Providing knowledge of the marine environment
Ecology
We specialise in the collection, interpretation and dissemination of marine ecological information for impact assessment and consent compliance purposes and to assist decision making processes.
Our studies focus on the characterisation of biological communities, their distribution and importance and are carefully designed within the appropriate legislative frameworks and in full consultation with regulators and stakeholders.
We offer a comprehensive survey capability including diving, underwater video, remote seabed sampling and ecological resource mapping both within the UK and overseas and advise on survey strategies and planning. Read about our Services
Our marine ecological team offers extensive project management skills including macrobenthic, sediment and bacteriological laboratories.
We have a wealth of experience including
- well established working knowledge of a variety of ecological field methods
- survey method development
- in-situ species and biotope identification
- statistical data analysis
- biotope classification and review
- GIS and report presentation
- handling complex field studies in UK waters
- GIS based mapping
- large scale biotope mapping exercises
Our survey teams use in-house equipment enabling us to respond quickly to urgent demands and provide a comprehensive, flexible, cost effective and efficient service. The team has undertaken in excess of 750 studies since its inception and provides services to a large number of national and international clients.
We adhere to strict Health and Safety and Quality Assurance procedures.
Our services are used for:
- Aggregate extraction licence applications
- Assessment of fish habitat and prey interactions
- Baseline conservation assessment
- Baseline ecological studies
- Baseline fisheries studies
- Baseline survey and assessment
- Coastal recovery monitoring
- Coastal zone management studies
- Conservation assessments
- Conservation assessments and habitat mapping
- Ecological sensitivity assessments
- Environmental impact assessments
- Fisheries management
- Fouling studies
- Ground-truthing of side-scan sonar and bathymetry surveys
- Habitat and Biotope mapping
- Habitat mapping
- Habitat sensitivity assessment
- Impact modelling studies
- Legislative monitoring requirements
- Marine Aggregate Extraction Licensing
- Planning applications
- Seabed recovery monitoring
- sonar survey data
- Supporting Information for EIAs in the marine environment
- Expert Witness