Browsing by Author | މުސައްނިފުން "ReefTAC Maldives"

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    Technical Report
    Environment impact assessment report for the development of an mariculture project in Lh. Gaaerifaru
    (2016) ReefTAC Maldives
    This Environmental Impact Assessment report outlines the findings of our environmental studies for breeding, larval production and mariculture of Plectropomus areolatus (Pisces: Serranidae: Epinephelinae) on Lh. Gaaerifaru. The island has been leased to Ocean Quartiers Properties Pvt. Ltd by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The project aims at establishing a high nutritional value of reef fish for both local consumption and resort supply, and for export as well. And establishing the setup based on the local conditions provided. It also aims at gaining knowledge transferable to other similar projects in the Maldives. The Study Area contains detailed maps of the site plan and the boundaries, along with the justification of the site. Scope of work includes the descriptions of the proposed project. Reclamation works, estimated to be over within 3 months, will commence once the setup is confirmed. The works of the sea cage will start along with the reclamation works and is estimated to take about 3 months to finish. The Grow out tanks, office, laboratory and packaging facility works will take place after. And this is estimated to finish within a 4 month period. The jetty and the Shore protection work will start once the reclamation project starts and is estimated to take 3 months to finish the works. The scope of work also points out the inputs and outputs during constructional and operational phase. Furthermore, focuses on the type of species and types to be cultured. This includes the taxonomy and morphology, biology and ecology, spawning aggregations, sex-associated colour differences, environmental ranges, known geographical distribution, conservation status, history and the process of aquaculture of Plectropomus areolatus. Continued furthermore on the cages and tanks, the location the size details along with the phases for various purposes are explained. The acquisition, Brood Stock spawning, artificial spawning, rearing of the larvae, grow out, feeding, waste removal methods, and disease control and health management of the juveniles of the targeted species are thoroughly explained in this chapter. Even though the targeted species is Plectropomus areolatus, further compatible candidate species are mentioned as well. The justification and methodology for jetty construction is explained, along with the duration estimated for the task. Reclamation plans for the site are given, with the location and size of the burrow areas on a detailed map of the site. Justification for the locations chosen, the methodology of this process and quantity of sand needed for the phase, its duration and labor works estimated is included as well. Power supply and oil storage for the whole project is explained along with the amount of solar power required to operate the whole facility and the location best to install the solar panels. Solar power will be used as a backup, only if the diesel power generators are shut off or in case of maintenance or system failure. The transportation method and volume of diesel required are explained. Solid waste and sewage waste disposal methods are explained thoroughly with the overall scheme for the waste management plan. The project management chapter points out the approximate area for the reclamation of land. More on the sea cages grow out tanks for the egg-rearing, larval-rearing and juvenile rearing are mentioned. Furthermore, the build of coastal structures to prevent the migration of the pumped sand along the shore are explained. The jetty, solar power house, office, laboratory, packaging facility and water storage is looked upon briefly. Seawater inlet and outlet explains the uses of seawater for stocking and rearing seeds, larvae and juvenile fishes in tanks. The location of where the channel should be dredged, its reasons are explained along with the schedule of work which contains three phases. The site preparation and mobilization phase, the constructional phase, and the operational phase to be continued till the end of the lease period. Description of the environment focuses on the climate, bathymetry of the site, the marine environment, and the hazard vulnerabilities. The climate includes the temperature, rainfall and humidity of the climate. It also includes the wind, waves and current. The bathymetry gives out a detailed map of the site area showing the areas and depths of the all-around reef system. The marine environment explains the methodology and results of the fish, substrate and coral survey transects with the aid of pie and bar charts. The seawater quality is also included in the marine environment, with the location map and the geo-coordinates of locations the water samples were collected. Finally, the hazard vulnerability states the effects caused in case of a tsunami generated in the Indian Ocean. The chapter of potential impacts on the natural environment and mitigation measures includes the identification of the impacts discussed between the EIA team and the proponent, and the mitigation measures identified. The mitigation measures include the existing environmental concerns, the impacts on the natural environment during the constructional phase, and the impacts during the operational phase. The project alternatives discuss with the advantages, disadvantages and the recommendations for alternatives. These alternatives include the no project option, alternative types of species, alternative methods of culture, alternative location for the jetty, and the alternative energy required. The various types of environmental monitoring, measuring and recording of environmental, social and economic variables associated with the development impacts are explained in the monitoring plan. The monitoring program is represented in a table containing the details of the different three phases, methods, estimated cost and other information. The statements and the main concerns are looked upon under the stakeholder consultation which includes Inter-Agency coordination and public/NGO participation members. Three meetings were held to discuss these concerns and ideas which include the scoping meeting, the island council meeting, and a meeting held with Marine Research Center.
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    Technical Report
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the development of a mariculture project in R. Fenfushi
    (2013) ReefTAC Maldives
    This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared to fulfill the requirements of Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (No. 4/93) of the Maldives for assessing the potential environmental impacts associated with the development of a mariculture project in R. Fenfushi. The project is proposed by Seaharvest Maldives Pvt. Ltd. This report identifies both negative and positive impacts that may arise from the implementation of the proposed project, during both construction and operation. Justifications and rationale are provided for implementing the various components of the project. Mitigatory measures are suggested for swift action should a negative impact arise. An environmental monitoring plan that will aid in measuring the actual impacts of the proposed project is also included. The major activities of the proposed project are described under ‘Scope of Work’. The project will be implemented in two phases which upon completion will include the construction of jetties, sea-cages, packing facility, shore protection, powerhouse, plant nursery, hatchery facility, accommodation blocks and related infrastructures. Approximately 176.9sqm of land area will be used for the development. The proposed project will be carried out over a period of 8 months. The project will involve the culture of Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, Brown-marbled Grouper in sea-cages. A hatchery facility will be established by the end of Phase 2, where E. fuscoguttatus will be bred, eggs incubated and larvae raised through to fingerling stage prior to fattening in sea-cages for harvest. The next chapter, ‘Description of the Environment’, describes the general environmental setting and geographic location of R. Fenfushi. Climate and physical factors including the monthly average values of temperature, rainfall and sunshine as well as baseline data collected on a field survey trip to the site are provided in this section. Subsections include bathymetry, beach profiles, vegetation, terrestrial fauna, wind speed, wave data, current speed and direction, sediment transportation, temperature, rainfall and humidity. Water samples were collected to achieve an understanding of the natural water quality parameters and to assist in conducting monitoring programs. Biological factors were also assessed, including marine substrate and coral analyses, fish counts and socio-economic surveys. All activities during both construction and operational stages of the proposed mariculture project will be carried out in accordance with existing plans, policies, guidelines, laws and regulations of the Maldives and relevant international conventions to which Maldives is party to. The applicable policies, laws and regulations include the Environment Law, Environment Protection and Preservation Act 1993 (EPPA), Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012, Strategic Economic Plan, National Environment Action Plan III, The Fisheries Act, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Protected Areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Regulation on Sand and Aggregate mining, Regulation on Coral Mining, Regulation on Removal of Trees, Waste and Wastewater Regulations and Policies and International Conventions, Treaties and Protocols. Under the chapter of ‘Potential Impacts on the Natural Environment and Mitigation Measures’ details of potential environmental impacts and relevant mitigation measures are provided. The main environmental impacts of the proposed project will be from clearing of vegetation, piling for jetty construction, and fattening fish in the lagoon. Though access to fishermen will become restricted, the project is anticipated to bring about positive direct and indirect impacts to the socio-economic environment. The chapter on ‘Alternatives’ discusses the possible alternatives to the various components of the proposed project with their key advantages and disadvantages followed by recommendations. This includes the ‘no project option’ and its’ advantages, disadvantages and recommendations. An environmental monitoring and management plan is included, which is necessary to ensure that changes and impacts to the environment are identified and mitigation measures swiftly implemented. It is mandatory to submit detailed monitoring reports to the Environment Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Consultations and inter-agency coordination was carried out to discuss the components of the project between relevant stakeholders. All consulted stakeholders were supportive of the proposed slipway project. Details of these meetings are provided. This EIA demonstrated that both short and long term impacts are expected to arise from the development of the proposed mariculture project at R. Fenfushi. This includes negative environmental impacts to the marine and terrestrial environment and mainly positive impacts to the socio-cultural environment. After consideration of predicted impacts and identification of appropriate mitigation measures, the consultant concludes that the project is feasible, given all applicable laws and the recommendations of this EIA are adhered to and the monitoring program carried out as outlined. ReefTAC Maldives Pvt. Ltd. acknowledges the work of all participants involved in the collection of data and preparation of this EIA, and wishes to thank the Proponent, Raa Atoll Council and residents of R. Fainu, Kinolhas and Meedhoo for their continuous assistance and cooperation throughout the period of this EIA.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the development of a slipway in M. Mulah
    (2013) ReefTAC Maldives
    This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared in order to meet the requirements of Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (No. 4/93) of the Maldives to assess the impacts of the proposed construction of a slipway at M. Mulah. The project is proposed by, Abdulla Sodiq of H. Shady Yard, Director of Shady Wood and Metal Works, Pvt. Ltd. Impacts, mitigation measures and recommendations for the different elements of the project are included. The major construction activities of the proposed project are described under ‘Scope of Work’. The project will include the dredging of a slipway basin, widening and deepening of an existing entrance channel, construction of headlands and retaining walls, slipway rails and related infrastructures including staff accommodation and winch room. Approximately 45,000sqft of area will be used for slipway development, of which 5000sqft will be on land. An area of 40,000sqft on the lagoon will be dredged to achieve the required depth of 3-4m for allowing vessels to be maneuvered onto the cradle and then onto the slipway rail. Two slipway rails of 320ft in length will be constructed at the site. An estimated 220,000cbft of will be dredged to create a slipway basin. Sand taken from this area will be used for road leveling. The existing entrance channel will be widened at narrow points to achieve a width of 35-40ft and the middle 20ft will be deepened to achieve a depth of 3-4m. Sand taken from the channel area will be used to make retaining walls along the channel. The proposed project will be carried out over a period of 7-8 months and all developmental activities will be carried out within the allocated land and marine area leased to the developer by the Island Council. Under the chapter ‘Scope of Work’, the inputs and outputs of the project are outlined. Inputs are provided with information on type of input, its source, and how it is obtained. Outputs are provided with the information on type of output, its source, and method of disposal. The next chapter, ‘Description of the Environment’, describes the general environmental setting and geographic location of M. Mulah. The monthly average values of temperature, rainfall and sunshine are included as well as baseline data collected on a field survey trip to the site, and results are provided in this section. Subsections of this chapter include bathymetry, beach profiles, vegetation, terrestrial fauna, wind speed, wave data, current speed and direction, sediment transportation, temperature, rainfall and humidity. Water samples were collected to achieve an understanding of the natural water quality parameters and to assist in conducting monitoring programs. The marine environment in the area for slipway development was surveyed during site. Fish counts and coral and substrate analyses were carried out. The average live coral cover across all sampled points is 23%. All activities during both construction and operational stages of the proposed slipway development project will be carried out in accordance with existing plans, policies, guidelines, laws and regulations of the Maldives and relevant international conventions to which Maldives is party to. The applicable policies, laws and regulations include the Environment Law, Environment Protection and Preservation Act 1993 (EPPA), Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012, Strategic Economic Plan, Transport Master Plan, National Environment Action Plan III, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Protected Areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Regulation on Sand and Aggregate mining, Regulation on Coral Mining, Regulation on Removal of Trees, International Conventions, Treaties and Protocols. Under the chapter of ‘Potential Impacts on the Natural Environment and Mitigation Measures’ details of potential environmental impacts and relevant mitigation measures for minimizing those are provided. The main environmental impacts of the proposed project will be the damages caused during construction and irreversible modification of the marine environment as a result of excavation of the slipway basin, widening and deepening of the entrance channel and potential impacts from the operation of the slipway. The establishment of the proposed slipway is anticipated to have numerous positive impacts to the socio-cultural environment, including direct and indirect employment opportunities and a boost in the economy of the island as well as the atoll. The chapter on ‘Alternatives’ discusses the possible alternatives to the various components of the proposed project with their key advantages and disadvantages followed by recommendations. This includes the ‘no project option’ and its’ advantages, disadvantages and recommendations. An environmental monitoring and management plan is included, which is necessary to ensure that probable impacts are identified and mitigation measures swiftly implemented It is mandatory to submit a detailed monitoring report to the Environment Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Consultations and inter-agency coordination was carried out to discuss the components of the project between relevant stakeholders. All consulted stakeholders were supportive of the proposed slipway project. Details of these meetings are provided. This EIA demonstrated that both short and long term impacts are expected to arise from the development of the proposed slipway project at M. Mulah. This includes negative environmental impacts to the marine and terrestrial environment and mainly positive impacts to the socio-cultural environment. After consideration of predicted impacts and identification of appropriate mitigation measures, the consultant concludes that the project is feasible, given all applicable laws and the recommendations of this EIA are adhered to and the monitoring program carried out as outlined. ReefTAC Maldives Pvt. Ltd. acknowledges the work of all participants involved in the collection of data and preparation of this EIA, and wishes to thank the Proponent, Mulah Island Council and the citizens of M. Mulah for their continuous assistance and cooperation throughout the period of this EIA.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island at Meemu Fenfuraaveli
    (2013) ReefTAC Maldives
    This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socio-economic and natural impacts of the proposal for an agricultural development at the island of Fenfuraaveli in Meemu Atoll. The purpose of the project is to develop Fenfuraaveli as an agricultural island with the aim of boosting the agricultural output of the country by providing fresh and organic produce to neighbouring islands and resorts. The project also aims to increase employment opportunities for locals. The MDP Alliance Manifesto (2008-2013) stipulates “expand the use of technology, such as hydroponics in the agricultural sector to help develop and diversify the sector”. M. Fenfuraaveli was leased during President Nasheed’s presidency by the National Planning Council. Several islands were leased for such projects by the Government of Maldives with the aim of increasing agricultural productivity within the country and decreasing import of produce. The project aims to develop the island mainly for hydroponics and cultivation with the inclusion of a poultry farm.