Environmental impact assessment for the proposed aquaculture project at Maroshi, Shaviyani Atoll

Abstract

This EIA report has been prepared to fulfill the legal obligation to obtain environmental clearance under Environment Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) of the Maldives and has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA regulations 2012.the Environmental Protection Agency. The project proponent is Adil Mohamed, NID no. A022975. A 40,000 sq feet area has been leased out for ten years to develop out a hatchery and use lagoon as a grow out area. The project will be carried out in Sh. Maroshi on the east side of the harbor. The project is to commence as soon as the EIA is approved and the duration of the project will not be more than 12 months. It is estimated that the project will be in first grow out trials by the end of 2nd year of operation. A hatchery unit with algae culture and larvae culture units will be established. Concrete tanks with transparent roofing will be constructed. A small laboratory and stock culture room will be established. All water quality testing and lab equipment’s will be purchased before the initiation of the project. Major project impacts have been identified in this report which includes loss of benthic habitats and impact due to production of waste and effluent. This have to be considered given the fact that currently the islands bay area holds hundreds of Holothuria scabra of varying size and maturity levels. However the lagoon area needs to be utilized on a gradual manner. The project activities including construction would be carried out with a maximum of 12 months from the initiation which would take place after the approval of the EIA. Proper safety precautions will be carried out at the work sites. Necessary hygiene protocols will be set up for hatchery management. Waste water is the major waste product. This water will be filtered through sedimentation tanks. In addition sand filters and chlorination of waste water will be carried out. Domestic and construction waste will be gathered and transported to islands waste management center. Power supply will be obtained from islands power plant maintained by FENAKA. Rainwater will be harvested to be used for staff and hatchery needs. A small desalination plant would be placed to produce the volume of water needed. The inlet and outlet of the plant would be placed in the lagoon in front of the hatchery area but with a distance apart. Since the area in front of the hatchery is dominated by dead coral and rubble, the impact by discharge water would be less to negligible. The correct feeding ratio needed to feed the juveniles would be utilized so as to minimize any impact that may arise due to eutrophication. And the volume of the population of the juveniles and stock will be controlled to maintain outbreak of any diseases. It is envisaged that due to the implementation of the project, there would be new job creations. And as a direct positive impact, this will improve the economy of the island and the livelihood of the people. The EIA states all relevant national laws and regulations including national and Institutional regulations. The project will be implemented in full compliance with EIA regulations and Environmental laws and regulations of Maldives. Consultations were carried out with EPA. Marine research center, Island council and some members of the general public of the island. All stake holders were eager to see the project being implemented at earliest. With due consideration to environmental impact mitigation measures and adherence to monitoring program it is best to carry on the project as proposed with given recommendations of the EIA.