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Title: | Environmental impact assessment report : construction and operation of Maniyafushi field station Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll |
Authors: | Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group |
Keywords: | Existing environment Geographic location of Maniyafushi Geology and geomorphology Bathymetric survey Climate Marine environment Groundwater quality Environmental impacts Constructional impacts Operational impacts |
Issue Date: | Jan-2018 |
Citation: | Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group. (2018). Environmental impact assessment report : construction and operation of Maniyafushi field station Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll. Male': Maldives |
Abstract: | The proposed project is a continuous project implemented by the MRC and executed by MOFA,
which will seek funds for its continuation. The project is an extension of an existing mariculture
research and development operation, focusing on research and development of mariculture
techniques for the brown marbled grouper, milkfish, sandfish and local varieties of sea cucumbers
such as the white teatfish. In addition, the project will target on establishing research and capacity
for coral reef studies and reef fisheries.
In the immediate term, mariculture research and development capacity will be established to
facilitate the establishment and development of a mariculture industry in the country. The project
aims at establishing production capacity for approximately 25,000 pieces of fingerling size
groupers per production cycle to pilot viability of grow out operations. Further, the project aims at
developing research capacity for sea cucumber hatchery technology as well as the production of
milkfish. Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the
operation of the facility have been identified through interviews with the project management
team, field data collection and surveys are also based on past experience of consultant in similar
development projects. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent
and characteristics. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are
irreversible in nature.
Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact of
highest significance is on seawater quality as majority of the project is established in the lagoon
and sea.
The proposed development is expected to bring significant socioeconomic impacts on the
locals, especially the island communities as the project will mainly focus on training Atoll
communities interested in grouper and sea cucumber farming on a large scale. Since there is a high
demand for export business of these two species, it will bring high economic benefits to the local
communities. Moreover, it will create many job opportunities especially for the unskilled workers.
Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including measures to
minimize the impacts on seawater quality, such as regular change of water (by 25%) of the closed hatchery system and avoiding trampling outside project boundary. Detailed mitigation measures
are discussed in Section 11 of the report.
Alternatives have been considered for the specific location of the grow-out pens. The ‘no
project’ alternative is also considered. If this alternative was to be chosen, this would mean that
all negative environmental impacts which would arise due to construction would not be there.
However, the ‘no-project’ scenario would take away an opportunity the local communities to
explore a highly rewarding economic venture. |
URI: | http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/3034 |
Appears in Collections: | ތިމާވެށި Environment A
|
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