Turbidity effects on coral reefs as a result of mine construction and operation, Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea

In November 1995, 10 sites within the 'reef crest' habitat of the fringing reefs of Lihir Island, Masahet Island and Mali Island were surveyed to collect data on percent hard coral cover and the ratio of live to dead standing corals. Previously, modelling based on sediment dispersal in the marine environment and on assumed responses of coral reef biota were used to predict zones of "severe", "transitional" and "minor" impact due to mining activities. Survey sites were distributed across these zones.In addition general observations were made on the size/age and species composition of corals observed. However, a detailed species inventory was not made. In this component of the project, surveys were undertaken to assess the accuracy of model predictions relating to the location and severity of impacts due to mining activities on the fringing reefs of Lihir Island. The overall brief for this project was to provide an expert opinion concerning "the potential effect of elevated turbidity in the water column and increased sedimentation rate on the fringing coral reefs and, in particular, its severity, the spatial and temporal extent of the effect, including recovery both during and after mining."