CONTENTS
1.1 Background
1.2 Purpose
of this Report
1.3 Structure
of this Report
2 First quarterly post-translocation Coral monitoring
2.1 Post-translocation Monitoring Methodology
2.2 First Quarterly Post-translocation Coral Monitoring
Results
3 schedule of quarterly post-translocation coral monitoring
Annex A Photographic
Records of Tagged Translocated Coral Colonies & Tagged Natural Coral Colonies
According to
findings of the Northwest New Territories (NWNT) Traffic and Infrastructure
Review conducted by the Transport Department, Tuen Mun Road, Ting Kau Bridge,
Lantau Link and North Lantau Highway would be operating beyond capacity after
2016. This forecast has been based
on the estimated increase in cross boundary traffic, developments in the NWNT,
and possible developments in North Lantau, including the Airport developments,
the Lantau Logistics Park (LLP) and the Hong Kong ¡V Zhuhai ¡V Macao Bridge
(HZMB). In order to cope with the
anticipated traffic demand, two new road sections between NWNT and North Lantau
¡V Tuen Mun ¡V Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) and Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) are
proposed.
An
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of TM-CLKL was prepared in accordance
with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-175/2007) and the Technical Memorandum of the Environmental
Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). The EIA Report was submitted under the
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) in August 2009. Subsequent to the approval of the EIA
Report (EIAO Register Number AEIAR-145/2009), an Environmental Permit
(EP-354/2009) for TM-CLKL was granted by the Director of Environmental
Protection (DEP) on 4 November 2009, and EP variation (EP-354/2009A) was issued
on 8 December 2010. Another application
for variation of environmental permit (VEP) (EP-354/2009/B) was granted on 28 January 2014.
Pursuant
to Condition 2.6 of the EP, the Detailed Coral Translocation Methodology ([1]) has been submitted on 9 October 2013 and was
subsequently approved by the DEP for this Contract. Coral translocation was undertaken for
the coral colonies at Tai Ho Wan on 24 October 2013 prior to the construction
of temporary staging and the Southern Connection Viaduct Section in order to
reduce the potential marine ecological impacts by translocating
movable coral colonies to the receptor site at Yam Tsai Wan. In accordance with the Detailed Coral
Translocation Methodology, the translocated coral
colonies as well as the tagged natural coral colonies at the receptor site will
be monitored once every three (3) months for a period of 12 months after the
coral translocation exercise.
The purpose of
this First Quarterly Post-Translocation
Coral Monitoring Report is to report findings of the First Quarterly
Post-translocation Coral Monitoring which is undertaken at the receptor site,
Yam Tsai, Wan, to monitor the updated status of translocated
corals from the donar site at Tai Ho Wan. The results of the post-translocation
monitoring are reviewed with reference to findings of the pre-translocation
survey in order to assess any observable changes in status of the translocated coral colonies. Post-translocation monitoring results are
also evaluated against Action and Limit Levels which are based on recorded
changes in percentage of partial mortality of the corals.
The remainder
of the report is structured as follows:
Section 2: First
Quarterly Post-Translocation ¡V Details the methodology
and results of the First Quarterly Post-translocation Coral Monitoring.
Section 3: Schedule
of Quarterly Post-translocation Coral Monitoring ¡V Details
the tentative schedule of the subsequent Quarterly Post-translocation Coral
Monitoring.
Section 4:
Conclusion ¡V Concludes the First Post-translocation Coral
Monitoring results for the Contract.
Pre-translocation surveys were undertaken at the donar
site of Tai Ho Wan and receptor site of Yam Tsai Wan to collect baseline data
on translocated coral colonies from Tai Ho Wan and
natural coral colonies at Yam Tsai Wan during the coral translocation exercise
in October 2013. During the pre-translocation
survey, thirteen (13) Guaiagorgia
sp. colonies, which were successfully translocated from Tai Ho Wan
to Yam Tsai Wan, were tagged for monitoring. In addition to the translocated
coral colonies, ten (10) colonies of Guaiagorgia sp. were
tagged at the receptor site. Each
of the tagged coral colonies was identified at least to genus levels and photographed. The
following data were recorded for each tagged coral colonies during the pre-translocation
survey:
¡P
Genus/ Species;
¡P
Size (Maximum diameter/
height);
¡P
Mortality (%);
¡P
Bleaching (%); and,
¡P
Sediment (%).
During the
Post-translocation Coral Monitoring, the tagged coral colonies will be
re-visited for monitoring using the same methodology as the pre-translocation
survey. Photographic records of the
translocated and natural coral colonies will be taken
by maintaining the same aspect and orientation as photographs taken for the
pre-translocation surveys as far as possible. The adoption of the same monitoring method would allow for direct
comparison of baseline pre-location data with the post-translocation monitoring
data in order to determine any changes in conditions of corals. The general
environmental conditions including weather, sea and tidal conditions of the
coral receptor site will also be monitored.
The results of
the post-translocation monitoring will be reviewed with reference to findings
of the pre-translocation surveys undertaken at the donor and receptor sites. If observations of any die-off /
abnormal conditions of the translocated corals are
made during the post-translocation monitoring, the ET should inform the
Contractor, Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) / Environmental Project
Office (ENPO), and AFCD, and liaise with AFCD to investigate any mitigation measures
needed.
Post-translocation Coral Monitoring results will be evaluated against
Action and Limit Levels which is based on the recorded changes in the
percentage of partial mortality of the corals (Table 2.1). If the
defined Action Level or Limit Level for coral monitoring is exceeded, the
actions set out in Table 2.2 will be
implemented.
Table 2.1 Action and Limit Levels
for Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring
Parameter |
Action Level Definition |
Limit Level Definition |
Mortality |
If during Impact Monitoring a 15% increase in the
percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the
original corals at the receptor site, then the Action Level is exceeded. |
If during Impact Monitoring a 25% increase in the
percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the
original corals at the receptor site, then the Limit Level is exceeded. |
Table 2.2 Event and Action Plan for
Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring
Event |
Action |
|||
ET Leader |
IEC |
SOR |
Contractor |
|
Action
Level Exceedance |
1.
Check
monitoring data 2.
Inform
the IEC, SOR and Contractor of the findings; 3.
Increase
the monitoring to at least once a month to confirm findings; 4.
Propose
mitigation measures for consideration |
1.
Discuss
monitoring with the ET and the Contractor; 2.
Review
proposals for additional monitoring and any other measures submitted by the
Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly. |
1. Discuss with the IEC additional
monitoring requirements and any other measures proposed by the ET; 2. Make agreement on the measures to
be implemented. |
1. Inform the SOR and confirm
notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2. Discuss with the ET and the IEC
and propose measures to the IEC and the SOR; 3. Implement the agreed measures. |
Limit
Level Exceedance |
1. Undertake Steps 1-4 as in the
Action Level Exceedance. If further exceedance of Limit Level, propose enhancement measures
for consideration. |
1.
Discuss
monitoring with the ET and the Contractor; 2.
Review proposals for additional monitoring
and any other measures submitted by the Contractor and advise the SOR
accordingly. |
1.
Discuss
with the IEC additional monitoring requirements and any other measures
proposed by the ET; 2. Make agreement on the measures to
be implemented. |
1.
Inform
the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2.
Discuss
with the ET and the IEC and propose measures to the IEC and the SOR; 3. Implement the agreed measures. |
The First Quarterly Post-translocation Coral Monitoring was carried out
at the receptor site, Yam Tsai Wan, on 17 January 2014. The weather conditions during the survey
date are summarized in Table 2.3. Location of the survey area at the
receptor site is presented in Figure 2.1.
Table
2.3 Weather
Conditions during the First Quarterly Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring
Survey
Date |
Location |
Condition |
Underwater Visibility |
17 January 2014 |
Receptor site: |
North force 4 to 5 |
Less than 0.5 m |
The species, size, mortality percentage, bleaching percentage and percentage
of sediment cover of the translocated coral colonies
and natural coral colonies recorded during the First Quarterly
Post-translocation Monitoring Surveys were summarized in Tables 2.4 and 2.5. Photographic records taken during the
First Quarterly Post-translocation Coral Monitoring are shown in Annex A.
Findings of the First Quarterly Post-translocation Monitoring indicated
that the Action or Limit Levels for coral monitoring were not exceeded as
increase in percentage of partial mortality was not detected for both the
tagged translocated and natural coral colonies when
comparing to the pre-translocation dataset (Tables
2.4 & 2.5). As such, it is
considered not necessary to undertake any action in accordance with the Event
and Action Plan.
Overall, findings of the First Quarterly Post-translocation Monitoring
did not appear to indicate any deterioration in the general health conditions
of the translocated and natural coral colonies at the
receptor site during this quarterly period.
Table 2.4 Sizes,
Partial Mortality, Bleaching and Sediment Cover of Tagged Translocated
Coral Colonies from Donor Site, Tai Ho Wan, recorded during the
Pre-translocation and First Quarterly Post-translocation Coral Monitoring
Surveys
Coral # |
Species |
Size (cm) ¡V Max Diameter/ Height |
Partial Mortality (%) |
Percentage Increase in Partial Mortality (%)([2]) |
Bleaching (%) |
Sediment (%) |
Pre-translocation Survey on 23 October 2013 at the
donor site, Tai Ho Wan |
||||||
1 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
7 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
2 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
9 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
3 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
5 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
4 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
8 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
5 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
13 |
10 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
6 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
8 |
70 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
7 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
6 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
8 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
7 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
9 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
19 |
50 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
10 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
15 |
35 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
11 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
22 |
55 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
12 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
14 |
20 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
13 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
16 |
45 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
First Quarterly Post-translocation Coral
Monitoring Survey on 17 January 2014 at the Receptor Site, Yam Tsai Wan |
||||||
1 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
7 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
2 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
9 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
3 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
5 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
4 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
8 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
5 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
13 |
10 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
6 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
8 |
70 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
7 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
6 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
8 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
7 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
9 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
19 |
50 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
10 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
15 |
35 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
11 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
22 |
55 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
12 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
14 |
20 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
13 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
16 |
45 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
(1) Represents percentage increase in partial
mortality from the Baseline Survey to the Impact Coral Monitoring Survey.
Table 2.5 Sizes, Mortality,
Bleaching and Sediment of Tagged Natural Coral Colonies at Receptor Site, Yam
Tsai Wan
Coral # |
Species |
Size (cm) ¡V Max. Diameter/ Height |
Partial Mortality (%) |
Percentage Increase in Partial Mortality (%)([3]) |
Bleaching (%) |
Sediment (%) |
Pre-translocation Survey on 24 October 2013 |
||||||
1 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
25 |
5 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
2 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
32 |
35 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
3 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
28 |
15 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
4 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
38 |
25 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
5 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
27 |
40 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
6 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
28 |
25 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
7 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
21 |
10 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
8 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
26 |
30 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
9 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
19 |
50 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
10 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
35 |
35 |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
First Quarterly Post-translocation
Monitoring Survey on 17 January 2014 |
||||||
1 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
25 |
5 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
2 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
32 |
35 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
3 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
28 |
15 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
4 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
38 |
25 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
5 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
27 |
40 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
6 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
28 |
25 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
7 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
21 |
10 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
8 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
26 |
30 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
9 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
19 |
50 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
10 |
Guaiagorgia sp. |
35 |
35 |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
(1)
Represents percentage increase in partial mortality from the Baseline
Survey to the Impact Coral Monitoring Survey.
Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring will be conducted every three (3) months
for a period of 12 months. The
tentative schedule of the subsequent quarterly post-translocation monitoring is
provided in Table 3.1 below.
Table
3.1 Schedule
of Quarterly Post-Translocation Monitoring
Post-Translocation Monitoring Survey |
Timing |
1st
Quarterly Monitoring |
3 months
after the translocation works Conducted on
17 January 2014 |
2nd
Quarterly Monitoring |
6 months
after the translocation works April 2014 |
3rd
Quarterly Monitoring |
9 months
after the translocation works July 2014 |
4th
Quarterly Monitoring |
12 months
after the translocation works October 2014 |
The First Quarterly Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring has been carried
out on 17 January 2014 at the receptor site, Yam Tsai Wan, as per the
requirements stipulated in the Detailed
Coral Translocation Methodology.
During the monitoring, 13 translocated coral
colonies and 10 natural coral colonies were re-visited and monitored at the
receptor site, Yam Tsai Wan. The
conditions of the translocated and natural coral
colonies during the First Quarterly Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring are
compared with the pre-translocation conditions which were recorded during the
coral translocation exercise in October 2013.
Action and Limit Levels for the partial mortality of tagged corals were
established based on the Pre-translocation Coral Monitoring results. No exceedances
of the Action and Limit Levels were identified during the First Quarterly
Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring on 17 January 2014. There thus did not appear to be any
deterioration in the general conditions of the translocated
and natural coral colonies at the receptor site, Yam Tsai Wan.
Overall, the coral translocation exercise is considered to be undertaken
successfully as the translocated corals did not show
any sign of deterioration in condition at the receptor site during this
quarterly survey.
Findings of future Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring surveys will be
presented in the subsequent Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring Reports in
order to determine any observable changes in status of the translocated
coral colonies. In the event that
deterioration in conditions of the translocated
corals is identified, monitoring would allow for implementation of appropriate
remedial actions to mitigate such changes in condition.