and agreement with the Hong Kong Government and other stakeholders. However, the area would not be expected to change significantly.

Compensation for the Loss of Fisheries Habitats (and Resources)

14.9.1.21 The future HKIAAA extension by approximately 358 ha will serve as a fisheries “no-take-zone” as it will be a marine exclusion zone where entry of fishing vessel is prohibited. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which excludes fishing at core area and other anthropogenic disturbances may benefit the adjacent fisheries outside the MPAs in two ways: (1) through the net emigration of juvenile and adult fish (termed “spillover effect”), and/or (2) export of pelagic eggs and larvae from the restored spawning stocks fishery (Harmelin-Vivien et al., 2008). Based on the study of the effect to the adjacent fishery and the spillover of exploitable fishes from the Mombasa Marine Park in Kenya, it was revealed that the establishment of Mombasa Marine Park, within which all forms of fishing are prohibited, significantly increased fish stocks adjacent to the park. Outside the marine park where there is fisheries management to restrict the activities of pull seines, spillover increased the catch per fisher by around 75% and may extend up to 2 km (McClanahan and Mangi, 2000).

14.9.1.22 Within Hong Kong, only one study had investigated the changes of demersal fish community after reclamation for HKIA, followed by the establishment of MPAs including SCLKCMP and the Pearl River Chinese White Dolphin Nature Reserve (PRCWDNR). The PRCWDNR has a core area of 140 km², where vessels are not allowed to enter without approval by the management department for the nature reserve. During reclamation, the fish community was dominated by young or small-sized species and fast-growing species. After the establishment of the MPAs, the fish density outside the MPAs was found to increase significantly, and the spillover effect lasted more than 15 km away from the boundary of the MPAs (Tam et al., 2013). It is noted that MPAs on their own do not deliver sustainable fisheries, and in many cases need to be complemented by well-enforced fishing regulations to reduce fishing efforts (Gell and Roberts, 2003). Within the marine park, management of fishing activities may be carried out through permit system and the establishment of Marine Park Management Plan that may include core area as fisheries no-take zone. Furthermore, complementary fisheries management measures have been in place in Hong Kong waters following the implementation of the amended Fisheries Protection Ordinance which came into effect in 15 June 2012. These include setting up a registration system for local fishing vessels, limiting new entrants and maintaining an appropriate level of fishing effort, and restrict fishing activities of non-fishing vessels. All these measures can help to strengthen the spillover effect for the proposed marine park, the connection between SCLKCMP, the planned BMP, the PRCWDNR and the future extended HKIAAA.

14.9.1.23 It is anticipated that the connection of all these marine protected areas with the extended HKIAAA as fisheries no-take zone will provide synergistic effects for the conservation of marine ecology and fisheries resources. In addition, a suite of controls and restrictions according to the Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap.476) and the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Regulation (Cap. 476A), including the control of fishing activities, speed restriction to 10 knots or below and other anthropogenic disturbance, would further promote the recovery of fisheries resources in the northern Lantau waters and adjacent area. The fisheries survey findings in the current study support that marine park can increase the fisheries resources through protection of fisheries habitat. High fisheries yield was recorded in SCLKCMP, while other survey areas outside SCLKCMP (except the planned BMP) recorded low to moderate yield only (Section 14.4.3). A higher ichthyoplankton mean density was also recorded in SCLKCMP (Appendix 14.3). Therefore, it is indicative that there is a certain protection effect on fisheries resources within these protected areas.

14.9.1.24 With the implementation of the compensation measure, the potential adverse impact on fisheries habitats (and resources) will be mitigated to environmental acceptable levels and may have positive benefit to the conservation of marine ecology and fisheries resources.

Compensation for the Loss of Fishing Ground

14.9.1.25 While it is proposed that fishing activities will be managed through a permit system within the proposed Marine Park, the potential fisheries resources recovery due to the enhanced protection measures to be applied for the potential Marine Park including speed restriction, restriction of anthropogenic disturbance, restriction of fishing in core area and the synergic effect of the connected marine protected areas with HKIAAA as fisheries no-take zone will benefit the adjacent fishing ground, thereby reducing the impact on loss of fishing ground. Overseas examples have demonstrated the benefits of marine protected areas on fishermen operating in the Marine Park and the adjacent areas. In a study on no-take marine reserve in Apo Island, Philippines, it was demonstrated that elevated catch and catch rate, together with reduction in fishing effort, both within and outside the reserve around Apo Island, was observed over 20 years of its establishment (Russ et al., 2004). At Georges Bank in the Gulf of Maine, a total area of 17,000 km² was closed to fishing for groundfish, while some forms of fishing such as longlining were still permitted. It was reported by fishermen that travelling time was reduced as catches improved. Satellites monitoring also showed scallop-fishing vessels crowding around the edge of the closed areas as scallop larvae were modeled to be exported from the closed areas to large regions of the bank outside, thereby increasing the scallop production over there also (Gell and Roberts, 2003). In the case of the Mombasa Marine Park, the increased catches adjacent to the marine park led to senior fishers claiming these fishing spots for themselves (Gell and Roberts, 2003). The inclusion of core area within the proposed Marine Park is anticipated to have similar effects as the Mombasa Marine Park, leading to enhanced catches due to spillover effect which would benefit the fishermen by reducing their travelling time to look for alternate fishing spots, and hence compensate for the loss of fishing ground.

14.9.1.26 Based on the successful cases of establishment of marine protected area in enhancing the fishing efficiency, it is considered the proposed establishment of marine park as compensation measure for loss of fishing grounds will mitigate the potential adverse impact to acceptable levels.

14.9.1.27 Apart from the positive impact on fisheries resources to the local region that may alleviate the potential impact on fishermen to low significance, AAHK suggests that a Fisheries Enhancement Strategy with Fisheries Enhancement Fund should be initiated to support the sustainable development of the fisheries industry. Details will be discussed in the sections under enhancement measures.

14.9.1.28 Given the significance of Marine Park establishment as a key mitigation measure, the successful establishment of the proposed Marine Park is of key importance. It is not practicable to seek to designate the proposed new areas of Marine Park while construction activities for the 3RS project are ongoing. The Administration has made a firm commitment to seek to designate the proposed marine park of approximately 2,400 ha in the waters north of the 3RS project in accordance with the statutory process stipulated in the Marine Parks Ordinance, as a mitigation measure for the habitat loss arising from the construction (and other impacts) of the 3RS project. AAHK will seek to assist in completing the designation tentatively around 2023 to tie in with the full operation of the 3RS.

14.9.1.29 AAHK proposes to commence preparatory work and the process of Marine Park establishment as early as possible, with the target to complete the designation of the proposed Marine Park tentatively around 2023 to tie in with the full operation of the 3RS. As part of this preparatory work effort, a thorough consultation of all directly and indirectly affected stakeholders shall be undertaken.

14.9.1.30 A detailed study initiated and led by AAHK will be carried out during the construction phase to review relevant previous studies and collate available information on the ecological characters of the proposed area for marine park designation and review available survey data, marine traffic and planned development projects in the vicinity. Based on the findings, ecological and fisheries profiles of the proposed area for marine park designation would be established and the extent and location of the proposed marine park be determined. The proposed enhancement measures detailed in Section 13.13 will also be reviewed in light of the marine park designation and AAHK will consider potential measures that may serve to enhance the effectiveness of the new Marine Park area with the intention of adding to existing management measures as defined in the Marine Parks Ordinance where feasible and practicable.

14.10 Residual Impacts

14.10.1.1 The residual impacts refer to the net impacts after mitigation, taking into account the background environmental conditions and the impacts from existing, committed and planned projects. Residual impacts associated with the construction and operation phases have been assessed.

14.10.1.2 The permanent loss of up to 672 ha of fisheries habitat and 768 ha of fishing ground would cause moderate impact significance. While the loss of fisheries habitats and fishing grounds are about 0.4% and 0.5% of the total Hong Kong marine waters and fishing ground respectively, in view of the scale of the project, the contribution to the cumulative loss of fisheries habitats / fishing ground is large and the large size to be permanently lost, mitigation measures are considered required.

14.10.1.3 The total area of the new marine park to be established for this project is approximately 2,400 ha, which is much greater than the lost habitat and fishing ground of 672 ha / 768 ha respectively. With full implementation of all proposed mitigation measures in place, it would be expected that there would be no adverse residual impacts on the loss of fisheries habitats / fishing ground. There will be a positive impact on the conservation of fisheries resources with the connection of existing and planned / potential Marine Parks in place.

14.10.1.4 With implementation of the recommended water quality mitigation measures during construction and operation phases, the disturbance to fisheries habitats and resources through the deterioration of water quality will be further minimised. No adverse residual impacts on disturbance to fisheries habitats and resources will be resulted.

14.11 Enhancement Measures

14.11.1.1 While no adverse residual impact on fisheries due to the proposed project is anticipated, a number of fisheries enhancement measures are proposed in addition to the aforementioned mitigation measures with a view to further alleviating the disturbance on fishing activities and improving the fisheries resources in the northern Lantau waters and supporting the fishing operation. The enhancement measures are described as follows:

Eco-enhancement of Seawall Design

14.11.1.2 There will be an extension of artificial seawall with a total length of 13 km, which is 7.1 km longer than the existing north seawall to be removed during the land formation works. Based on the survey findings, hard corals and gorgonians were found at the northern, western and northeastern sub-tidal zones of the existing artificial seawalls that are composed of rock armour and large boulders. While the abundance recorded was low, the gorgonians recorded are localised in the western Hong Kong waters. Intertidal fauna were also recorded along the intertidal zones of the artificial seawall. Based on the fisheries survey findings, fish species of commercial value similar to the species outside HKIAAA were captured. It is anticipated that the future extension of artificial seawall will provide similar functions as the existing seawall. With the addition of eco-enhancement design along suitable sections of the future seawalls where the current flow would be optimal (e.g. the western waters of the future third runway extension embayment area) may promote re-colonisation of intertidal and sub-tidal fauna. Eco-enhancement design such as provision of gentle sloping or shallow water where feasible and provision of shelter can be considered. These designs would provide areas for establishment of intertidal sessile species and also shelters for juvenile fishes and habitats for other marine fishes (Curtiss et al., 2006). It was observed from the marine ecology and fisheries survey findings that the northern artificial seawall has intertidal and sub-tidal fauna recorded, while the marine waters in vicinity have juvenile and adult fishes of commercial value recorded. The implementation of eco-enhancement Kansai International has served as an important role as a spawning ground and enriched the marine life. Aquatic animals that could not be found in the past such as scorpion fish have settled in the area. (Kansai International Airport, 2012)

Deployment of Artificial Reefs

14.11.1.3 The fisheries survey findings indicated that the western Chek Lap Kok waters near the existing embayment area of airport island recorded a relatively higher abundance and yield of fisheries resources (see Appendix 14.3). Artificial reefs (ARs) are proposed to be deployed at the new embayment area to the west of the airport expansion area and within the future HKIAAA where hydrodynamic effect and wave action would be less significant and similar to the existing condition of western Chek Lap Kok waters to promote fisheries resources recovery. As mentioned in Artificial Reefs and Reef Fish in Hong Kong (Wilson, 2003), ARs are very effective devices for attracting and supporting large populations of fish by providing complex and hard surface habitat in areas where only soft bottoms occur. These ARs may provide shelters and promote the recruitment of fish larvae and juveniles and eventually enhance the fisheries resources of the local region. Based on the artificial reefs surveys at SCLKCMP, soft corals gorgonian and macroinvertebrates were observed on the ARs. The fisheries resources monitoring data collected under AFCD’s AR monitoring programme between 2000 and 2006 at SCLKCMP and the fisheries survey conducted for this project indicated that fisheries resources (including larvae and post-larvae) are available around the deployed ARs. The feasibility of deployment of AR will be further review in the next stage of study. The detailed proposals and effectiveness of deploying artificial reefs as enhancement measures will be assessed during the detailed design stage before deployment. It is considered the proposed AR deployment is not expected to result in impact on fishing operations as the AR is proposed to be deployed within the future HKIAAA.

Fisheries Enhancement Strategy

14.11.1.4 Assessments and mitigation measures described in Section 14.7 and Section 14.9 have determined that the fisheries impact would be moderate upon completion of land formation construction but will be mitigated after the marine park establishment with the enhancement of adjacent fisheries habitats. Apart from the compensation for the loss of fishing ground / fisheries habitats (and resources) by establishment of marine park with enhancement of fisheries resources that may benefit to the fishermen, a Fisheries Enhancement Strategy is also proposed to support the sustainable development of the fisheries industry.

14.11.1.5 The fisheries interview survey findings and Port Survey 2006 suggested that fishing vessels fishing in the proposed land formation and HKIAAA would be affected. There would be approximately 150 - 400 fishing vessels affected with the new HKIAAA because fishing activities will no longer be possible in these areas during the operation phase of the project. As a consequence, in order to carry on with their fishing activities, these fishermen would need to change to other nearby marine waters in Hong Kong such as the southern / southwestern Lantau waters or waters further north of the present SCLKCMP or even fish in nearby Mainland waters. Some fishermen may consider switching to other fisheries related activities e.g. aquaculture. This change in operation could lead to increased operating costs due to longer travelling distances, extra investment in procuring new fishing equipment to suit a changed operating environment, any initial drop in fish catch due to the time required to adapt to fishing in new waters, etc.

14.11.1.6 In view of the above considerations, it is proposed to formulate and implement a Fisheries Enhancement Strategy (FES) with the aim of providing support to:

¡ Assist fishermen operating in the western Hong Kong waters in better coping with required changes to their fishing activities resulting from the proposed project; and

¡ Enhance marine ecology and fisheries resources in western Hong Kong waters especially the Lantau waters.

14.11.1.7 The principles of the FES shall be to:

¡ Offer a range of practical efforts / measures that would be beneficial to fishermen / fishing communities affected by the project and the related mitigation measures;

¡ Provide on-going effort and initiatives to enhance marine fisheries resources and related habitats and ecosystems; and

¡ Promote sustainable fisheries operations.

14.11.1.8 Making reference to feedback and suggestions obtained from the fisheries interview survey as well as from the various stakeholder engagement exercises organised by AAHK (including fishermen briefings), it is proposed that the FES should be framed under the following three key aspect areas:

(a) Support and enhance on-going fisheries operations: For those fishermen that require to operate in alternative fishing grounds as a result of the construction and operation of the project, potential measures could include supporting fishermen in adapting their modes of fishing operation to suit different marine environments; assisting fishermen in improving their operation efficiency and/or achieving better environmental performance through purchasing new fishing equipment / upgrading fishing gear; strengthening fisheries resources by re-stocking / release of suitable fish fry; and monitoring of fisheries resources at appropriate locations (e.g., within HKIAAA, Marine Parks).

(b) Support measures that assist in shifting fisheries operations: Some fishermen may consider shifting their modes of fishing operation in view of the project and the latest fisheries management regime. Potential measures may include provide training to assist employment opportunities. For those shifting to mariculture or suspending capture fisheries activities but retaining the existing operation of mariculture activities, assistant could be provided through training, development of advanced technologies / techniques to improve fisheries production; enhancement of feed efficiency and fish health by use of improved fish feed formulas and effective disease prevention measures.

(c) Support the promotion and enhancement of fisheries-related business opportunities: Potential measures could include supporting fishermen in diversifying their fishing operations; and training of fishermen on developing and running fisheries-related eco-tourism or sustainable seafood trading business.

14.11.1.9 The three key FES aspect areas will require significant and ongoing funding over a number of years in order for the key aims to be realised. AAHK acknowledges responsibility for such with Fisheries Enhancement Fund, however at this early stage in the development of the FES and its potential initiatives, further discussion will be conducted at a later stage to determine the exact funding amount and mechanisms for allocation of funds to proposed initiatives.

14.11.1.10 It is proposed that the FES, associated management arrangements, funding amounts and fund allocation mechanisms shall be established prior to commencement of the construction phase of the project. AAHK will continue to engage with a range of fisheries stakeholder groups so that their concerns and suggestions on fisheries enhancement measures can be taken into consideration where appropriate during the formulation of the FES and then during FES implementation.

14.12 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

14.12.1.1 With the implementation of the recommended water quality mitigation measures during construction and operation phases as well as the proposed establishment of new Marine Park to compensate the permanent loss of fisheries habitats (and resources), no adverse residual impact on fisheries is anticipated.

14.12.1.2 The implementation of the water quality mitigation measures should be checked as part of the environmental monitoring and audit procedures during the construction period as presented in the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) Manual. Apart from water quality mitigation measures, the consideration of alternative construction methods e.g. use of non-dredge ground improvement methods by DCM would also reduce the potential release of contaminant to the water column and reduce the indirect impact on fisheries resources. Water quality monitoring and audit has been proposed at locations covering sites of fisheries importance during construction and operation phases to monitor the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures, thus fisheries specific monitoring is considered not necessary.

14.13 Conclusion

14.13.1.1 The fisheries impact assessment has been conducted based on the information gathered from literature review and the completed fisheries surveys to fill the identified information gaps, especially within HKIAAA (Area 3) where vessel is restricted to enter for security purpose. Fisheries surveys on marine habitats which would potentially be affected by the third runway project were carried out. Surveys included fish trawl, purse seine, gill net, hand line, artificial reefs and fisheries interview to update and supplement the status of fisheries resources and fishing activities within the study area for a robust fisheries impact assessment.

14.13.1.2 Eight areas were identified as sites of fisheries importance that required for fisheries impact assessment. These included the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in northern Lantau waters, Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP), artificial reefs (ARs) at SCLKCMP and proposed AR deployment at the planned BMP, Ma Wan Marine Fish Culture Zone (FCZ), oyster production area at Deep Bay mudflat, area of high production of capture fisheries off Tai O and the planned BMP.

14.13.1.3 The fisheries surveys indicated that fisheries resources of commercial and non-commercial values were found within the proposed land formation footprint, but the dominant species in terms of yield are mainly fishes of low commercial values.

14.13.1.4 The fisheries interview survey indicated that the proposed land formation footprint would be moderately used by fishermen for capture fisheries. However, the land formation footprint would not be the major fishing grounds for most of the interviewee, as they would also operate in other waters to the west or south of Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the loss of fishing ground of size around 1,392 ha during construction phase and 768 ha upon completion of construction will have moderate impact significance on fishing ground.

14.13.1.5 There will be a permanent loss of 672 ha fisheries habitats which is considered to be of moderate significance with the project alone and with concurrent projects in place. It is proposed to compensate for the loss of fisheries habitats / fishing ground by designating a Marine Park to connect with the existing SCLKCMP, the planned BMP, the Pearl River Chinese White Dolphin Nature Reserve and the existing / future HKIAAA to improve the ecological connectivity. With implementation of the proposed compensation measures, there will be positive synergistic effect on marine ecology and fisheries resources conservation.

14.13.1.6 Managed fishing through a permit system will be allowed in the proposed Marine Park, with the improved fisheries resources, hence no adverse secondary impact on loss of fishing ground will be anticipated. Nonetheless, a Fisheries Enhancement Strategy with Fisheries Enhancement Fund is proposed in addition to the marine park establishment to provide support for the sustainable development of the fisheries industry.

14.13.1.7 There will be disturbance to fisheries activities during construction and operation of the project as a result of narrowing of fishing ground between the third runway footprint and SCLKCMP. Conflict of usage with other marine users especially construction vessels will result in low impact on the disturbance to fisheries activities. No fisheries specific mitigation measure is considered required, but the proposed establishment of new Marine Park would generally enhance the fishing efficiency by improving the fisheries resources, the disturbance impact on fisheries activities will also be further reduced.

14.13.1.8 With the implementation of the recommended water quality mitigation measures during construction and operation phases as well as the proposed establishment of new Marine Park to compensate the permanent loss of fisheries habitats (and resources), no adverse residual impact on fisheries is anticipated. Environmental monitoring programme for water quality covering the sites of fisheries importance would provide an indication of the effectiveness of the water quality mitigation measures that could reduce fisheries impact. Therefore, specific environmental monitoring programme for fisheries is considered not necessary.

14.13.1.9 While no adverse residual impact on fisheries due to the proposed project is anticipated, a number of fisheries monitoring and enhancement measures are proposed through the Fisheries Enhancement Strategy in addition to the recommended mitigation measures, with a view to further improving the fisheries resources in the western Hong Kong waters and supporting the sustainable development of the fisheries industry.

14.14 Reference

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14. Fisheries Impact

14.2 Relevant Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

14.2.1.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines related to capture and culture fisheries and fisheries impact assessment have been adopted in the assessment:

14.2.1.3 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.

14.3.2.2 Seabed within the project footprint comprises of marine sediment and debris formed from natural sedimentation with the influence of flows from the Pearl River Estuary.

14.3.3 Literature Review

14.3.5 Identification of Information Gap

14.3.6.1 In order to fill the identified information gaps and to collect sufficient baseline information for the impact assessment, the following fisheries surveys have been undertaken within the North Western WCZ, and the details of survey schedule are provided in Appendix 14.3:

14.3.6.10 Dive surveys within the artificial reefs which are located within the northeast of the Chek Lap Kok waters, i.e. within the existing HKIAAA, were not undertaken as diving conditions were assessed to be unsafe. Details are presented in Appendix 14.2.

14.3.6.11 The objective of this survey is to assess the abundance, composition and diversity of ichthyoplankton and fish post-larvae in northern Lantau waters, and also determine if the survey areas are important for commercial fisheries resources.

14.3.6.12 The ichthyoplankton survey is required to determine the abundance and species composition of fish larval assemblages. At this stage, the fish are in their planktonic phase and float freely with the water currents.

Fisheries Interview Survey

14.3.6.17 The interviews with fishermen for this project were conducted with reference to the numbers of interviews conducted in the Port Survey 2006. However, the actual number of interviewees was dependent on availability and willingness to be part of the interview process.

14.4 Fisheries Baseline Conditions

14.4.2 Physical Environment

14.4.3 Capture Fisheries

Overview

Northern Chek Lap Kok waters

Western Chek Lap Kok waters

SCLKCMP

The Brothers

Project Footprint

14.4.4 Culture Fisheries

14.4.5 Artificial Reef

14.4.6 Review of the Information Gap

14.4.7 Sites of Fisheries Importance Based on Literature Review and Fisheries Survey Findings

14.5 Fisheries Impact Assessment Methodology

14.5.1.2 In addition, an updated fisheries interview survey at 16 homeports of the western Hong Kong waters was also conducted between January and November 2013, to review the validity and to supplement the Port Survey 2006 findings.

14.5.1.4 Impacts are ranked as “low”, “moderate”, or “high”, although in a few cases, “insignificant” (less than “low”) may also be given. The ranking of a given impact will vary based on the criteria listed above.

14.6 Impact Identification

14.6.2 Construction Phase

14.6.2.3 A portion of the land formation footprint will encroach to the spawning grounds of commercial fisheries resources at northern Chek Lap Kok waters delineated by previous study. Therefore, there is a potential of direct impact on the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources.

14.6.2.4 The diversion of submarine 11 kV cables will involve water jetting and open trench activities. Perturbation of seabed will result and may cause direct impact on the fisheries resources and habitats. The construction activities will also cause temporary loss of fishing grounds.

14.6.2.7 Approximate 11 flashed approach lights will be constructed at two ends of the third runway by bore piling. Approximate 108 m2 (4.9 m2 x 11 x 2) seabed and marine waters will be lost. This will cause direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) and fishing ground.

14.6.2.10 Details of the construction phase fisheries impact prediction and evaluation are provided in Section 14.7.1.

14.6.3 Operation Phase

14.6.3.3 Details of the operation phase fisheries impact prediction and evaluation are provided in Section 14.7.2.

14.7 Prediction and Evaluation of Impacts

14.7.1 Construction Phase

14.7.1.1 The potential impacts of the proposed project on fisheries identified in Section 14.6.2 are predicted and evaluated in the following sections.

14.7.1.8 Table 14‑1 summarises the fishing grounds that would potentially be affected due to the various construction works of the project, based on the tentative construction programme in Appendix 4.2.

Direct Loss of Spawning or Nursery Grounds

Suspended Solids

14.6.2.7 Approximate 11 flashed approach lights will be constructed at two ends of the third runway by bore piling. Approximate 108 m² (4.9 m² x 11 x 2) seabed and marine waters will be lost. This will cause direct loss of fisheries habitats (and resources) and fishing ground.