Environmental impact assessment for the proposed operation of fish processing facility at Kanduoiy Giri Island, North Male’ Atoll

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the operation of existing Kanduoigiri Island Fish Processing facility for another 20 years. The proponent of this project is Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO), Maldives. The main rationale for the project is to continue the success of the MIFCO operations on Kanduoigiri and expand fish export to EU, in order to diversify local economy and increase economic and food security. Since 1999, Kanduoiy Giri Fish Village (KFV) is one of the largest exporters of chilled products to European market and has substantial services to offer the EU market as well as the local market. Though KFV has a EU licenced fish-processing factory, it has yet to get approval from Maldives Food and Drugs Authority under new laws and regulations. MIFCO is now seeking to get approval from the Maldives Food and Drugs Authority. The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain the existing fish processing facility in KFV. The project is solely designed, implemented and financed by the proponent. The existing facility has all necessary facilities for fish processing, including ice plants, desalination plants, generator sets etc. The processing is divided into fish filleting, storing, packing and transporting to Male’ International Airport for airfreight. The project involves two main components: (1) expansion of the existing operations through construction of a cold storage facility; and (2) continuing operations of Kanduoiy Giri for another 20 years. All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are Environmental Protection and Preservation Act 1993, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and Maldives Fisheries Act 1987. No significant impact is predicted to occur to the terrestrial environment due to the project. The major environmental impacts from the project are to marine water quality and to subsequent marine life. However, measures have been put forward to minimise moderate impacts and any unpredicted impacts and accidents. This project will generate new jobs in Male’ Region, diversify economy and increase food security hich are significant positive impacts. The main alternatives assessed for the project are alternate sewage and wastewater disposal methods, alternate site and island. “No project” option has also been considered and given the economic and environmental factors the best option would be to proceed with the project. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes marine water of the site and waste generation from the facility. The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities.