Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.3
Slurry Pipeline
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Ambatovy Project
128
January 2006
For this assessment, species of concern, significant species groups and habitat
types were selected for evaluation during the impact assessment and development
of mitigative strategies. The species groups and habitats for the slurry pipeline
area are:
•
endemic fish species;
•
stream and river (riparian and instream) aquatic habitats; and
•
native and resident fish communities harvested by artisanal fisheries.
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.
Table 4.3-4 Ecosystem Components, Parameters and Criteria for Fish and
Aquatic Resources
Question
Ecosystem Component Measurable Parameter
Evaluation Criteria
change in the quality,
quantity and availability
of aquatic habitat
streams and rivers,
endemic fish, benthic
macro-invertebrates
stream size
habitat type and quality
water flow
water quality (TSS)
net loss of fish habitat
IHIA (Kleynhans 1996)
water quality and
suspended sediment
guidelines
change in abundance of
fish and aquatic biota
endemic and native fish,
benthic invertebrates
fish/ invertebrate
community structure and
diversity
physical habitat and
aquatic health
assessments
pipeline operations
potential harvest
pressure
subjective evaluation of
sustainability of the
resource; professional
judgment
conservation status (IUCN
2004 and published
checklists)
Water Quality Guidelines
for the Protection of
Aquatic Life (CCME 1999)
watercourse crossings
guidelines
change in fish health
endemic and native fish,
benthic invertebrates
artisanal fisheries for
fish /invertebrates
surface water quality and
prediction (TSS)
predicted fish abundance
suggested values from the
literature
subjective evaluation and
professional judgment
Note: TSS = total suspended solids.
