Marine Biology and Ecology

We are able to conduct biological and ecological assessments in a wide range of marine environments. We strive to design the best possible sampling program for the required ecological information, interpret the results, provide clear reports and offer realistic management solutions. We have a comprehensive understanding of current issues and an up-to-date knowledge of the scientific literature, from the connectivity within and between marine habitats, to issues of governance and climate change. The measures offered to assess marine environments include:

Economically Viable Design of Baseline Studies

Within the context of both Environmental Impact Assessments and more general ecological investigations, well designed and executed baseline studies are crucial for establishing the background state of an environment. Knowledge of this background state, including its natural variability, provides a measure against which changes can be detected. This includes the selection of adequate control or reference sites, unaffected from an intended human activity. A well-designed baseline study will allow the detection of changes in the ecosystem, the setting of acceptable limits or trigger points, and a clear indication of the causes.

Planning and Organisation of Marine Expeditions

Marine ecology expeditions have a specific set of requirements regarding equipment, personnel and timeframes. Our team brings to marine expedition planning a skills set that combines experience with innovative ideas and high scientific standards. We have planned and successfully carried out expeditions of varying lengths, both to easily accessible and very remote locations. A good knowledge of multiple languages means that international expeditions can also be organised in-house.

Collection and Interpretation of Marine Data

An in-depth understanding of marine ecosystems allows us to realistically interpret data (including ecological, physical and chemical data) from a wide range of marine habitats. We are able to effectively translate numerical data into easy-to-understand descriptions of patterns and processes that shape and maintain ecosystems and their health.

Statistical Analysis and Reporting

We are skilled in carrying out statistical analysis of environmental and ecological data, to the standard seen in current peer-reviewed scientific publications. We are literate in a number of statistical packages and readily transfer our knowledge and understanding of the appropriate computer language to new software packages.

Analysis skills range from basic summary statistics, through standard parametric and non-parametric hypothesis testing (e.g. t-test, ANOVA, etc), to multivariate testing and ordinations (MANOVA, PCA, CCA, MDS, SIMPER, CART, etc). Together with our analysis and interpretation skills, we are accomplished in presenting results from our studies in written or oral form. We can produce quality written work aimed at diverse audiences, from the general public to scientists and managers.

Recommendations for Management, Conservation and long-term strategic planning

Experience and study of the management and conservation of marine areas has given us a good understanding of feasible and effective measures that can be taken to protect marine ecosystems. We can offer realistic advice on the mitigation of human impacts, the placements of marine protected areas and the long-term research needs that can fit into management plans. We make it a priority to consult closely with clients throughout the duration of each project, to guarantee satisfying outcomes and effective solutions.

Oceanographic, Marine Science and Ecology Projects

Projects undertaken by OEMG staff include

Tuvalu Marine Life Project
This was a reef fish biodiversity survey requiring underwater species identification expertise, and contributed to the assessment of Marine Protected Areas as a measure of adaptation to climate change. The project required advanced field skills in a remote location, logistical planning, statistical sampling design and analysis, reporting and communication.

Area 19 Environmental Baseline Survey
This job was an environmental survey of Area 19 off Libya. The job involved water profiling, water sampling and sediment sampling for sediment chemistry and benthic infauna in water depths of 900m to 1200m.

Barzan Phase 3 Environmental Baseline Survey
This was the third and final environmental survey for this stage of the Barzan field development in Qatar. Plankton sampling, grab sampling, water sampling and physicochemical sampling were all undertaken as part of the job.

Barzan Phase 2 Environmental Baseline Survey
This project was the environmental studies for the second phase of the Barzan field development in Qatar. Plankton sampling, grab sampling, water sampling, physicochemical sampling and video transects utilising a working class ROV were all undertaken as part of the job.

South Pars Phase II (Iran) for Total Fina Elf
This was a site survey and pre-lay survey for this phase of the South Pars field development. This job included collecting over 1000km of Multibeam, Boomer and Pinger, Side Scan and Maggy Data with both near shore and off shore operations. An environmental Team also collected over 150 environmental samples and some 50 drop (piston) cores.

Long Term Environmental Monitoring of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA)
This project is a large multi year assessment of the post construction impact of the NDIA. Project elements include Marine benthic habitat assessments, sediment traps and deposition assessments, ground water assessment, Air and noise modelling and geomorphological assessment of marine sediment transport.

Barzan Environmental Impact Assessment
This job involved providing technical assistance and leadership to the URS team undertaking the work offshore Doha. The job required the collection of Physicochemical and water samples from the water column at prescribed depths, collecting sediment samples using a Day grab and Plankton sampling.

Ras az Zawr Industrial City Environmental Values Study
This job involved the mobilisation of 8 scientists and an off shore vessel carrying two dive tenders to Saudi Arabia. Some 244 permanent transects were installed in addition to one month of turbidity and temperature data being collected from autonomous sensors.

Site inspection for a Rig Move for Wintershall and Anadarko (Qatar)
This project involved two 1km by 1km geophysical and environmental site surveys for a rig placement. The job included collecting Multibeam, Boomer and Pinger, Side Scan and Maggy Data as well as underwater video and stills and grab samples for the environmental assay. A 30m Marine Bore Hole was drilled on each site. The Survey was conducted from the vessel MV Zaker Fugro and the drilling from the vessel MV Zaker Star.

Djibouti Environmental Impact Assessment
An environmental impact assessment was carried out to assess the likely environmental impacts on the marine habitat, specifically corals, adjacent to the proposed construction during the development and operational phases of the container terminal. The job involved conducting line intercept transects to provide percentage cover assessments of seagrass, algae and corals as well as collecting water quality data. Key assessment areas included light attenuation, deposition of sediments and susceptibility of corals to bleaching.

Festival City EIS (Dubai)
This survey required the deployment of autonomous and direct reading current meters, a tide gauge and water quality analysers as well as seabed sampling for benthic and geochemical analysis. The benthic sampling included both macro and micro fauna. Geochemical sampling was for heavy metals in the sub 63 micron fraction of the sediment. Responsibilities included Client Liaison, Project design and management, training of staff, sampling, sample preparation, data management, managing consultants and reporting.

Dubai Municipality Sand Borrow and EIS
This project required environmental sampling, geophysical survey, vibrocoring, data management, interpretation and reporting. Responsibilities included managing the vibrocoring, data management, mapping and reporting as well consulting for the environmental team.

Palm (Jumeirah) Island EIS
This project was a baseline study of the seabed conditions of the Palm Island development area, which included bathymetric surveying, benthic sampling and the deployment of two current meters. Responsibilities included sediment and benthic sampling, sample preparation, data review and reporting.

Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research
This project required detailed oceanographic studies to enable the modelling of the coastline for the construction of a new power and desalination plant. Included the use of ADCP units, impellor based current meters, tide gauges, water quality meters, directional wave meters, weather stations, RTK GPS and a single beam echo sounder. Responsibilities included conducting the bathymetric and water quality surveys, instrument deployment, seabed sampling, data management and collation using GIS, client relations, budget tracking and reporting.