5. Fisheries

5.1 Introduction

This Section presents the findings of an assessment of potential impacts on existing capture and culture fisheries, including fisheries resources, fishing operations and fish culture activities associated with the construction and operation of the proposed Project with the available Project information to-date.

5.2 Legislative Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

5.2.1 Technical Memorandum

The criteria for evaluating fisheries impacts are stated in the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). Annex 17 of the EIAO-TM prescribes the general approach and methodology for the assessment of fisheries impacts deriving from a project or proposal, to allow a complete and objective identification, prediction and evaluation of the potential impacts. EIAO-TM Annex 9 recommends the criteria that are to be used for evaluating fisheries impacts.

5.2.2 Other Legislation

Other legislation which applies to fisheries includes:

n Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171), which provides for conservation of fish and other aquatic life, regulates fishing practices and prevents activities detrimental to the fishing industry;

n Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353), which regulates and protects marine fish culture and other related activities and requires all marine fish culture activity to operate under licence in designated FCZs;

n Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358), which aims to control water pollution in Hong Kong waters. Water Control Zones (WCZs) are designated with individual water quality objectives to promote the conservation and best use of those waters in the public interest; and

n Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), the Study Brief Section 3.4.5 and Appendix D which outline the key fisheries impacts to be reviewed and assessed in the EIA report.

5.3 Baseline Conditions

5.3.1 Assessment Area

In accordance with Clause 3.4.5.2 of the Study Brief, the Assessment Area for fisheries impact assessment (Figure A1.1 of Appendix 5A) shall be the same as the assessment area for Water Quality Impact Assessment covering the Southern Water Control Zone (WCZ). Detailed description of the physical and biological characteristics of the marine environment of the Assessment Area is provided in Section 3 and Section 4 respectively.

5.3.2 Summary of Existing Conditions

A literature review was conducted to review the baseline fisheries conditions within the Assessment Area and to identify information gaps to determine whether field surveys are required to provide sufficient information for the fisheries impact assessment. Findings of the literature review are presented in Sections 5.3.2.1 to 5.3.2.6.

5.3.2.1 Overview of Hong Kong Fisheries

Commercial fishing operations in Hong Kong are broadly identified into culture and capture fisheries. Marine-based culture fishery operations occur at 26 FCZs which altogether occupy about 209 ha of Hong Kong waters with some 920 licensed operators. They involve rearing of marine fish from fry or fingerlings to marketable size in cages suspended by floating rafts usually in sheltered coastal areas. Fish farms are typically small scale operations comprising only one or two rafts with an average total size of about 304 m²([1]).

With effect from June 2002, the marine fish culture licence is transferable. The existing moratorium for FCZs has been reviewed and was partially lifted in 2013 to launch a pilot scheme for the issuance of new marine fish culture licenses (MFCLs). Ten MFCLs were issued in three FCZs with surplus carrying capacity, including the O Pui Tong, Wong Wan and Sham Wan FCZs, in which four licences remained valid, with three at Wong Wan FCZ and one at Sham Wan FCZ by the end of 2018 ([2]).

In 2021, the marine fish culture industry produced about 332 tonnes of fish valued at HK$34 million which accounts for about 2% of local demand for live marine fish ([3]). Some recent figures on the local marine culture fisheries are presented in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Marine Culture Fisheries Summary Statistics 2008-2021 (Source: AFCD)

AFCD Estimate

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Licensed Mariculturists

1,050

1,035

1,010

1,008

987

968

969

949

938

931

923

925

920

Production (tonnes)

1,437

1,512

1,185

1,299

1,005

1,255

1,219

1,031

1,004

850

889

687

332

Value (HK$ million)

118

117

115

105

Capture fisheries is vastly distributed in the waters of Hong Kong, the Pearl River Estuary and the adjacent continental shelf of the South and East China Seas ([4]). AFCD reported that in 2021 an estimated 112,000 tonnes of fish were produced, which was equivalent to an economic value of about HK$2.8 billion. Also, 10,510 local fishermen with approximately 5,170 vessels were servicing in the fishing industry ([5]). The major fishing methods consist of long-lining, gill-netting and purse-seining.

In 2016-17, AFCD carried out the latest round of port survey to collect the updated data of distribution of fishing operations and production for 2016. According to the survey results, the highest fisheries production of 400 to 600 kg ha^-1 in Hong Kong was recorded in the vicinity of the south of Cheung Chau and Shek Kwu Chau ([6]). The highest number of fishing vessels were distributed around Soko Islands, Shek Kwu Chau, Cheung Chau, west of Lamma, northwest of Ninepin Island, Tap Mun and Wong Chuk Kok Tsui. Mullet (Mugilidae), sardine / shad (Clupeidae), scad / jack (Carangidae), seabream (Sparidae), croaker (Sciaenidae), squid, crab, rabbitfish (Siganidae), shrimp and flathead (Platycephalidae) were the top 10 families captured in Hong Kong waters.

To promote the sustainable development of fishing industry and to conserve fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters, AFCD has implemented a number of fisheries management and conservation measures. On 31 December 2012, trawling (including pair, stern, shrimp and hang trawling) was prohibited to restore the seabed and the decreased fisheries resources ([7]). Other fisheries management practises are implemented to supplement the ban, including:

n Setting up a registration system for local fishing vessels;

n Limiting new entrants to control the fishing effort;

n Restricting fishing activities of non-fishing vessels and prohibiting fishing activities of non-local fishing vessels;

n Designating fisheries protection areas;

n Habitat enhancement and restoration (i.e. artificial reefs); and

n Fish restocking trials.

Since 1999, Mainland Authorities have implemented a fishing moratorium for the South China Sea fishing ground. In 2022, the revised fishing moratorium has extended from 1 May to 16 August. The moratorium prohibits all fishing operations except lining by the Hong Kong fleet outside of Hong Kong waters and also banning on the operation of fish collectors ([8]) in order to conserve fisheries resources and promote sustainable development of the fishing industry ([9]).

5.3.2.2 Culture Fisheries of the Assessment Area

One FCZ is located within the Assessment Area and its separation distances from the Project site is presented in Table 5.2. The FCZ nearest to the Project site is Po Toi FCZ located at ~3.5 km (by sea distance) from the site. There are no fish ponds or oyster farms identified within the Assessment Area (Figure 5.1).

Table 5.2 Distances between the FCZs in the Assessment Area and the Proposed FCZ at Po Toi (Southeast)

Fish Culture Zone	Shortest Separation Sea Distance (km)
Po Toi	3.5

5.3.2.3 Capture Fisheries of the Assessment Area

Trawling has been banned in Hong Kong waters since 31 December 2012. Apart from historical data, only some published information after the trawl ban was available for review.

The most systematic information on commercial fishing operation and fisheries production of the Assessment Area was obtained primarily from the AFCD Port Survey 2016/17 (Figures 5.2 to Figure 5.3). The survey was conducted from 2015 to 2016 through a comprehensive interview survey of local fishermen by AFCD ([10]). The survey achieved a sampling rate of about 36% which included various fishing vessels from different homeports. Apart from the Port Survey, other recently approved EIA and fisheries studies undertaken in the Assessment Area have also been reviewed.

Fishing Operations

Data from AFCD Port Survey 2016/17 indicated that the majority of vessels that operated throughout the Assessment Area were sampans and other vessels including gill netter, long liner, purse seine etc. were present in smaller numbers. The data indicated that the areas within and in the vicinity of the Project site has moderate to high levels (>400-600 vessels) of fishing operation (Figure 5.2). Relatively low to moderate levels of fishing operation (>0-50 vessels to >200-400 vessels) were recorded at waters south of Waglan Island and at offshore waters.

Fisheries Production

Fisheries production of the Assessment Area in terms of weight as reported in the AFCD Port Survey 2016/17 is presented in Figure 5.3. Results showed that fisheries production within and in the vicinity of the Project site is moderate (>300-400 kg/ha), with low level of fisheries production (>0-50 kg/ha to >100-200kg/ha) at offshore waters.

Fisheries Resources

Historically, waters around Po Toi were found to have concentrated operation of shrimp trawlers with the waters identified as having high fisheries production and subsequently resulting in high levels of fishing vessel activities ([11]) ([12]).

A more recent review of the fisheries resources data could be referred to the monitoring of local fisheries resources from 2010-2015 initiated by AFCD with the implementation of the trawl ban in 2012. Demersal fisheries surveys were conducted using stern and shrimp trawlers across four areas in Hong Kong waters and the results showed that there were signs of recovery of fisheries resources. In the southeastern waters relevant to this Assessment Area, it was reported that the abundance and biomass of seabreams (Sparidae), pomfrets (Stromateidae), threadfin breams (Nemipteridae) and crabs (Portunidae), the abundance of flathead (Platycephalidae) and the biomass of croaker (Sciaenidae) had increased ([13]). The main commercial fisheries resources (ranked based on the biomass of each family) found in the southeastern waters of Hong Kong ([14])are summarised in Table 5.3 below. Overall, the southeastern waters generally supported fish families of low commercial value, such as Ponyfish (Leiognathus sp.), with some commercially important families recorded in the area, such as swimming crabs (Portunidae), seabreams (Sparidae), flatheads (Platycephalidae) of lower biomass ranking.

A study on Marine Parks and Marine Reserve fisheries resources in 2016 showed that the abundant fishes in Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve (CDMR) included both fishes of low and moderate commercial values ([15]). The most abundant species in CDMR was chocolate hind (Cephalopholis boenak) which was of low commercial value. Other abundant species in the marine reserve included common rockfish (Sebastiscus marmoratus), threadfin porgy (Evynnis cardinalis), red pargo (Pagrus major) and yellow grouper (Epinephelus awoara). Among the abundant species, threadfin porgy, red pargo and yellow grouper were commercially important. It should be noted that CDMR are at some distances from the Project site (~4 km).

Table 5.3 Main Commercial Families of Fisheries Resources in Southeastern Hong Kong Waters from Fishery Surveys (Source: AFCD Hong Kong Fisheries Resources Monitoring Report (2010-2015)

Rank	Main Commercial Families from Shrimp Trawl Surveys	Main Commercial Families from Stern Trawl Surveys	Main Commercial Families from Purse-Seine Surveys
1	Leiognathidae	Leiognathidae	Carangidae
2	Platycephalidae	Sparidae	Clupeidae
3	Sparidae	Carangidae	Trichiuridae
4	Portunidae	Clupeidae	Engraulidae
5	Sciaenidae	Engraulidae	Leiognathidae
6	Polynemidae	Sciaenidae
7	Cynoglossidae	Trichiuridae
8	Penaeidae	Stromateidae
9	Terapontidae	Nemipteridae
10	Synodontidae	Synodontidae

5.3.2.4 Spawning Ground

The southern Hong Kong waters were identified as one of the main fisheries spawning grounds from a study in 1998 for high value commercial species ([16]). In Hong Kong, spawning period differs among fisheries species with the majority of commercial species aggregate and spawn in the open waters during the period from June to September. Some fish species, including flathead (Platycephalus indicus) and shad (Clupanodon (Konosirus) punctatus), spawn in late winter / early spring (i.e. February to April) and a few are known to spawn in January. Shrimp scad (Alepes djedaba) spawns in early summer (around June) whilst pony fish (Leiognathus brevirostris) and croakers were found to be reproductive throughout most of the year from May to December. The spawning period of most of the crustacean species was found to be from April to November, with spawning concentrated between June and August.

The recognised spawning ground in southern Hong Kong waters is over 30 km long and approximately 10 km wide, extending across southern waters from Fan Lau Kok, reaching Soko Islands and Po Toi, and abutting the southern boundary of the HKSAR. Pony fish (Leiognathus brevirostris), croakers (Johnius belangerii and Protonibea diacanthus), mantis shrimps (Oratosquilla spp.), Solenocera crassicornis (mud shrimp) and prawn (Metapenaeus joyneri and M. affinis) were some of the examples of major commercial species recorded in this spawning ground. The Project site is located within the recognised spawning ground of southern Hong Kong waters(Figure 5.1).

5.3.2.5 Nursery Area

There is no nursery area identified within and in the vicinity of the Project site. The nearest nursery area of the southern waters is located in the vicinity of Port Shelter ([17]) which is out of the Assessment Area.

5.3.2.6 Artificial Reef Deployment

An Artificial Reef (AR) program has been implemented in Hong Kong’s waters by AFCD since 1996 as an effort to enhance fisheries resource whilst promoting biodiversity ([18]). ARs are recognised worldwide as having the ability to encourage growth and development of a great number and variety of marine organisms, which in turn provide food, shelter and protection for fishes. Therefore, the ARs are considered to be fisheries sensitive receivers. Deployment sites of ARs include marine parks, fish culture zones, important spawning and nursery grounds and feeding stations for the CWDs. There has been a total of 673 units of ARs with a total volume of over 179,200 m³ ([19]) deployed in Hong Kong waters, the location of all ARs deployed is recorded by the Hong Kong Artificial Reef Project.

There is no designated artificial reef deployed within and in the vicinity of the Project site.

5.3.3 Fisheries Importance

Based on the baseline information reviewed, moderate to high levels of fishing operation with moderate level of fisheries production were reported at the Project site, and similar levels of fisheries operation and production were also reported elsewhere in the broad Assessment Area, which indicates the Project site does not represent a unique fishing ground. The Assessment Area including the Project site also supported fisheries resources that are mainly with low commercial value, and areas that support fisheries of higher commercial value, such as CDMR, is located at some distance from the Project site (~4 km). ARs which are key fisheries habitats are also not recorded within the Assessment Area.

Annex 9 of the EIAO-TM states that spawning ground and nursery area can be regarded as important habitats to fisheries. The Project site is located within the recognised spawning ground in southern Hong Kong waters which covers a large area of over 30 km long. No nursery ground is identified within the Assessment Area. Consequently the Project Site only occupies a small proportion of the spawning habitat. The potential for the Project site and its immediate vicinity to function as a unique spawning ground and nursery area is relatively low.

5.3.4 Fisheries Sensitive Receivers

Based on the preceding review of the available information on the capture and culture fisheries of the waters in the vicinity of the proposed Project, the potential sensitive receivers that may be affected by the Project activities (i.e. distances are shown by sea distance) are identified as follows:

n Recognised spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in southeastern waters which is located within the Project site;

n The nearest recognised nursery area of the southern waters is located in the vicinity of Port Shelter which is out of the Assessment Area;

n FCZ at Po Toi (located at ~3.5 km west of the Project site); and

n Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve (located at ~4 km northwest of the Project site).

The locations of the sensitive receivers are shown in Figure 5.1.

5.4 Assessment Methodology

A review of baseline fisheries conditions from available literature was conducted for the purpose of establishing the fisheries importance of the waters in the Assessment Area and its vicinity. Information from the water quality impact assessment has been examined to assess potentially affected area by perturbations to water quality parameters.

The potential impacts due to the construction and operation of the Project were then identified and evaluated (with reference to the EIAO-TM Annex 17 guidelines and the criteria in EIAO-TM Annex 9).

5.5 Potential Impacts and Impact Assessment

5.5.1 Construction Phase

The construction of the proposed Project will mainly involve the setup of fish farm structures, including fish rafts / cages, auxiliary facilities and mooring system. No dredging works is required during the construction phase.

The scale of construction work on-site is relatively small. Main components of the rafts / cages are manufactured off-site and will be towed to the Project site using tug boat. On-site assembly and anchoring of the fish rafts / cages will be assisted by a small number of marine vessels such as sampans and small speed boats for up to a few trips per day. Anchoring of these vessels might be required. No heavy construction plant would be used. Fish rafts / cages and auxiliary facilities, such as storage space and shelters, would be positioned by anchor lines attaching to the anchorage points on the seabed. Use of winch might be required during the assembly and anchorage of fish rafts / cages. All construction activities shall be conducted during daylight hours.

Potential impacts to fisheries resources and fishing operations arising from these works may be divided into those related to:

n Disturbances of fisheries habitat (including spawning ground and nursery area) and loss of access to fishing grounds; and

n Underwater sound from marine construction activities and marine vessels.

5.5.1.1 Habitat Disturbance and Loss of Access to Fishing Grounds

Direct impacts to fisheries resources, habitats (including spawning ground) and fishing operations include disturbance caused by assembly and installation activities on-site. The installation of fish farm structures are expected to be completed within a few weeks for each fish raft, and would cause temporary disturbance to fisheries habitat and loss of access to potential fishing grounds with an area of approximately 100 ha. Fish farm structures, such as fish cages will occupy a section of the water column and the disturbance of seabed due to the anchorage of fish farm structures will be confined to a thin surface layer (<0.5 m) within a small area. It should be noted that only a small number of vessels will be used and the frequency / trip of these vessels would also be relatively low. No disturbance to the identified fisheries sensitive receivers, including Po Toi FCZ and CDMR, which are located at ~3.5 km and ~4 km from the Project site respectively, is expected.

In the context of the size fisheries habitats and fishing ground available in the vicinity, the size of the area affected would be small. Considering the temporary nature of the disturbance (a few weeks for each fish raft / cage), impacts are considered to be of minor significance and unacceptable impacts on fisheries resources, habitats and fishing activities are not expected. Fisheries resources are expected to return to the area following the cessation of fish farm construction activities.

Construction activities, such as during the assembly of fish raft, would generate noise, glare and dust which may affect fisheries resources. Potential impacts, mostly to fish species, would have temporary avoidance of areas in the vicinity of works area or close to the source of disturbance. Considering the temporary nature of the construction works, impacts from the generation of noise, glare and dust on fisheries habitats are considered negligible, and unacceptable impacts on the fisheries resources are not anticipated. Major lighting sources will be pointed inward and downwards to avoid disturbance to wildlife, unacceptable impacts on the fisheries resources are not anticipated.

5.5.1.2 Underwater Sound

Intermittent sounds, which occur during assembly and installation activities on-site and marine vessel movement, may have an impact on fisheries resources. Potential effects of increased underwater sound include physiological stress, avoidance and injury (at high pressure levels). The level of impact is however dependent upon background sound, number and type of species affected, proximity of organism to the sound source, attenuation properties of seabed sediments and hearing capabilities of the species affected, etc..

Most marine invertebrates do not possess air-filled space and thus it is generally considered that sound would have limited physiological or behavioural effects on marine invertebrates, except if they are located within a few metres of the sound source. Therefore, underwater sound generated from marine works is expected to have negligible impact on marine invertebrates in the Assessment Area.

The impact of underwater sound generation from construction activities on fish is highly depended upon the hearing capabilities of the different species present in the area, with the hearing specialists being of greatest concern. The significance of these effects is dependent upon the proximity of fish to the sound source. Considering that a small number of marine vessels would be present temporarily at the Project site during fish farm construction, fish species that are sensitive to the generation of sound are likely to instinctively avoid the area once works commence and would be temporarily displaced to other areas where similar habitat conditions are present. Fisheries resources are expected to return to the area following the cessation of fish farm construction activities.

Waters within the Assessment Area and its vicinity is subject to moderate to high levels of marine traffic by similar types of vessels. It is reasonable to assume that fish are habituated to a moderate to high background levels of underwater sound, and a small increase in vessel activity associated with the construction of this Project is not anticipated to result in unacceptable impacts on fisheries resources. Overall, the fisheries sensitive receivers, including Po Toi FCZ and CDMR are located at ~3.5 km and ~4 km respectively from the Project site and unacceptable impacts on these fisheries sensitive receivers are not expected.

5.5.2 Operation Phase

Mariculture activities, such as management of fish raft / cages and fish stocks within the Project site will be undertaken during operational phase. Limited numbers of small power generators will be used on fish rafts to support daily mariculture activities. The transportation of fish stocks, fish feed, fish raft equipment and workforce as well as occasional visitors will make use of small marine vessels such as sampans and speed boats for a few trips a day. No maintenance dredging or sediment removal is anticipated during FCZ operation. All operation activities shall be conducted during daylight hours. The potential impacts on fisheries of the Assessment Area include:

n Changes in fisheries habitats and loss of access to fishing grounds;

n Temporary relocation of rafts under typhoons or algal blooms;

n Underwater sound from daily operations and marine vessels;

n Perturbations to key water quality parameters during fish farm operation, including fish feed wastage and fish excretion; and

n Fish diseases.

5.5.2.1 Changes in Fisheries Habitat and Loss of Access to Fishing Grounds

As discussed in Section 5.5.1.1, the fish farm structures will not fully occupy all of the Project site area but mainly a section of the water column and a small area of seabed confined to a thin surface layer (<0.5 m). In the context of the size of fisheries habitats and fishing ground available in the vicinity, the size of the area affected would be small and the majority of fisheries resources found in and around the vicinity of the Project site are of low commercial value, impacts on fisheries resources and fisheries habitat are considered to be of minor significance and unacceptable impacts on fisheries resources and fisheries habitat are not expected.

Fish farm structures would provide hard substrate that could be colonised by a variety of marine organisms. Although periodic cleaning will be implemented as part of the fish farm management practice to maintain good aquaculture environment, regular cleaning activities will be mainly applied to fish cages / nets, while the majority of the fish farm structures, such as the main framework of the fish raft, auxiliary facilities and mooring system will remain intact most of the time. There is considerable knowledge in Hong Kong and elsewhere on the colonisation of marine structures with species such as seaweeds, crustaceans, octocorals, bivalves, amphipods, anemones, bryozoans and more mobile fauna including crabs. Colonisation of these structures could attract fish and marine invertebrates into the area. Overall, the structures of the fish farm are expected to result in potential positive effect on fisheries resources and habitats of the waters within and in the vicinity of the Project site.

All the fish rafts / cages will be floating with permeable nets to allow water exchanges with the marine environment. Consequently, it is predicted that no unacceptable changes in hydrodynamics will occur.

The impact from the construction works on fishing activity is of temporary nature. Furthermore, although the fishing activities in the Project site (about 100 ha) range from moderate to high level, the loss of access to fishing ground is considered to be small compared to the availability of fishing grounds elsewhere in southeastern Hong Kong waters available for fishing activities. Overall, the impacts on fishing activity are considered to be of moderate significance. However, considering that suitable fishing grounds outside of the Project Site can allow similar fishing activities to take place, unacceptable impacts on fishing activity are not expected.

Operational activities, such as cleaning of fish cages and the use of lighting, would generate noise, glare and dust which may affect fisheries resources. Potential impact, mostly to fish species, would have temporary avoidance of areas in the vicinity of the operational area or close to the source of disturbance. Considering the temporary nature of the cleaning activities, impacts from the generation of noise, glare and dust on fisheries resources are considered negligible, and unacceptable impacts on the fisheries resources are not anticipated. Major lighting sources will be pointed inward and downwards to avoid disturbance to wildlife, unacceptable impacts on the fisheries resources are not anticipated.

5.5.2.2 Temporary Relocation of Fish Rafts / Cages

In general, relocation of fish rafts adopting advanced mariculture technologies are not necessary under adverse weather (e.g. typhoon) given the framework of fish cages would use weather-resistant and durable materials (e.g. HDPE cages, steel truss cages). For other potential circumstances (e.g. red tide event, outbreak of fish disease), the licensees will review the need of fish raft relocation and propose the fish raft relocation plan as necessary for agreement with AFCD on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of algal bloom (any toxicity to fish), expected duration of such circumstances, feasibility for early harvesting of fish stock, feasibility of implementing onsite control measures etc. In case fish raft relocation is considered necessary, the fish rafts will be relocated away from the areas of circumstances, avoid marine fairways and utilities and at some distance away from ecological and fisheries sensitive receivers (e.g. about 200 m away from established coral communities) to minimise potential impacts to these sensitive receivers. Such relocation will be temporary (e.g. a few weeks) and the fish rafts will return to the Project site upon the cease of the circumstances. The mobilisation of the fish rafts will cause temporary disturbance to fisheries habitat. Increased operation of marine vessels will occur due to the towing of fish rafts to the new location, and the re-anchoring of fish rafts will cause temporary disturbance to the water column and seabed. The corresponding impacts would be similar to those occurred in the construction phase (Section 5.5.1). Overall, impacts are considered to be of minor significance and unacceptable impacts on fisheries resources, habitats and fishing activities are not expected.

5.5.2.3 Underwater Sound

Operation of the fish farm would produce underwater sound from the management of fish rafts/ cages and fish stocks, and operation of marine vessels. The daily operations of small marine vessels, such as sampans or speed boats would be temporary which the underwater sound characteristics of these vessels are similar to the operations at Po Toi FCZ, Po Toi pier and other marine traffic nearby. Fish in these waters are habituated to the background level of underwater sound, and a small increase in mariculture and vessel activities associated with the operation of this Project are not anticipated to result in unacceptable impacts on fisheries.

5.5.2.4 Changes in Water Quality

Mariculture activities would result in an increase in water quality pollutants primarily from fish feed, feed wastage, fish excretion and dead fish. The increase in pollution load would affect the water quality in the receiving waters and the potential impacts on fisheries are as follows:

n Suspended solids (SS) dispersion;

n Dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion; and

n Elevated nutrient levels.

The use and storage of chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals for fish and those used for equipment maintenance will be limited on site and stored at secured locations, discharge of water containing such chemicals is not expected from daily operations. Human activities, such as the removal of fouling organisms on fish net / cages and the generation of sewage by the staff on site will be limited. The dislodged biomass will not be constituted as additional pollution load by feeding on the original pollution source at the fish farm, and automated / remote operation of mariculture activities is expected for the new FCZ with minimal manual labour required. Water quality impacts as a result from chemical and sewage discharge from the Project site are therefore not anticipated, and mainly impacts from fish feed, feed wastage, fish excretion and dead fish are discussed below.

To estimate the impacts on fisheries sensitive receivers of the Assessment Area, computer modelling of changes in water quality were conducted under two scenarios:

n Baseline scenario, which covered the “without-project” condition in 2023, including pollution loading from existing FCZs (including Po Toi FCZ (~3.5 km from the Project site)); and

n Project scenario, which took into account the additional pollution load from the mariculture activities at the Project site.

Relevant assessment criteria, i.e. Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) in the Southern WCZ, was then used to assess potential impacts on fisheries.

Suspended Solids (SS)

Fish farm operation are expected to generate SS within the water column as a result of fish feed, fish feed wastage and fish excretion, contributing to an increase in sediment deposition in close proximity of the Project site.

Fluxes of SS naturally occur in the marine environment and as a result, fish have evolved behavioural adaptations to tolerate changes in SS load (e.g. clearing their gills by flushing water over them). Beyond the Project site, dispersion will cause a rapid decrease in the suspended solids concentrations. Compared to adult fish, larvae and post-juvenile fish are relatively more susceptible to variations in SS concentrations as their sensory system is less developed. Adult fish are more likely to move away from area of disturbance when they detect sufficiently elevated SS concentrations and therefore are unlikely to be significantly impacted.

The SS level at which fish move into clearer water is defined as the tolerance threshold which varies among species and different stages of the life cycle. If SS levels exceed tolerance thresholds and the fish are not able to move away from the affected area, the fish are likely to become stressed, injured and may eventually die. The rate, timing and duration of SS elevations influence the type and extent of impacts upon fish and potentially crustaceans.

Findings from literature reviews indicated that lethal responses had not been reported in adult fish at SS values below 125 mg/L ([20])and that sub-lethal effects were only observed when levels exceeded 90 mg/L ([21]). However, as part of a study for AFCD, Consultancy Study on Fisheries and Marine Ecological Criteria for Impact Assessment guideline values have been identified for fisheries and selected marine ecological sensitive receivers based on international marine water quality guidelines for the protection of ecosystems ([22]). The AFCD study recommends a maximum SS concentration of 50 mg/L (based on half of the no observable effect concentrations). However, the study cautioned that site-specific data should be considered in environmental assessments on a case-by-case basis. In order to provide a more conservative assessment (i.e. with a lower tolerance criterion), the relevant WQOs for SS elevation are adopted instead in this study as the assessment criteria for fisheries sensitive receivers.

The water quality modelling results have indicated that at all fisheries sensitive receivers, SS elevations as a result of fish farm operation are predicted to be compliant with the relevant WQOs for both wet and dry seasons. SS elevations are expected to be temporary in nature and localised to the Project site. With the fish farm standing stock kept within the Project site’s maximum carrying capacity and the use of pellet feed within fish farms, potential impacts to fisheries will be well managed. Although the Project site is located within the recognised spawning ground in southeastern Hong Kong waters, the Project site only occupies a small proportion of the habitat and generally supported fish families of low commercial value. Areas which supported fisheries of higher commercial values, such as CDMR which is at some distance away from the Project site. As such, unacceptable impacts from fish farm operation on fisheries resources and habitats (including spawning ground or nursery area) due to potential elevations of SS are not expected to occur.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The relationships between SS and DO are complex, with elevated SS in the water column together with a number of other factors to reduce DO concentrations. Elevated SS (and turbidity) reduces light penetration, lowers the rate of photosynthesis by phytoplankton (i.e. primary productivity) and thus lowers the rate of oxygen production in the water column. Furthermore, the decomposition of organic matter in fish feed, fish excretion and dead fish in the water column may consume DO in the receiving waters. The resulting overall DO depletion has the potential to cause an adverse effect on the eggs and larvae of fish and crustaceans, as at these stages of development high levels of oxygen in the water are required for growth to support high metabolic growth rates.

The water quality modelling results have indicated that DO depletion associated with fish farm operation are predicted to be low and remain compliant with the relevant WQO DO criteria at all fisheries sensitive receivers for both wet and dry seasons. The predicted 10^th-percentile depth-averaged DO level at the Project site is above the corresponding assessment criterion. The comparison between the baseline and project scenarios shows that the mariculture operation at the Project site would result in no notable change in DO level and the predicted changes in DO levels were even lower or undetectable at other fisheries sensitive receivers. Overall, there is limited change in the predicted DO levels at baseline and project scenarios, and unacceptable impacts to fisheries are not expected to occur.

Nutrients

High levels of nutrients released from fish feeds, fish excretion and dead fish to the water column may potentially cause rapid increases in phytoplankton population, on occasions to the point that an algal bloom occurs. An intense bloom of algae can lead to sharp decreases in the levels of DO. This decrease will initially occur in the surface water, and then spread to deeper waters as dead algae fall through the water column and decompose on the seabed. Anoxic conditions may result if DO concentrations are already low or are not replenished. As discussed above, reduced levels of DO can impact the eggs and larvae of fish and crustaceans which require high levels of oxygen for development. Significantly low levels of DO may also result in fish mortality.

The water quality modelling results have indicated that the levels of nutrients as a result of fish farm operation are expected to be low in general within the Assessment Area. Predicted levels of unionized ammonia at the Project site and all fisheries sensitive receivers are below the corresponding assessment criterion, except for Total Inorganic Nitrogen (TIN). The predicted levels of TIN were higher than the corresponding assessment criterion at the Project site and all WSRs under baseline and project scenarios, as a result of relatively high background contribution and stringent assessment criterion for TIN levels in the Southern WCZ. There was slight increase of predicted TIN levels at the Project site and the adjoining waters which are located within the spawning ground of commercial fisheries resources in southern waters. Given the highly localised impact of TIN elevation, unacceptable impact for commercial fisheries resources due to the Project is not anticipated. According to historical records, minor increase of TIN levels of up to 0.2mg/L were occasionally recorded at Po Toi FCZ, which is similar to the predicted levels under both the baseline and project scenarios and yet there was no adverse impact at the mariculture operations. Mariculture in Hong Kong has previously been operated under waters with elevated TIN levels and associated risks, such as algal blooms are some well-known risks that have been accustomed by mariculturists. Preventative measures, such as real-time water quality monitoring at existing FCZs and notification of heightened risk of algal bloom to mariculturists have been adopted by AFCD.

With the historical record of elevated TIN in Southern WCZ and also preventative measures to be adopted, the increased levels of nutrients in the water column as a result of fish farm operation are considered to be of minor significance and unacceptable impacts to fisheries are not expected to occur.

Chlorophyll-a

Chlorophyll-a is a photosynthetic pigment of phytoplankton and is commonly used as a direct indicator of algal biomass. As mentioned above, increased levels of phytoplankton due to nutrients released from fish farms could potentially trigger algal blooms, in which could reduce DO levels in the water column and result in fish mortality.

The water quality modelling results have indicated that the levels of chlorophyll-a were generally low across the Assessment Area, which were generally higher at the surface levels and at areas with shallower water depth. There is no change of the predicted levels of chlorophyll-a at the Project site and the levels are below the corresponding assessment criterion. All fisheries sensitive receivers within the Assessment Area are also below the assessment criterion. Therefore, fish farm operation is not expected to result in significant increase of chlorophyll-a and unacceptable impacts to fisheries are not expected to occur.

5.5.2.5 Fish Diseases

Fishes are kept in close proximity at individual cages in fish farms compared to the open marine waters which will increase the chance of disease transmission once developed.

It is expected that good mariculture practices shall be implemented by the fish farmers and preventive measures such as quarantine newly stocked fish / fry, using uncontaminated fish feed, regular monitoring and control of fish density, etc, as specified in Appendix 2A. As mentioned in Section 5.5.2.4, if the use of pharmaceuticals for fish is required, it will be limited on site and stored at secured locations, discharge of such chemicals is not expected from daily operations. Mariculturists at the Project site would be required to strictly observe the requirement under Cap. 529 Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance and have strict control on prescription drugs, therefore, adverse impacts on fisheries are not anticipated. The implementation of the fish health surveillance program would also be vital to maintain the health of these maricultured fish species in the new FCZ ([23]), therefore, AFCD has implemented the Fish Health Inspection Programme by conducting regular visits to fish farms, to identify early outbreaks of fish diseases and advice on good mariculture practices and prevention measures to fish farmers as specified in Appendix 2A ([24]). Unacceptable impacts on fisheries are expected to be minor.

5.6 Impact Evaluation

From the information presented above, the fisheries impacts associated with the Project are not considered to be significant. An evaluation of the impacts according to Annex 9 of the EIAO-TM is presented in Table 5.4.

Table 5.4 Evaluation of Fisheries Impacts in accordance with the Criteria described in Annex 9 of the EIAO-TM

Potential Impact	Nature of Impact	Size of Affected Area	Loss of Fisheries Resources / Production	Destruction and Disturbance of Nursery and Spawning Grounds	Impact on Fishing Activity	Impact on Aquaculture Activity	Overall Impact Significance	Mitigation Measures Required
Construction Phase
Habitat disturbances and loss of access to fishing grounds	Temporary and short term (a few weeks) in the active works area.	Loss of access to fishing grounds would cover the whole Project site (100 ha).	Project site is of moderate fisheries production and the majority of fisheries resources is of low commercial value. Considering that the impacts are temporary, impacts on fisheries resources / production is minor.	The Project site is located within the recognised spawning ground. No destructive constructing method are used. The magnitude of disturbance is considered to be low.	Moderate to high fishing operations have been recorded within and in the vicinity of the Project site. Considering the temporary nature of construction impact, the impacts on fishing activities are considered to be of minor significance.	No adverse impact is expected on Po Toi FCZ located at ~3.5 km away.	Minor	No
Underwater sound from marine construction activities and marine vessels	Temporary and short term (a few weeks) in the active works area.	Localised to sound-generating activities, e.g. assembly of fish rafts, installation of mooring system, marine vessels.	Avoidance and habituation by fish are expected. Loss of fisheries resources / production are considered negligible.	Underwater sound is expected to have negligible impact on spawning ground and nursery area.	Underwater sound is expected to have negligible impact on fishing operations.	No adverse impact is expected on Po Toi FCZ located at ~3.5 km away.	Minor	No
Operation Phase
Change in fisheries habitat and loss of access to fishing grounds	Long term over Project operation but reversible.	Loss of access to fishing grounds would cover the whole Project Site (100ha).	The fish farm structures only occupy a section of the water column and a small area of seabed confined to a thin surface layer. Considering that the majority of fisheries resources is of low commercial value in the Project site, impacts on fisheries resources / production is minor. Potential positive effect on fisheries resources due to the colonisation of marine organisms on fish farm structures is expected.	The fish farm structures only occupy a section of the water column and a small area of seabed confined to a thin surface layer, impacts were considered of minor significance. Fish farm structures may potentially provide spawning and nursery habitats, the magnitude of disturbance is therefore considered to be low.	Impacts are localized with moderate impact on fishing operation as fishing activities are not allowed inside fish farm structures. Nevertheless, suitable fishing grounds outside of these structures can allow similar fishing activities to take place. Therefore, unacceptable impacts on fishing activity are not expected.	No adverse impact is expected on Po Toi FCZ located at ~3.5 km away.	Minor	No
Temporary relocation of fish rafts / cages	Temporary.	Localised to the immediate vicinity of the area of fish rafts / cages relocation.	Avoidance by fish is expected, and negligible loss of fisheries resources when re-anchoring occurs.	Impacts are localised with negligible impact on nursery and spawning grounds when re-anchoring occurs.	Impacts are localised with negligible impact on fishing operations when re-anchoring occurs.	Impact is variable depending on the location in which the fish rafts / cages will be relocated (i.e. distance with other existing FCZs). Considering that the impact is temporary and the rafts / cages shall be relocated back into the Project site afterwards, impacts are localised with negligible or low impact.	Minor	No
Underwater sound from marine vessels and daily operations	Long term over Project operation but reversible.	Localised to the immediate vicinity of the sound-generating activities e.g. maintenance of the fish rafts / cages and marine vessel movement.	Avoidance and habituation of fish is expected. Loss of fisheries resources or production are considered negligible.	Underwater sound is expected to have negligible impact on spawning ground and nursery area.	Underwater sound is expected to have negligible impact on fishing operations.	Daily fish farm operations and marine traffic are present at the Po Toi FCZ and Po Toi pier. Small increase of underwater sound from the Project site is expected to have no unacceptable impact.	Minor	No
Changes in water quality due to fish farm operational activities	Long term over Project operation but reversible.	Localised to the immediate vicinity of the fish farm.	Water quality compliance expected with no unacceptable impact.	Water quality compliance expected with no unacceptable impact.	Impacts are localised with negligible impact on fishing operations.	Water quality compliance at FCZs expected with no unacceptable impact.	Minor	Water quality mitigation measures would further reduce impacts.
Fish diseases	Infrequent outbreaks. Occur when source of pathogens / stressors are present.	Specific fish rafts / cages or waters in the vicinity of the Project site.	Magnitude of impact would depend on the type of disease induced. Proper treatment will be implemented at the infected sites, therefore the magnitude of impact is considered to be low.	Magnitude of impact would depend on the type of disease induced. Proper treatment will be implemented at the infected sites, therefore the magnitude of impact is considered to be low.	Impacts are localised with negligible impact on fishing operations.	Good mariculture practices will be implemented, therefore, impact on fish stock will be minor.	Minor	No

5.7 Cumulative Impacts

As there are no other existing or committed non-FCZ projects identified in the vicinity of the Project site, the Water Quality Impact Assessment conducted is based on the worst-case scenarios of concurrent operation of all existing and planned FCZs as sources of pollution. It is expected that the FCZ will be operated within the maximum carrying capacity and therefore, unacceptable impacts to water quality are not anticipated. Consequently, unacceptable cumulative impacts to fisheries resources are not predicted to occur.

Potential operational impacts presented in Section 5.5.2 were examined to evaluate potential cumulative impacts with other operations / developments in the southeastern Hong Kong waters. Outcomes of this evaluation, excluding the impact on water quality are summarised as follows:

n Change of Fisheries Habitat and Loss of Access to Fishing Grounds: The change of fisheries habitat and loss of access to fishing grounds in the context of fisheries operation would be approximately 600 ha in total, including the Project site (100 ha), the proposed Mirs Bay FCZ (410 ha), the proposed Wong Chuk Kok Hoi FCZ (35 ha) and the proposed Outer Tap Mun FCZ (55 ha). Although the fishing areas affected covers a certain extent of Hong Kong waters, loss of fisheries resources and habitats due to all the proposed FCZs would be minimal. Furthermore, the provision of the proposed FCZs would support more mariculture operations in Hong Kong and thus providing more mariculture production for local and global consumption. Considering that the overall impact of the Project is minor, and it is unlikely that the construction and operation of the Project and the other proposed FCZs would exert an unacceptable cumulative effect on fisheries.

n Changes in Water Quality: No marine works or other major source of pollution is expected from the construction phase of the Project, therefore, no unacceptable cumulative impact during the construction phase is expected. Water quality modelling results for the operation phase, including the pollution loading from existing FCZs, including Po Toi FCZ and Tung Lung Chau FCZ also showed that no unacceptable cumulative impact during the operation phase is expected.

n Underwater Sound: This Project is located at ~3.5 km from Po Toi FCZ. The cumulative effect of underwater sound will therefore consider the impact from the nearby Po Toi FCZ only. For this Project, mainly small marine vessels e.g. sampans and speed boats operated by fishermen would be used during FCZ operation. The underwater acoustic profiles generated by works vessels of this Project would therefore be similar to the daily operations of the nearby Po Toi FCZ and Po Toi pier. Cumulative effects of works vessels operational sound, if any, are anticipated to be negligible. It is not expected to result in significant cumulative impact to the fisheries resources within the Assessment Area.

n Marine Traffic: This Project is located at sufficient distance from the other FCZ in the vicinity. It is expected to involve a relatively small number of small marine vessels, such as sampans and speed boats that travel to and from the Project site during daily operations. Given that existing marine traffic is present within Po Toi near Po Toi FCZ and Po Toi pier, and that the waters off southern Hong Kong have moderate levels of existing marine traffic, such as the fishing vessels travelling across the HKSAR boundary, the cumulative effects of marine traffic disturbance to the nearby fishing operations are anticipated to be negligible.

5.8 Mitigation Measures

In accordance with the guidelines in the EIAO-TM on fisheries impact assessment, the approach adopted in this EIA includes:

n Avoidance: Potential impacts should be avoided to the maximum extent practicable by adopting suitable alternatives;

n Minimisation: Unavoidable impacts should be minimised by taking appropriate and practicable measures such as confining works in specific area or season; and

n Compensation: When all possible mitigation measures have been exhausted and there are still significant residual impacts or when the impacts are permanent and irreversible, consideration shall be given to off-site compensation. It may include enhancement of fisheries resources and habitats elsewhere.

To summarise, this assessment of impacts demonstrates that impacts will largely be avoided and minimised during the construction and operation of the proposed Project, particularly to the key fisheries sensitive receivers, such as the spawning grounds of the southeastern waters of Hong Kong, marine reserve and nearby FCZ.

Impacts to fisheries have largely been avoided and minimised through proper planning and design of the works. The Project site is selected to be far from CDMR, such that impact to the marine reserve is avoided. The construction work of the FCZ is properly designed such that no dredging work is required. To minimise the impacts to the vicinity of the Project site, it is designed to have minimal construction work on site. The scale of construction work on-site is relatively small, and the number of vessels operating concurrently are limited to a small number. The installation time of fish farm structures is minimised and is expected to be completed within a few weeks for each fish raft which would only cause temporary disturbance to fisheries habitat and fishing ground. Main components of the rafts/ cages are manufactured off-site and will be towed to the Project site using tug boat. On-site assembly and anchoring of the fish rafts / cages will be assisted by a small number of marine vessels such as sampans and small speed boats for up to a few trips per day. No heavy construction plant would be used. To minimise the impact on fisheries resources, the fish farm is designed to occupy minimal space which will only occupy a thin surface layer (<0.5 m) within a small area.

These designs are expected to control and reduce potential impacts to fisheries resources, and no fisheries-specific mitigation measures are thus required during construction.

The mitigation measures designed to mitigate water quality impacts and proper fish farm management designated to mitigate marine ecological impacts shall be adopted. No fisheries-specific mitigation measures are thus required during operation.

5.9 Residual impacts

Taking into consideration the impact assessments in the previous sections and with effective implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, the significance of residual impacts on fisheries resources including sensitive receivers such as Po Toi FCZ have been evaluated. Residual impacts occurring as a result of the proposed Project have been determined and are discussed as follows:

n 100 ha of fisheries habitat and fishing grounds will be affected during operation of the FCZ. While the design of fish farm will only occupy a section of the water column and a small area of seabed. The majority of fisheries resources found in and around the vicinity of the Project site are of low commercial value resources and considering that suitable fishing grounds outside of the Project Site can allow similar fishing activities to take place, the impact due to the loss of access to fishing grounds is considered to be of minor significance. Furthermore, with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, the potential impact on fisheries will be further minimised. No unacceptable residual fisheries impacts during the construction and operation of the Project are therefore anticipated.

n In addition, the establishment of the proposed FCZ would have positive effects on fisheries resources. While the proposed FCZ would provide more fisheries resources to the local and global fisheries market, the fish farm structures would also provide artificial substrates, which could form habitat and shelter for juveniles or adult fisheries resources. Besides, the reduced fishing pressure may also have potential positive effect on fisheries resources within and adjacent to the Project site.

5.10 Environmental Monitoring & Audit

As no unacceptable impacts have been predicted to occur during the construction and operation of this Project, monitoring of fisheries resources during these project phases is not considered necessary.

5.11 Summary and Conclusions

A review of baseline information on commercial fisheries resources, habitats and fishing operations surrounding the waters of the proposed Project from available literature has been conducted. Results of the review indicated that although moderate to high levels of fishing operation with moderate level of fisheries production were reported at the Project site, similar levels of fisheries operation and production were also reported elsewhere in the broad Assessment Area. Historically, over 30 km long of the southern waters of Hong Kong which cover the Assessment Area and Project site are known to be spawning grounds for various fish species. Recent studies suggested that the southeastern waters supported fish families that are mainly of low commercial value with some commercially important families recorded in the area. It remains as an important spawning ground for fisheries resources. Areas which supported fish families with higher commercial value, such as CDMR is located at some distance away from the Project site. Within the Assessment Area, fisheries sensitive receivers, including spawning ground, marine reserve and existing FCZ have been identified. Based on the information reviewed, the Project site does not represent a unique fishing ground, spawning ground and nursery area for fisheries resources.

During the construction of the Project, direct impacts arising from the proposed marine works include disturbance to fisheries habitats and the loss of access to potential fishing grounds (~100 ha). Considering the temporary nature of the disturbance and the majority of fisheries resources found in and around the vicinity of the Project site are of low commercial value, unacceptable impacts on fisheries are not expected. Moderate to high fishing operations have been recorded within and in the vicinity of the Project site. Considering the temporary nature of construction impact, the impacts on fishing activity are considered to be of minor significance. Impact of elevated levels of underwater sound as a result of construction activities are considered acceptable with the presence of existing underwater sound from the nearby existing Po Toi FCZ and marine traffic at the vicinity of Po Toi pier. No fisheries-specific mitigation measures are required during FCZ construction.

During FCZ operation, there will be 100 ha loss of access to fishing grounds. The structures mainly occupy a section of the water column and a small area of seabed confined to a thin surface layer (<0.5 m). The presence of fish farm structures will also provide hard substrates that could be colonised by a variety of marine organisms and bringing potential positive effect on fisheries resources. Impacts on fishing activity are localized with moderate impact on fishing operation as fishing activities are not allowed inside fish farm structures. Considering that suitable fishing grounds outside of the Project Site can allow similar fishing activities to take place and the majority of fisheries resources found in and around the vicinity of the Project site are of low commercial value, unacceptable impacts on fishing activity are not expected.. Potential impacts of elevated levels of underwater sound generated from the marine vessels in the vicinity of the Project site are considered acceptable with the presence of existing underwater sound from the nearby Po Toi FCZ and marine traffic in the vicinity of Po Toi pier. Temporary relocation of fish rafts may occur over a short time, therefore, unacceptable impacts are not anticipated. Impacts of changes in water quality arising from FCZ operation are predicted to be largely confined in the vicinity of the Project site within the maximum carrying capacity. The management of fish health will be conducted regularly to prevent fish disease outbreaks, including the Fish Health Inspection Programme to be conducted regularly by AFCD and the implementation of good mariculture practices by fish farm owners. No fisheries-specific mitigation measures are required during FCZ operation.

Overall, no unacceptable impacts to fisheries are expected to occur. All of the potential construction and operational fisheries impacts identified are deemed acceptable.

([1]) AFCD (2021) Marine fish culture, pond fish culture and oyster culture.

([2]) Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene (2019) Development of Mariculture.

([4]) Sumaila UR, Cheung WWL and Teh L (2007) Rebuilding Hong Kong’s Marine Fisheries: An Evaluation of Management Options. Fisheries Centre Research Reports 15 (3). pp.112.

([5]) AFCD (2020) Capture Fisheries Overview.

([6]) AFCD (2017) Port Survey 2016/17.

([8]) Refers to the fisheries ancillary vessels which are used to gather catch from fishing vessels, and operate either in Hong Kong waters or further afield.

([9]) AFCD (2020) Proposed Injection into the Fishing Moratorium Loan Scheme. Paper presented in Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene.

([11]) ERM (2010) Development of a 100MW Offshore Wind Farm in Hong Kong. EIA Study (AEIAR-152/2010). Prepared for Hong Kong Electric.

([12]) Black & Veatch Hong Kong Limited (2016) Outlying Islands Sewerage Stage 2 – South Lantau Sewerage Works. EIA Study (AEIAR-210/2017). Prepared for Drainage Services Department.

([13]) South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute (2017) Report on Survey of Fisheries Resources in Hong Kong (2010-2015). Prepared for AFCD.

([14]) South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute (2017) Main Commercial Families of Fisheries Resources in Hong Kong. Prepared for AFCD.

([15]) Country and Marine Parks Board Marine Parks Committee (2020) Fisheries Resources Surveys at Existing and Proposed Marine Parks, and Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve – Results and Conclusion.

([16]) ERM (1998) Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters, Final Executive Summary, for Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

([18]) AFCD (2021) Conservation of Fisheries Resources.

([20]) References cited in BCL (1994) Marine Ecology of the Ninepin Islands including Peddicord R and McFarland V (1996) Effects of suspended dredged material on the commercial crab, Cancer magister. in PA Krenkel, J Harrison and JC Burdick (Eds) Dredging and its Environmental Effects. Proc. Speciality Conference. American Society of Engineers.

([21]) Alabaster JS & Lloyd R (1984) Water Quality Criteria for Freshwater Fisheries. Butterworths, London.

([22]) City University of Hong Kong (2001) Consultancy Study on Fisheries and Marine Ecological Criteria for Impact Assessment. Prepared for AFCD.

([23]) Chong R, Bousfield B, Brown R (2011) Op. cit.

([24]) AFCD (2021) Technical Support and Financial Assistance.