Reef Morphology And Marine Life Assessment For The Proposed Monloklap Weto Seawall Project: Dtown, Uliga, Majuro Atoll

This report presents the findings and recommendations from a marine survey carried out on July 6, 2015 at the Monloklap Weto in DTown, Uliga, Majuro Atoll. Its purpose is to assess marine biodiversity on the ocean side adjacent to the site, and to inform environmental management for the proposed seawall project. The proponent for the project is Tabwi Nashon, a local resident. The report findings are intended as documentation to support donor funding for the construction. The report does not constitute a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA). The results of marine life assessments are usually combined with a PEA to determine whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary, or if work can proceed based on the recommendations made. However, the RMI Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has already approved the proposed works. The recommendations may therefore be incorporated as necessary into the proponent’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and approved by the RMI EPA. The outer seawall works would entail a seawall foundation 65ft. from the high tide mark that is 3ft. high and 4ft. wide, with an overlying 12ft. seawall being narrower at 2ft. wide. The basin defined by the adjacent and outer seawalls is to be reclaimed with rock and gravel. It is expected that the 4ft. wide seawall foundation will require a 4-6ft. wide dredged trench that is up to 3ft. deep. Grant no. NA14OAR4170071