Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.3
Slurry Pipeline
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Ambatovy Project
141
January 2006
Monitoring
Construction, operation and post-disturbance monitoring of the effectiveness and
integrity of mitigation and site reclamation will be implemented to ensure
protection of the downstream resources.
4.3.7
Key Question FA-3
What Effect Will the Project
have on Artisanal Fisheries?
4.3.7.1 Impact Pathways
The harvest of aquatic biota (fish and invertebrate communities) by artisanal
fisheries can be affected by the slurry pipeline during construction, operation and
closure phases. Changes may result from:
•
accessibility to the pipeline area or nearby locations, and
•
fish availability and health.
Accessibility
Increased harvest of fish and invertebrates by artisanal fisheries (consumption
and collection, i.e., aquarium trade) could occur because of changes in access to
the watersheds crossed by the slurry pipeline or access roads.
Fish Availability and Health
Pipeline operation could interfere with the current harvest of fish populations in
the LSA. Changes to fish health and condition could occur due to downstream
effects from construction and infrastructure (i.e., camps and service roads).
4.3.7.2 Assessment Methods
Pipeline execution information was reviewed to evaluate access and changes
related to infrastructure.
Fish or invertebrate species harvest in artisanal fisheries was determined from
baseline observations, projected by professional judgement from the species
composition observed, or from published reports and communications.
