Environmental Assessment
Volume E-4.3
Tailings Facility
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Ambatovy Project
191
January 2006
As discussed for habitat impacts, the high residual impacts at the species level,
emphasise the need to discuss strategies for improved fish management
techniques with local stakeholders and Malagasy fisheries experts.
Monitoring
•
Monitoring of flow and water quality in key streams to ensure
protection systems are functioning.
•
Selected monitoring of aquatic resources downstream of the tailings to
confirm impact predictions.
4.3.7
Key Question FA-3: What Effect Will the Project Have
on Artisanal Fisheries?
4.3.7.1 Impact Pathways
The local artisanal fisheries and harvest of freshwater aquatic biota (consisting
primarily of fish, shrimp and snails) can be affected by activities in the tailings
area during construction, operation and closure phases. Changes may result from:
•
availability of fish or other biota;
•
fish health; and
•
species changes.
Availability
Tailings operation could interfere with or eliminate fish populations being
currently harvested in the LSA. This has been addressed in the previous sections.
Health and Condition
Changes to fish health and condition could occur due to construction and
operational activities, including tailings effects on drainages and infrastructure.
Species Changes
Species may change as a result of habitat degradation during operations. Species
changes may also occur during closure and reclamation.
