Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Coral Translocation for Northern Landfall

1.3 Environmental Requirements for Coral Translocation

1.4 Purpose of this Report

2 PRE-CONSTRUCTION SURVEY

2.1 Pre-Construction Survey at the Donor Site

2.2 Pre-construction Survey at the Receptor Site (Tai Mo TO)

2.3 Alternative Coral Receptor Site

3 rEQUIREMENT OF PRE-TRANSLOCATION CORAL SURVEY

3.1 Pre-Translocation and Translocation Surveys at the Donor Site

3.2 Pre-Translocation Survey at the Receptor Site

4 Coral translocation method

4.1 Coral Translocation Procedures

4.2 Precautionary Measures of Coral Translocation

5 Post-translocation coral monitoring

5.1 Monitoring Methodology

6 Schedule and Reporting of Coral Transloation

6.1 Tentative Schedule

6.2 Reporting

7 Reference

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

According to the findings of the Northwest New Territories (NWNT) Traffic and Infrastructure Review conducted by the Transport Department, Tuen Mun Road, Ting Kau Bridge, Lantau Link and North Lantau Highway would be operating beyond capacity after 2016. This forecast has been based on the estimated increase in cross boundary traffic, developments in the Northwest New Territories (NWNT), and possible developments in North Lantau, including the Airport developments, the Lantau Logistics Park (LLP) and the Hong Kong ¡V Zhuhai ¡V Macao Bridge (HZMB). In order to cope with the anticipated traffic demand, two new road sections between NWNT and North Lantau ¡V Tuen Mun ¡V Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) and Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) are proposed.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of TM-CLKL was prepared in accordance with the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-175/2007) and the Technical Memorandum of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). The EIA Report was submitted under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) in August 2009. Subsequent to the approval of the EIA Report (EIAO Register Number AEIAR-145/2009), an Environmental Permit (EP-354/2009) for TM-CLKL was granted by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) on 4 November 2009, and EP variation (EP-354/2009A) was issued on 8 December 2010.

Under Contract No. HY/2012/08, Dragages ¡V Bouygues Joint Venture (DBJV) is commissioned by the Highways Department (HyD) to undertake the design and construction of the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section of TM-CLKL (¡§the Contract¡¨). ERM-Hong Kong, Limited (ERM) has been appointed as the Environmental Team (ET) for the Contract.

1.2 Coral Translocation for Northern Landfall

According to the approved EIA Report of the TM-CLKL, the proposed reclamation work at the northern landfall area in Pillar Point would lead to direct loss of corals of low to moderate ecological value. In addition, the Project would also lead to elevation of suspended solid (SS) levels in the Tuen Mun area. Even with the application of a silt curtain system, SS were predicted to exceed the Water Quality Objectives (WQO) during approximately 11% of the wet season period. Coral translocation was therefore recommended for the coral colonies at Pillar Point prior to construction in order to reduce the potential marine ecological impacts of the northern landfall reclamation works. The approved EIA Report recommended that an area around Tai Mo To could be a suitable location for the receptor site(s).

1.3 Environmental Requirements for Coral Translocation

According to Condition 2.6 of the EP-354/2009A, the Permit Holder shall submit to the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval, at least one month before the commencement of construction of the Project, three hard copies and one electronic copy of a detailed coral translocation methodology, including pre-translocation survey, identification of receptor site and post-translocation monitoring.

In addition, according to Section 6.4.3.1 of the EM&A Manual, a pre-construction survey of corals at Pillar Point and potential receptor site(s) should be conducted prior to the translocation works. The suitability of the potential receptor site(s) should be reviewed and verified, and alternative receptor site(s) be proposed if necessary. A Coral Translocation Proposal, which includes findings of the pre-construction surveys, should be submitted for AFCD¡¦s agreement. Coral translocation should then be undertaken prior to any major relevant construction works in accordance with the Detailed Coral Translocation Methodology prepared under Condition 2.6 of the EP-354/2009A.

1.4 Purpose of this Report

This Detailed Coral Translocation Methodology is prepared for the coral translocation exercise of the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section of TM-CLKL. In accordance with Condition 2.6 of the EP-354/2009A, the following information is presented in this document:

l Findings of the pre-construction surveys which were undertaken at the donor site at Pillar Point from December 2012 to February 2013 and at the proposed coral receptor site at Tai Mo To from December 2012 to January 2013;

l Identification of receptor site(s) for the translocated corals from Pillar Point;

l Details of the proposed procedures for the pre-translocation survey;

l Coral translocation method; and

l Post-translocation monitoring method.

This Detailed Coral Translocation Methodology will be submitted to the DEP for approval at least one month before the commencement of construction of the Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section of the TM-CLKL.

2 PRE-CONSTRUCTION SURVEY

2.1 Pre-Construction Survey at the Donor Site

Spot-check dives and Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) surveys were conducted at the donor site at Pillar Point. The seabed of the survey site was mainly composed of natural bedrocks, boulders, artificial sloping boulders, and artificial vertical seawall. Three coral species (two hard coral and one gorgonian species) were recorded during the surveys. The survey results at Pillar Point are presented in the following sections.

2.1.1 Spot Check Dive

A total of 12 spot-check dives were carried out on 26^th ¡V 28^th December 2012 as well as 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 8^th, 10^th, 11^th and 14^th January 2013 (Figure 2.1). The survey sites (PP01 to PP12) were composed of artificial sloping boulders, vertical seawall and sandy / muddy substrates, with water depth ranging from 1 to 15 m. The survey sites supported limited marine life. Two hard coral species and one gorgonian species were found on boulder and seawall surfaces at spot-check dive sites PP01 to PP03. They were hard coral Oulastrea crispata, ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp., and gorgonian Guaiagorgia sp. The coral species recorded are common in local Hong Kong waters. The percentage cover of the corals found was low (<5%) (Table 2.1).

Table 2.1 Species, Coverage and Size of Corals Found at Spot-Check Dive Sites at Pillar Point

Site	Coral Species	Coverage (%)	Size in Height/ Diameter (cm)
PP01	Balanophyllia sp.	<1%	0.5-1
	Guaiagorgia sp.	<1%	0.1-0.3
PP02	Oulastrea crispata	<5%	5-20
	Balanophyllia sp.	<1%	0.5-1
	Guaiagorgia sp.	<5%	5-30
PP03	Balanophyllia sp.	<1%	0.5-1
	Guaiagorgia sp.	<1%	10-30

2.1.2 REA

Two 100 m REA transects were surveyed on 6^th February 2013 following the spot-check dives (Figure 2.2). Tables 2.2-3 summarize the ecological and substratum attributes, and the ranks of taxon abundance along the two REA transects.

Table 2.2 Ecological and Substratum Attributes of the REA Transects at Pillar Point

Ecological Attributes	REA 1 ^(1)	REA 2 ^(1)
Hard Coral	1	1
Dead Coral	0	0
Octocoral (Soft Corals and Gorgonians)	1	1
Anemone Beds	0	0
Dead Standing Corals	0	0
Other Benthos (sponges, zoanthids, ascidians and bryozoans)	1	1
Macroalgae	0	0
Substratum Attributes	REA 1 ^(1)	REA 2 ^(1)
Bedrock/ Continuous Pavement	0	0
Boulders Blocks (diam. >50cm)	6	5
Boulders Blocks (diam. <50cm)	2	3
Rubble	0	0
Other	0	0
Sand	0	2
Mud/Silt	0	0
Mud	0	0

Note: (1) Rank of percentage cover: 0 = None recorded; 1 = 1-5%; 2 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-30%; 4 = 31-50%; 5 = 51-75%; 6 = 76-100%

Table 2.3 Ranks of Taxon Abundance of the REA Transects at Pillar Point

Benthic Taxon	REA 1 ^(1)	REA 2 ^(1)
Balanophyllia sp.	2	2
Oulastrea crispata	3	3
Guaiagorgia sp.	3	3
Sponges	3	3
Bryozoans	3	3
Saccostrea cucullata	3	3
Perna viridis	2	2
Note: (1) Ordinal Ranks of Taxon Abundance: 0 = Absent; 1 = Sparse; 2 = Uncommon; 3 = Common; 4 = Abundant; 5 = Dominant

Sparse and patchy coverage (1 ¡V 5%) of hard corals (Balanophyllia sp. and Oulastrea crispata) and gorgonians (Guaiagorgia sp.) were recorded during the REA surveys. A total of 470 coral colonies were recorded on boulder surfaces along the REA transects at an average depth of 5 m. They included 237 colonies of Oulastrea crispata (4 ¡V 20 cm in diameter) and 232 colonies of Guaiagorgia sp. (1 ¡V 30 cm in height). In addition, patches of Balanophyllia sp. were also found on the boulder surfaces along the shoreline with very low coverage (<1%). The recorded corals were in fair health condition.

Fifty-two (52) out of the 470 recorded coral colonies were attached to movable boulders (<50 cm in diameter). It is considered technically feasible to translocate these movable boulders to reduce the direct loss of corals. Prior to coral translocation, a more detailed pre-translocation survey is recommended to find out the exact number of coral colonies (both movable and non-movable) within the affected area.

Overall, all the corals (Oulastrea crispata, Balanophyllia sp. and Guaiagorgia sp.) recorded during the REA survey are widespread and common across Hong Kong waters especially in the western waters with very low visibility. Owing to their commonness, sparse cover (< 5%), small size (most of the corals) and low species diversity and richness, the coral habitat of the surveyed area is considered as of low ecological value.

More detailed results of the dive surveys are provided in Appendix A. Representative photographs of the habitats and species recorded are shown in Appendix B.

2.2 Pre-construction Survey at the Receptor Site (Tai Mo TO)

Spot-check dives and REA surveys were conducted at the receptor site (Tai Mo To) proposed in the approved EIA Report in December 2012. The seabed of the survey site was mainly composed of natural bedrocks and boulders. Two coral species (one hard coral and one gorgonian species) were recorded during the surveys.

2.2.1 Spot-Check Dive

A total of six spot-check dives were carried out on 13^th December 2012 (Figure 2.3). The survey sites (TMT01 to THW06) were composed of bedrocks, boulders and sandy / muddy substrates, with water depth ranging from 1.5 m to 7.5 m. The survey sites supported limited marine life. One hard coral species and one gorgonian species were found on boulder surfaces at spot-check dive sites TMT01 and TMT02. They were ahermatypic cup coral Balanophyllia sp. and gorgonian Guaiagorgia sp. The coral species recorded are common in local Hong Kong waters. The percentage cover of the corals found were low (<1%) (Table 2.4).

Table 2.4 Species, Coverage and Size of Corals found at Spot-Check Dive Sites at Tai Mo To

Site	Coral Species	Coverage (%)	Size in Height/ Diameter (cm)
TMT01	Balanophyllia sp.	<1%	<1
	Guaiagorgia sp.	<1%	10-25
TMT02	Balanophyllia sp.	<1%	<1
	Guaiagorgia sp.	<1%	10-25

2.2.2 REA

A 100 m REA transect was surveyed on 10^th January 2013 following the spot-check dives (Figure 2.4). Tables 2.5-6 summarize the ecological and substratum attributes, and the ranks of taxon abundance along the REA transect.

Table 2.5 Ecological and Substratum Attributes of the REA Transects at Tai Mo To

Ecological Attributes	REA 1 ^(1)
Hard Coral	1
Dead Coral	0
Octocoral (Soft Corals and Gorgonians)	1
Anemone Beds	0
Dead Standing Corals	0
Other Benthos (sponges, zoanthids, ascidians and bryozoans)	1
Macroalgae	0
Substratum Attributes	REA 1 ^(1)
Bedrock/ Continuous Pavement	2
Boulders Blocks (diam. >50cm)	4
Boulders Blocks (diam. <50cm)	3
Rubble	0
Other	0
Sand	2
Mud/Silt	0
Mud	0

Note: (1) Rank of percentage cover: 0 = None recorded; 1 = 1-5%; 2 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-30%; 4 = 31-50%; 5 = 51-75%; 6 = 76-100%

Table 2.6 Ranks of Taxon Abundance of the REA Transects at Tai Mo To

Benthic Taxon	REA 1 ^(1)
Balanophyllia sp.	2
Guaiagorgia sp.	2
Sponges	3
Bryozoans	3
Saccostrea cucullata	3
Perna viridis	2
Sabellastarte japonica	2
Note: (1) Ordinal Ranks of Taxon Abundance: 0 = Absent; 1 = Sparse; 2 = Uncommon; 3 = Common; 4 = Abundant; 5 = Dominant

Sparse and patchy coverage (<1%) of hard coral (Balanophyllia sp.) and gorgonian (Guaiagorgia sp.) were recorded during the REA survey. A total of 57 colonies of Guaiagorgia sp. (10 ¡V 25 cm in height) were recorded on bedrock or boulder surfaces along the REA transect at an average depth of 3.5 m. In addition, patches of Balanophyllia sp. were also found on the boulder surfaces along the shoreline with very low coverage (<1%). All recorded corals were in fair health condition.

More detailed results of the dive surveys are provided in Appendix A. Representative photographs of the habitats and species recorded are shown in Appendix B.

2.3 Alternative Coral Receptor Site

The EIA of the Project recommended that an area around Tai Mo To could be a suitable location for the receptor site. However, when compared with the donor site at Pillar Point, the underwater visibility at the suggested coral receptor site at Tai Mo To was very low during the spot-check dives and REA surveys and the site is very exposed. Since post-translocation monitoring is required after coral translocation, the very low underwater visibility and rough sea conditions at Tai Mo To would make it difficult to find the translocated corals at the site. In addition, the translocated corals may be displaced easily if the wave is too strong. Therefore, it is recommended to find a more suitable receptor site which is less exposed and with similar coral assemblages to the donar site (ie with presence of Oulastrea crispata, Guaiagorgia sp. and Balanophyllia sp.). Recent coral surveys undertaken under Contract No. HY/2011/03 Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road-Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Facilities showed that Oulastrea crispata, Guaiagorgia sp. and Balanophyllia sp. were found at Yam Tsai Wan of North Lantau which is a relatively less exposed site (Figure 2.5). It should also be noted that Yam Tsai Wan was selected as the receptor site for the coral translocation exercise of Contract No. HY/2011/03 under which corals had been translocated successful to this receptor site in October 2012. Considering the above, it is recommended to select Yam Tsai Wan as the coral receptor site for the present translocation exercise of the northern landfall.

3 rEQUIREMENT OF PRE-TRANSLOCATION CORAL SURVEY

3.1 Pre-Translocation and Translocation Surveys at the Donor Site

A coral mapping survey will be conducted at the donor site at Pillar Point as part of the pre-translocation coral survey. The location of the donor site is shown in Figure 2.2.

The location of any hard corals and gorgonians will be mapped. The size and health condition (including percentage cover of bleaching, mortality, degree of sedimentation) of the corals will be recorded. The feasibility of translocation of corals including but not limited to those of conservation importance will be assessed.

Coral colonies (i.e. those attached to movable boulders with diameter <50 cm, in good health condition, and feasible for translocation) proposed to be translocated will be identified, mapped and tagged during the survey. Each coral colony will be tagged using laminated, waterproof labels (approximately 20 cm x 10 cm), which will be tied onto boulders just adjacent to the coral colonies. Photograph(s) of each coral colony will be taken and additional information for each of the coral colonies will also be collected (e.g. depth, orientation, size of the attached boulders, general conditions immediately surrounding the coral colonies).

Substratum removal method is not suggested for translocating the three coral species (Balanophyllia sp., Oulastrea crispata and Guaiagorgia sp.) found at Pillar Point. This is because the hard coral species Balanophyllia sp. and Oulastrea crispata are in encrusting growth form on the attached substrate. In addition, Balanophyllia sp. is a solitary coral species with single, small size polyp (ie mostly not larger than 5 mm in diameter for each individual) attached to the substrate. Substratum removal method would not be feasible as that would likely to damage the coral colonies and lead to a very low chance of survival during the translocation process. For the azooxanthellate gorgonian Guaiagorgia sp., it depends on filter feeding with the tentacles capturing plankton and particulate matter from the water column. At the receptor site, it would be necessary to attach (or glue) them using epoxy or underwater cement to the seabed of an area with relatively stronger current to facilitate their filter feeding process. High mortality of gorgonian is expected at the receptor site due to the following reasons:

l According to overseas experience of gorgonian translocation, growing edge of the holdfast will recede or die back when the detached gorgonian is being glued to the substrate of the receptor site by epoxy or underwater cement ([1]);

l Under relatively strong current, it is unlikely to be able to attach the gorgonian firmly to the substrate and high mortality is thus expected for the translocated gorgonian; and

l The colony of Guaiagorgia sp. does not exhibit an obvious central spine (please refer to Appendix B for photos of Guaiagorgia sp.) and it would be difficult to glue the detached gorgonian to the substrate, leading to easy detachment by current and consequently high mortality.

Considering the above and the lack of local experiences in adopting substratum removal method for gorgonian translocation, the substratum removal method is not recommended for the target translocated coral species at Pillar Point.

Since underwater visibility at the donor site is very low (<0.5m), relocating all tagged coral colonies after coral mapping is almost impossible. Therefore, coral translocation will be undertaken immediately after locating the movable coral colonies. Further details on the coral translocation procedure are presented in Section 4.

3.2 Pre-Translocation Survey at the Receptor Site

It is preferable to a select receptor site with the following characteristics:

l In the vicinity of the original coral colony;

l Not impacted by the Project or other construction/ activities;

l Presence of healthy coral community of the same species and similar hydrographical conditions as donor site; and

l With sufficient space to receive the newly translocated coral colonies.

As mentioned in the previous section, Tai Mo To is not a suitable receptor site due to the exposed and rough sea conditions, and the absence of Oulastrea crispata. Recent coral surveys for another project (Contract No. HY/2011/03: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge - Hong Kong Link Road) showed that the coastline of Yam Tsai Wan is an optional coral receptor site for translocation as it shares similar habitat to the existing corals to be translocated (Figure 2.5).

A pre-translocation survey will be conducted at the proposed receptor site at Yam Tsai Wan to ensure its suitability before the translocation of corals commenced at the donor site of Pillar Point. A spot-check dive will be conducted at the proposed receptor site and its vicinity to check for the presence of healthy coral colonies such as hard coral Oulastrea crispata and gorgonian Guaiagorgia sp. which had been observed in previous surveys.

Following the spot-check dive, the substrate type and taxonomic composition of the receptor site will be assessed using REA method. The REA survey will be performed along a 100 m transect parallel to the coastline (based on the preliminary results from the spot-check dives). The substrate type along the length of the transects will be recorded at 1 m intervals. The benthic cover, taxon abundance, and ecological attributes along the transects will also be recorded in a swathe of 2 m wide, 1 m either side of the transect.

The locations of the REA transects will be recorded on-site using a handheld GPS unit. The number of colonies, sizes and types of corals, their coverage, abundance, depth, health status of coral species will also be recorded. Photographs of representative taxa along the transects will also be taken during the surveys.

Health status of coral will be assessed by the following criteria:

l Gorgonian coral: Percentage of branches exhibiting partial mortality and secretion of mucus.

l Hard coral: Percentage of surface area exhibiting partial mortality and blanched/ bleached area using specially designed Coral Health Monitoring Chart (Appendix C).

The benthic cover (Tier I) and taxon abundance (Tier II) of the transect will be assessed in a swathe 2 m wide, 1 m either side of the transect. Two assessment categories (Tiers) will be used in the surveys, as follows:

Tier I ¡V Categorization of Benthic Cover

Upon the completion of each transect, ecological and substratum attributes (Table 3.1) will be assigned to standard ranked ordinal categories (Table 3.2).

Table 3.1 Tier I Benthic Attribute Categories

Ecological Attributes	Substratum Attributes
Hard Coral	Hard Substrata
Dead Coral	Bedrock/ Continuous Pavement
Octocoral (Soft Corals and Gorgonians)	Boulder blocks (diam. >50cm)
Anemone Beds	Boulder blocks (diam. <50cm)
Dead Standing Corals	Rubble
Other Benthos (sponges, zoanthids, ascidians and bryozoans)	Other
Macroalgae	Soft Substrata
	Sand
	Mud/Silt
	Mud

Table 3.2 Tier I Ordinal Ranks of Percentage Cover of Benthic Attributes

Rank	Percentage Cover
0	None Recorded
1	1-5%
2	6-10%
3	11-30%
4	31-50%
5	51-75%
6	76-100%

For substratum attributes, it is preferable to record actual estimates of cover. The percentage of hard substrata vs. soft substrata can be provided (e.g. 80% and 20% respectively). The percentage cover of the types of hard or soft substrata could also then be presented (e.g. bedrock pavement 60%, rubble 20%, sand 15%, mud / silt 5%). Similarly, recording and presenting actual estimates of, for instance, hard and soft coral cover may be more informative (e.g. <1%).

Tier II ¡V Taxonomic Inventories to Define Types of Benthic Communities

An inventory of benthic taxa along each transect will be compiled during the survey. Taxa will be identified in situ to the following levels:

l Hard corals to species, where possible;

l Soft corals, anemones and conspicuous macroalgae to genus level, where possible;

l Other benthos (including sponges, zoanthids, ascidians and bryozoans) to genus level, where possible.

For each transect, each taxon in the inventory will be ranked in terms of abundance in the community (Table 3.3). The taxon categories will be ranked in terms of relative abundance of individuals, rather than the contribution to benthic cover along each transect. The ranks are visual assessments of abundance, rather than quantitative counts of each taxon. Representative photos of organisms will be taken.

Table 3.3 Ordinal Ranks of Taxon Abundance

Rank	Relative Abundance
0	Absent
1	Sparse
2	Uncommon
3	Common
4	Abundant
5	Dominant

In order to distinguish the natural variation in health status of corals and the health variation due to coral translocation, a certain number of natural coral colonies (eg 10 colonies) of the same species as those translocated from the donor site within and adjacent to the receptor site will be randomly selected and tagged. Baseline information will be collected for these tagged coral colonies before translocation and the type of information collected will be the same as those collected for the coral colony during the baseline survey at the donor site. The baseline information collected will be used for the purpose of post-translocation monitoring.

Upon completion of the pre-translocation surveys, the requirement for translocation and the required dimensions of the receptor site will be identified If necessary, fine tuning / adjustment to the location of the preferred receptor site for successful translocation should be considered. Once the exact location of the receptor site is marked, GPS coordinates will be recorded.

The pre-translocation survey should be carried out by a qualified marine biologist(s) with specialist knowledge of corals and sound experience at identifying sessile benthic taxa in the field. The qualification of the specialists proposed for the dive survey will be provided to and approved by AFCD prior to the pre-translocation survey.

Results of the baseline surveys at the donar and receptor sites will be presented in the Detailed Translocation Report to be submitted after completion of the coral translocation exercise (see Section 6 below).

4 Coral translocation method

4.1 Coral Translocation Procedures

The following procedures will be performed during coral translocation to minimize stress and prevent damage to corals, as far as possible.

l Since the underwater visibility at the donor site is very low (<0.5m), relocating all tagged coral colonies after coral mapping is almost impossible. Therefore, coral translocation will be undertaken immediately after locating the movable coral colonies.

l All tagged movable boulder (with diameter <50 cm) supporting coral colony which is selected for translocation will be moved entirely as a whole object, lifted from the sea bottom and loaded to ship/boat with lifting bag.

l The coral colonies transferred onto the vessel will be fully submerged in seawater tanks of suitable size with continuous aeration onboard. Each seawater tank will hold no more than four boulders to avoid overcrowding.

l Ambient water quality parameters such as sea surface water temperature and dissolved oxygen will be measured once (with at least three replicates) at the coral donor site on the day of coral translocation. The seawater quality in the tanks will be checked every 10 minutes to ensure no fluctuation above 10% of ambient occurs to the seawater in which the coral colonies are submerged.

l Corals will be transported to the receptor site as soon as possible on the same day following the removal. The vessel will progress in a slow and steady speed (<5 knots) when approaching close to the receptor site.

l When arriving at the coral receptor site, SCUBA divers, under the supervision of marine biologist with relevant experience, will carefully place the boulders with coral colonies one by one to the seabed in order to minimize disturbance to the seabed and/or sediment. The coral colonies will be positioned to similar depths and orientations as their previous locations at the donor site as far as possible.

l Divers will tag translocated colonies at the receptor site with small plastic labels (e.g. with colony number) anchored or attached on nearby hard substratum using epoxy without touching the corals. All tags will be anchored in vicinity of the coral colonies at distances not so close to interfere with the potential growth. This would allow the revisit of the coral colonies during the post-translocation monitoring.

l Divers will record the size, location, health conditions (percentage of mortality and bleaching), percentage cover of sediment of each translocated coral colony after the completion of translocation works using the same methodologies adopted in the pre-translocation coral survey. Photographs of each translocated coral upon completion of translocation will be taken and used as a baseline for future monitoring.

4.2 Precautionary Measures of Coral Translocation

The following precautionary measures will be adopted during the coral translocation process:

l In the case where any tagged boulder with corals recorded during the pre-translocation survey no longer accommodates live coral growth, the boulder will not be moved. If additional boulders with coral that can be moved are discovered, these boulders will also be incorporated into the translocation works.

l Effort will be made to minimize the amount of contact by the diver and the length of time the boulders/rocks are handled. All the coral colonies attached on the boulders will be kept submerged at all times with a brief unavoidable exposure when transferred onto the vessel.

l The placement of boulders in tanks will ensure that the coral colonies are fully covered by seawater. Coral exposure to air should be avoided as far as possible during the translocation process from the donor site to the receptor site. Shading will also be provided by placing the seawater tanks under roof of the vessel to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

l Constant supervision of the boulders and the correct orientation of the boulders in the seawater holding tanks will be carried out to ensure coral colonies are not being stressed or damaged on the way to the receptor site.

l The coral translocation should be carried out by a qualified marine biologist(s) with specialist knowledge of corals and sound experience in coral identification and translocation works. The qualification of the specialists proposed for the dive survey shall be provided to and approved by AFCD prior to the coral translocation.

5 Post-translocation coral monitoring

5.1 Monitoring Methodology

After translocation is complete, an audit survey will be carried out to determine if all corals have been moved. The audit survey may be undertaken on the same day of completion of the coral translocations works or after that. Following the audit survey, the translocated coral colonies as well as the tagged natural coral colonies at the receptor site will be monitored once every three (3) months for a period of 12 months. The size, survival, health conditions (percentage of mortality / bleaching) and percentage cover of sediment of each translocated coral colony will be recorded during the monitoring, using the same methodology adopted during the pre-translocation survey. The general environmental conditions including weather, sea and tidal conditions of the coral receptor site will also be monitored. A sample of survey record form is provided in Appendix D.

Photographic records of the translocated and natural coral colonies will be taken as far as possible maintaining the same aspect and orientation as photographs taken for the pre-translocation surveys. All the tags for marking the translocated and natural coral colonies will be removed / retrieved once the monitoring programme is completed.

The results of the post-translocation monitoring should be reviewed with reference to findings of the pre-translocation survey and the data from original colonies at the receptor site.

If observations of any die-off / abnormal conditions of the translocated corals are made during the post-translocation monitoring, the ET should inform the Contractor, Independent Environmental Checker (IEC) / Environmental Project Office (ENPO), and AFCD, and liaise with AFCD to investigate any mitigation measures needed.

Post-translocation monitoring results will be evaluated against Action and Limit Levels. Evaluation will be based on recorded changes in percentage of partial mortality of the corals. Action and Limit Levels are defined in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Action and Limit Levels for Post-Translocation Coral Monitoring

Parameter	Action Level Definition	Limit Level Definition
Mortality	If during Impact Monitoring a 15% increase in the percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original corals at the receptor site, then the Action Level is exceeded.	If during Impact Monitoring a 25% increase in the percentage of partial mortality on the corals occurs at more than 20% of the translocated coral colonies that is not recorded on the original corals at the receptor site, then the Limit Level is exceeded.

If the defined Action Level or Limit Level for coral monitoring is exceeded, the actions as set out in Table 5.2 will be implemented.

Table 5.2 Event and Action Plan for Post-Translocation Monitoring

Event	Action
	ET Leader	IEC	SOR	Contractor
Action Level Exceedance	1. Check monitoring data 2. Inform the IEC, SOR and Contractor of the findings; 3. Increase the monitoring to at least once a month to confirm findings; 4. Propose mitigation measures for consideration	1. Discuss monitoring with the ET and the Contractor; 2. Review proposals for additional monitoring and any other measures submitted by the Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly.	1. Discuss with the IEC additional monitoring requirements and any other measures proposed by the ET; 2. Make agreement on the measures to be implemented.	1. Inform the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2. Discuss with the ET and the IEC and propose measures to the IEC and the SOR; 3. Implement the agreed measures.
Limit Level Exceedance	1. Undertake Steps 1-4 as in the Action Level Exceedance. If further exceedance of Limit Level, propose enhancement measures for consideration.	1. Discuss monitoring with the ET and the Contractor; 2. Review proposals for additional monitoring and any other measures submitted by the Contractor and advise the SOR accordingly.	1. Discuss with the IEC additional monitoring requirements and any other measures proposed by the ET; 2. Make agreement on the measures to be implemented.	1. Inform the SOR and confirm notification of the non-compliance in writing; 2. Discuss with the ET and the IEC and propose measures to the IEC and the SOR; 3. Implement the agreed measures.

6 Schedule and Reporting of Coral TransloCation

6.1 Tentative Schedule

Following approval of this Detailed Coral Translocation Methodology, the pre-translocation coral surveys will be undertaken at the receptor site of Yam Tsai Wan in October 2013. The receptor site survey will be followed by the pre-translocation survey and coral translocation at the donar site of Pillar Point which will be undertaken at the same time. Following completion of the coral translocation, an audit survey will be undertaken on the same day of completion of coral translocation or after that. It is expected that the pre-translocation coral surveys, coral translocation and audit survey will be completed by October 2013 and a tentative schedule is presented in Table 6.1 below.

Table 6.1 Tentative Schedule of Pre-Translocation Coral Surveys, Coral Translocation Works and Audit Survey

Day	Task
Day 1	Pre-translocation survey at the receptor site Yam Tsai Wan.
Day 2	Coral mapping at Pillar Point; Coral translocation from Pillar Point to Yam Tsai Wan.
Day 3	Coral mapping at Pillar Point; Coral translocation from Pillar Point to Yam Tsai Wan.
Day 4	Coral mapping at Pillar Point; Coral translocation from Pillar Point to Yam Tsai Wan.
Day 5	Coral mapping at Pillar Point; Coral translocation from Pillar Point to Yam Tsai Wan.
Day 6	Coral mapping at Pillar Point; Coral translocation from Pillar Point to Yam Tsai Wan.
Day 7	Audit survey to confirm that all target coral colonies for translocation have been removed from Pillar Point

The tentative schedule of the quarterly post-translocation monitoring is provided in Table 6.2 below.

Table 6.2 Schedule of Quarterly Post-Translocation Monitoring

Post-Translocation Monitoring Survey	Timing
1^st Quarterly Monitoring	3 months after the translocation works
2^nd Quarterly Monitoring	6 months after the translocation works
3^rd Quarterly Monitoring	9 months after the translocation works
4^th Quarterly Monitoring	12 months after the translocation works

6.2 Reporting

A Detailed Translocation Report will be submitted to EPD and AFCD upon the completion of the translocation works. The locations, conditions and photographic records of the translocated corals and the conditions of the receptor site will be detailed in the report. This report will be submitted within two weeks from completion of the coral translocation works which is anticipated to be in late October 2013.

A Post-Translocation Monitoring Report will be submitted to EPD and AFCD two weeks after completion of each quarterly survey. The results of the post-translocation monitoring surveys should be reviewed with reference to the pre-translocation survey results and findings.

7 Reference

Highways Department, 2009. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road - EIA Report. Prepared by Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited for Highways Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Highways Department, 2009. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road - EM&A Manual. Prepared by Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited for Highways Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Highways Department, 2009. Tuen Mun ¡V Chek Lap Kok Link ¡V Investigation ¡V EIA Report. Prepared by AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. for Highways Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Highways Department, 2013. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities ¡V Third Post-Translocation Monitoring Report. Prepared by BMT Asia Pacific Limited for Highways Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Highways Department, 2013. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road Section between Scenic Hill and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities ¡V Forth Post-Translocation Monitoring Report. Prepared by BMT Asia Pacific Limited,for Highways Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

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([1]) Akins North America, Inc. (2011) Amendment No 1 to the Professional Services between the City of Miami Beach, Floria and Akins North America, Inc.