Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.3
Slurry Pipeline
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Ambatovy Project
120
January 2006
aquatic habitat quality and quantity, 60% of the sites in the slurry pipeline LSA
sample group exhibited substantial disturbance (IHIA Classes C-F; Table 4.3-1).
The undisturbed sites which were sampled (IHIA Classes A and B; Table 4.3-1)
were largely associated with streams near national reserves (Mantadia National
Park and Reserve Speciale Mangerivola) or forest fragments.
Table 4.3-1 Habitat Condition and characteristics of Sampling Sites in the Slurry
Pipeline Local Study Area
Site
IHIA
Class
(a)
Sensitivity
Habitat description
R2+000
A
high
Unmodified habitat, minimal deforestation in surrounding primary forest.
R5+575
E
low
Extensively modified with loss of natural biota and ecosystem function.
R9+250
C
moderate
Moderately modified. Some loss of natural habitat and biota but basic
ecosystem functions remain unchanged. Bed modification due to railway
bridge and presence of exotic plant and fish species.
R16+100
D
low
Largely modified, loss of natural habitat, biota, and ecosystem function.
Major impacts are bed modification due to sedimentation, water quality
impairment due to run-off from village and exotic fish species.
042+300
A
high
Unmodified habitat. No evidence of human impact.
051+800
B
high
Largely unmodified. Minor changes in natural habitat and biota but basic
ecosystem functions unchanged.
060+600
A
high
Unmodified habitat. Limited human impact but some sedimentation
evident.
107+200
A
high
Unmodified habitat. Limited human impact, minor occurrences of exotic
flora and fauna.
136+200
C
moderate
Moderately modified. Some loss of natural habitat and biota but basic
ecosystem functions remain predominantly unchanged.
145+700
D
low
Largely modified, loss of natural habitat, biota and ecosystem function.
Major threats are bed modification due to sedimentation, water quality
impairment due to runoff from village and exotic fish species.
157+700
B
high
Largely unmodified. Minor changes in natural habitat and biota but basic
ecosystem functions unchanged.
175+200
E
low
Extensively modified with loss of natural biota and ecosystem function.
Channel and bed modification, replacement of indigenous vegetation
with exotics are major impacts.
178+900
E
low
Extensively modified with loss of natural biota and ecosystem function.
Channel and bed modification, deforestation and presence of exotic flora
and fauna are major impacts.
E3 005+150
(b)
C
moderate
Moderately modified. Loss of natural habitat and biota; presence of
exotic flora and fish fauna are major impacts.
E3 011+950
(b)
D
low
Largely modified, loss of natural habitat, biota, and ecosystem function.
Replacement of indigenous vegetation and presence of
C. maculata
.
(a)
Based on the IHIA model (Kemper 1999).
(b)
E3 denotes sites that were sampled along a potential alternative pipeline route.
Fish
A combined total of 27 fish species, comprising eight endemic, 11 native, and
eight introduced species, belonging to 16 families were collected from the
