All the survey sub-sites of the outlying islands, including North Ninepin Island, Basalt Island and Bluff Island, were considered as of high conservation interest and an ecological value of high* was assigned (Table 7.1o). These rocky shores were found to be extensive and supported comparatively higher species diversity and abundance than other rocky shores in Hong Kong. Disturbance to these habitats due to human activities was not observed because of their remoteness to urban areas. These rocky coasts are also of geological interest and received SSSI designation in 1979. The other non-value adjusted sites were also found to be composed of natural rocky shores and support assemblages typical to other rocky shores in Hong Kong (see Table G15 of Annex G for details).

Table 7.1o Rationale for Ecological Value Adjustment of Rocky Shore Habitats based on Field Surveys
Site No.	Site Name	Sub-site	Ecological Value After Field Assessment	Rationale for Ecological Value Re-adjustment
133	North Ninepin Island	a	High*	Extensive natural coastline with comparatively high species diversity and abundance. Habitat subjected to no human disturbance and of geological interest.
		b	High*	As above
134	Basalt Island & Bluff Island	a	High*	As above
		b	High*	As above
		c	High*	As above