Ecological Mitigation Measures

Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line

Objective of the Ecological Mitigation Measure:

To compensate for the loss of fishponds and mitigate the potential disturbance to waterbirds due to the project by early enhancement and subsequent long-term management of fishponds.

Details:

A total of direct loss of 7.4ha fishponds and indirect loss of 16.2ha due to disturbance to water birds using the area will be compensated by the early enhancement of 16.8ha of fishponds (i.e. the Initial Enhancement Area or IEA) to ensure that no net decrease in the numbers of large waterbirds in LMC during the construction period. Early enhancement measures include intensive repeated stocking of fish to raise the carrying capacity of the stocked ponds for target species of large waterbirds (Black-faced Spoonbill, Great Cormorant, Great Egret and Grey Heron), re-profiling of pond bunds to create shallows for waterbirds and management of water levels to facilitate bird feeding in the compensatory wetland. During the operation period, a total of 27.1ha fishponds (i.e. the Ecological Compensation Area or ECA) will be under long-term management by KCRC to compensate the loss of wetland habitat due to the Spur Line.

A Habitat Creation and Management Plan (HCMP) was prepared by KCRC to provide guidance for creation and management as well as the long-term monitoring of the enhanced fishponds.

Results:

The IEA has been successful in performing the targeted ecological functions as an enhanced bird feeding site. The number of wetland birds recorded in IEA was higher than the control areas. The IEA also supported a significant portion of local wintering population of Black-faced Spoonbills (up to 64%) in 2003/4.

Reference:

Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd. (2004) KCRC East Rail Extensions – Wetland Compensation Area Ecological Monitoring and Adaptive Management Advice – 2003-04 Annual Report. Report submitted to KCRC, Hong Kong.

Asia Ecological Consultants Ltd. (2005) KCRC East Rail Extensions – Wetland Compensation Area Ecological Monitoring and Adaptive Management Advice – Lok Ma Chau Station Habitat Creation and Management Plan Issue No. 10. Report submitted to KCRC, Hong Kong.

Photos:

The Initial Enhancement Area of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line. The re-profiled ponds have shallows created for bird roosting and feeding.	Wintering migratory birds roosting in the Initial Enhancement Area.
Pond with shallow margins and extensive belt of emergent vegetation specially created in the Initial Enhancement Area to attract dragonflies.	Fishponds within the Initial Enhancement Area are primarily managed for the provision of an enhanced feeding ground for waterbirds.