The seagrass bed at Sham Sha Po (Site 87) was found to be patchy and composed of Halophila beccarii only. Zostera japonica was the dominant seagrass species recorded on the mudflats at So Lo Pun (Site 88a) and Sham A Chung (Site 88b). These seagrass beds, though small in size, were found to be growing in good conditions. These habitats are remote and free from human disturbance (see Table G8 of Annex G for details). Ecological value of the identified seagrass beds was considered high and no adjustment of value was required.

Most of the surveyed intertidal mudflat were quite sandy and some of the sites were covered by cobbles. Only three surveyed intertidal mudflats, ie Lau Fau Shan, Ha Pak Nai and Tai Ho Wan, were silty in nature.

Odorous and black-coloured waters were observed in some of the surveyed intertidal mudflats (eg Ho Chung). In such disturbed habitats, a comparatively lower species diversity and richness were generally recorded and ecological value was thus downgraded (Table 7.1j). Urban development appears to have adversely impacted some intertidal mudflats, particularly at Tung Chung where the habitat area has decreased and habitat quality in nearby areas has been affected. Despite this, extensive mudflats were recorded in Deep Bay (Site 89) and Tung Chung (Site 94b) (see Table G9 of Annex G for details).