Saltmarsh, and Coral Reef Habitats 

Overview

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Building on the established corridor from Project 1, this analysis evaluates how sensitive coastal habitats—specifically coral reefs and saltmarshes—intersect with the proposed subsea cable route between St. George’s, Bermuda and Baccaro Point, Nova Scotia.

The focus is on the spatial proximity of critical habitats near the cable landing zones, which represent ecologically sensitive areas and potential permitting or engineering constraints.

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Results

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Habitat Distribution Patterns

• Bermuda Landing Zone (KP0000–KP0013):
  A continuous coral reef system surrounds the Bermuda BMH and overlaps with the corridor starting at approximately KP0013 and extending to the landing point (KP0000). This represents a high-sensitivity zone due to coral proximity and habitat density.

• Nova Scotia Landing Zone (KP1236):
  A saltmarsh habitat lies less than 1 km northeast of KP1236, indicating a nearshore ecological feature that may influence construction access, permitting considerations, or routing refinements.

• Mid-Corridor (KP0015–KP1230):
  No significant vegetated or reef habitats were identified along offshore segments. This indicates low ecological interaction along the mid-ocean portion of the route.

Habitat Sensitivity & Risk Characterization

• Coral Reef (Bermuda): High ecological sensitivity due to direct spatial overlap with the landing zone. Coral habitats are typically subject to strict environmental protections and require careful engineering design to minimize disturbance.

• Saltmarsh (Nova Scotia): Moderate sensitivity. Although not directly intersecting the corridor, its close proximity may require site-specific mitigation measures during construction or landing operations.

• Mid-Corridor: Low sensitivity. No habitats identified within the buffer.

Hotspot Intensity

• A single high-intensity ecological hotspot is located at the Bermuda landing zone, overlapping the BMH and the preliminary cable alignment.

• A secondary low-intensity zone is located near Nova Scotia, triggered by the adjacent saltmarsh habitat.

• Offshore segments show no hotspot activity, confirming minimal habitat conflict along mid-route.

 

Recommendations

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• Bermuda BMH: Conduct detailed ecological and benthic surveys (e.g., diver or ROV-based) to refine landing alignment and minimize coral disturbance. Consider micro-siting or shifting landing slightly to reduce overlap.

• Nova Scotia Approach: Evaluate construction methods (e.g., HDD or trenching alternatives) to reduce potential impact to nearby saltmarsh areas.

• Offshore Corridor: Maintain current alignment as no additional vegetation constraints are present.

• Regulatory Coordination: Engage early with environmental agencies and marine habitat regulators to address permitting and mitigation requirements for reef and saltmarsh proximity.

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Conclusion

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This habitat overlay assessment highlights a critical sensitivity zone near Bermuda’s coral reef system and a moderate sensitivity area near Nova Scotia’s saltmarsh habitat, emphasizing the importance of early ecological screening in subsea cable planning.

Proactive route refinement, targeted site investigations, and early regulatory engagement can help minimize environmental conflict, streamline permitting, and ensure the engineering viability of the proposed cable system.