Environmental Assessment
Volume B-4.3
Mine
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Ambatovy Project
251
January 2006
4.3.4.2 Assessment Parameters
Aquatic biota of significance to the proposed project includes both the fish and
invertebrates (i.e., benthos, zooplankton and phytoplankton) that form part of the
aquatic ecosystem in the mine area. By association, the aquatic habitats that
these organisms depend on to complete their life history are also a critical part of
the aquatic ecosystem.
For this assessment, key species of concern, significant species groups and
sensitive habitat types were selected for specific focus during the impact
assessment and development of mitigative strategies. The selected species
groups and habitats for the mine area are:
•
endemic fish species;
•
macro-invertebrate communities (containing endemic or native species);
•
headwater stream habitats (1
st
, 2
nd
and 3
rd
order streams); and
•
ephemeral ponds.
Measurable parameters used for the assessment of fish and aquatic resources are
summarized in Table 4.3-4. As the level of available information from the
baseline, literature or local specialists did not always allow a quantifiable
assessment, qualitative evaluations based on professional judgments were also
used.
Extensive use was also made of the conclusions of the surface water,
groundwater, water quality investigations and the preliminary design for the mine
and support facilities.
4.3.5
Key Question FA-1: What Effect Will the Project Have
on Aquatic Habitat?
4.3.5.1 Impact Pathways
Aquatic habitat can be affected by mine site activities during construction,
operation and closure phases. Habitats can also be affected by ancillary facilities
and services such as watercourse crossings by access roads and the Mangoro
river water pipeline. Changes in the availability, quality or quantity of fish and
aquatic habitat may result from:
•
riparian clearing;
