This article defines scoping and highlights the importance of scoping in Fisheries Environmental Impact Assessment (FEIA). It also outlines the major activities involved in scoping and helps to identify different techniques used in the scoping process.
Definition of Scoping in Fisheries Environmental Impact Assessment
Scoping is also known as the early planning phase of an EIA. It determines the environmental impacts of the proposed project, brings into consideration alternative means of carrying out the project, including technical and technological alternatives, identifies the potential effects on the sustainability of resources in the project area, and clarifies the mitigation measures that will be analyzed in the EIA process.
Scoping should specify the project and its alternatives in sufficient detail to identify potential direct and indirect impacts, including cumulative effects. Furthermore, scoping should set realistic temporal, spatial, and jurisdictional boundaries for the assessment and specify key environmental criteria to be addressed and methods to be used in the assessment.
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Importance of Scoping in Fisheries Environmental Impact Assessment
1. It enables integrated project planning: It helps incorporate environmental concerns from the beginning of the project.
2. It helps to identify key issues: Identifying environmental concerns early in the project planning stage minimizes requests for further information later in the EIA process.
3. Efficient study focus: Scoping confines the study to essential environmental parameters, allowing judicious allocation of time and money for assessing relevant environmental issues.
4. Reduces the possibility of a deficient EIA: Ensures all critical factors are considered.
5. Identifies key issues: Key issues to be addressed in the EIA process are highlighted; additional project options may be identified.
6. Legal requirement: Scoping is often a mandatory part of the EIA process.
7. Identifies mitigation measures: Potential mitigation measures are identified early, and it may assist in the screening process.
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Steps in the Scoping Process for Fisheries Environmental Impact Assessment
The steps involved in the scoping process include:
1. Identify the activities of the proposed project and the location: Determine the scope of activities and the specific location where they will take place.
2. Identify key environmental issues of concern: Highlight environmental concerns that are likely to be triggered by the project.
3. Identify available information sources: Gather information from secondary sources that may be relevant to the project.
4. Identify baseline data requirements: If secondary data is insufficient, initiate a detailed primary data collection program.
5. Compile information on the environmental setting at the site: Collect environmental information specific to the project location.
6. Consider scenarios for impact analysis: Analyze different scenarios for potential environmental impacts.
7. Prepare the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the EIA study: Develop the ToR that will guide the overall EIA process.
This article has explained scoping in Fisheries Environmental Impact Assessment, highlighting its importance and the steps involved in the process. Understanding scoping ensures the effective identification of environmental impacts and mitigation measures in any fisheries-related project.
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