Vessels

Marine Solutions has four vessels to cater for a wide variety of project types and working conditions. All vessels are in commercial survey.

The Abyss is a 14.0 m Cumberland power catamaran capable of undertaking projects throughout Tasmania and interstate. The Abyss is an ideal liveaboard vessel and has capacity for extended field trips with comfortable living quarters for clients and crew.

The Abyss is cable of mapping bathymetry and habitats and is suitable as a base for research diving. It has a draft of 0.6 m and has a small tender.

We have a purpose built planing hull 6.0 m aluminium research vessel The Second  Solution, fitted with bathymetric and habitat mapping equipment, and with dive entry and exit fixtures for research divers. In addition, the vessel is fitted with computer logging equipment and towed video with recording capability. Furthermore it has powered lifting davits and sieving attachments for lifting and maneuvering heavy sampling equipment, a tender vessel and two sit-on-top kayaks.

Our outboard powered The Small Solution small rigid hull inflatable boat is suitable for near-shore rivers, lakes and sheltered shallow waters.

The Environmental Solution is a 6.0 m Hobson trihull with twin 90 horsepower engines. It has powered lifting davits and sieving attachments for lifting and maneuvering heavy sampling equipment, and is capable of accommodating our vessel-mounted ADCP set-up.  It is equipped with sounder and GPS for bathymetric mapping.  With a dive ladder and a very stable work platform, The Environmental Solution is a suitable platform for conducting dive work. It is primarily based in Macquarie Harbour for increased capacity in the west/north west region.

Aquaculture

Our team is experienced in service provision to the aquaculture industry. We excel in aquaculture baseline surveys, zone assessments and impact assessments, as well as providing guidance to industry through regulatory frameworks, approvals processes, and relevant legislation. Commonly utilized techniques to inform aquaculture practices include hydrodynamic modelling, sediments and infauna characterization, depositional modelling and bathymetric mapping. We have been involved in assessments for numerous species, primarily Atlantic salmon, barramundi, oysters, mussels, abalone, urchins and macroalgae. Clients have included Tassal, Huon Aquaculture, Petuna, Get Shucked Oysters, Samec, Spring Bay Seafoods, the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI), Tas Tiger Abalone, Tasmanian Shellfish Market Access Program (ShellMAP) and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Selected Past Projects

  • Multiple zone assessments for Atlantic Salmon aquaculture throughout Tasmania
  • Depositional modelling (DEPOMOD) for multiple Atlantic Salmon aquaculture operations
  • Broadscale Environmental Monitoring Program (BEMP) for finfish aquaculture in Tasmania
  • Environmental impact assessment of aquaculture on wild fisheries.
  • Biosecurity risk management plans for sea-farming of abalone in Tasmania and for a Tasmanian abalone processing facility.

Recent Awards

** Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council Small Business Enterprise Award – 2017 **

** National Seafood Industry Small Business Award – 2017 **

** Tasmanian Government Employer of Choice Award – 2018 **

** National Aquaculture Council: Blue Thumb Awards – Excellence in Aquaculture Service Provision – 2014 **

 

Testimonial

Over the past three years Marine Solutions have played an integral role in the expansion of the Petuna sea cage aquaculture operation. Sam and his team have conducted site scoping, baseline surveys for new marine farming sites and zone assessments for new lease sites. The range of skills and techniques that they have employed has been extensive and include current profiling, particle deposition modelling, sediment and water quality monitoring, and benthic surveys to mention a few. Marine Solutions has consistently delivered high-quality products which meet and exceed our expectations. Their feedback and guidance has been prompt and has informed our decision making, adding value to our environmental management plan.

Marine Solutions contributes significantly to the broader seafood industry, offering a professional and collaborative approach to marine ecosystem management and industry development. – Di Maynard, Petuna, 2017.

Testimonial

Marine Solutions has been fundamental in monitoring water quality for the Tasmanian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (TASQAP) for over six years. This work is dictated by rainfall events and is therefore sporadic and hard to plan for. It requires that the field personnel mobilise quickly, often within a day or less. Marine Solutions is consistently reliable, generating information critical to the production Tasmanian shellfish which is safe for consumption. Sam and his staff are personable, professional and have maintained integrity throughout our working relationship – Kate Wilson, TASQAP, 2017

 

 

Plume dynamics investigations using dye tracers (TasWater)

Using rhodamine fluorescent dye powder, we have traced and measured effluent movement and dilution from marine, estuarine and riverine outfalls.  Subsequent recommendations have been made regarding the placement of monitoring stations.

Bridport Wharf Seabed Deepening (MAST)

Conducted a detailed environmental risk assessment and devised a dredge management plan (DMP) for the removal of sediment from the seabed around the wharf at Bridport in northern Tasmania.

Effluent outfall investigations (TasWater)

Conducted investigations into effluent outfall and receiving environments across all regions of Tasmania for TasWater. This has involved client liaison, bathymetry, video and still photography, water profiling and quality and reporting. We have also been closely involved in development of these monitoring programs.

Battery Point Proposed Boardwalk (SKM/Hobart City Council)

Conducted a detailed marine ecological values assessment and environmental impact assessment of the proposed coastal boardwalk development at Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania. This included habitat characterisation, bathymetric mapping, an EPBC assessment, water and sediment quality testing and documentation of relevant impact mitigation strategies.

Abalone Biotoxin Management Plan (TSQAP/SARDI)

Desktop development of an outcome-based biotoxin management plan for the commercial abalone industry in south-east Tasmania. Working in consultation with TSQAP, SARDI, DPIPWE and industry, we utilised existing datasets to clarify the risk of biotoxin accumulation in abalone, its impact on the live export industry, and traceability protocols of live product.

Sediment Monitoring Program (Tassal)

Marine Solutions is in an ongoing engagement with Tassal to conduct sediment collections in and around their salmon aquaculture leases, to determine the impacts of salmon farming on the surrounding environment.

Outfall baseline surveys (Worley Parsons)

Conducted baseline surveys at two outfalls in NSW, and produced bathymetric and habitat maps, along with georectified imagery and video surveys. We also completed mapping and bathymetry for the Point Sampson redevelopment.

Domgas pipeline route (DOF Subsea)

Conducted baseline surveys of the proposed Domgas pipeline route, Barrow Island, paying particular focus to seagrasses, non-coral benthic invertebrates and corals.

Award-Winning Service Provision

Marine Solutions was the recipient of the prestigious Service Provider Award at the 2014 World Aquaculture Conference for “demonstrated innovation; excellence in product/service delivery; customer service; as well as consistent business growth through sustainable practices that is considered will have an impact and contribute to Australasian Aquaculture”.

Testimonial

I have personally been working with Marine Solutions for the past 5 years, however, Tassal has a much longer history of working with their organization.  Although I have a well-developed, internal environmental team, Marine Solutions are my go to consultants for any specialized or industry marine consulting needs.  Their expertise, professionalism and collaborative approach, matched with their commercial sensibility make them a trusted and valued service provider for Tassal.

Tassal places a high value on corporate social responsibility and ethically run companies.  Marine Solutions is a responsible and reputable Tasmanian company whose values align with Tassal’s.  Tassal also values Tasmania’s communities and is pleased to support a Tasmanian company which has brought and continues to bring capacity and  economic benefits to the State.

– Linda Sams, Head of Sustainability, Tassal

Marine and Safety Tasmania

MAST has contracted Marine Solutions on several projects to gather data to assess environmental impacts of planned boat ramp, pontoon and jetty developments. Tasks undertaken have included intertidal and subtidal surveys, underwater video surveys, threatened and introduced species surveys, and provision of succinct reports that are an important part of subsequent development applications for planned works. The staff are also experienced mariners so they understand the use of our facilities and as a result can tailor surveys to identify specific risks.  If you require expert advice in this area I can highly recommend Marine Solutions.

– Justin Foster, MAST

Other Sampling Equipment

Marine Solutions also own and operates a range of sampling equipment typically used in marine environmental assessments.  Examples of our extensive range of scientific/sampling equipment include;

  • A 10m Integrated tube sampler
  • Van Veen Grab sampler
  • Craib core sampler
  • Quad core sampler
  • Niskin grab sampler
  • A plankton net for towed or vertical profiles
  • A consumable store with eskis, polyboxes, soak pads etc.
  • Field eskis and refrigeration
  • Dissection capacity (and a new laboratory; built in 2014)
  • Sample fridges and freezers
  • Preservatives (Lugols solution, formalin, ethanol etc.)

Our team are all experienced and qualified field operators, and have experience in sample handling and preservation, as well as suitable packing techniques for samples. Additionally, we have significant experience with freight companies and likely challenges to transporting samples in a tight timeframe, and we have developed systems which allow rapid transit of samples to other capital cities while maintaining sample integrity.

Laura Smith

Laura joined Marine Solutions in 2011 while completing a Master’s degree at the University of Tasmania. As Project Manager with Marine Solutions, Laura manages a diverse portfolio of projects, with broad experience in a variety of private enterprise, not-for-profit, academic and government projects throughout Tasmania and interstate. Laura oversees projects from procurement to final reporting, including budgeting, personnel, field work and data management/analysis. Laura specialises in marine environmental impact assessment, with a particular interest in protected species/communities. She has a strong working knowledge of marine species identification including fish and benthic fauna. With previous experience in protected area management, Laura has managed environmental assessments and approvals under state and federal legislation, including major projects within the infrastructure, tourism, waste and urban development sectors, as well as not-for-profit, academic and government projects. Laura is a confident and capable ADAS-qualified Part 1 Scientific Diver and Coxswain (unrestricted).

Dr Carryn Manicom

Carryn joined the Marine Solutions team as a Project Officer early in 2018, using her skills in environmental data collection, analysis and management, and reporting. Carryn has a PhD in Ecology, and over 15 years experience in field-based research and ecological monitoring of marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial systems in Tasmania, Queensland and South Africa. Her PhD focused on food web ecology and the impact of the loss of top predators from ecosystems, and her expertise lies in assessing connectivity among species and communities within ecosystems and in science communication: peer-reviewed publications, community engagement and undergraduate teaching. Carryn is a keen sailor and qualified advanced open water diver.

David Watson

Dave joined the Marine Solutions team after working in the marine industry for 25 years as master of vessels in eco-tourism around the Great Barrier Reef, Aquaculture, International yacht deliveries, and Offshore Oil/Gas.

Projects have included commercial diving, and Environmental surveys using a variety of survey equipment. This experience has developed a strong understanding of what is required to work with a range of stakeholders to develop successful outcomes for projects and the importance of work being carried out adhering to strict Quality and Environmental Management systems, meeting objectives incident and injury free.

Dr Matthew Cameron

Matt has over 10 years experience in marine and coastal ecological research and consultancy with a specific background and interests in marine spatial planning effects, quantitative community ecology, species-habitat modelling and trophic interactions of temperate marine fish. Matt fulfills a Project Officer role at Marine Solutions, carrying out field work, data management and analysis and report production across all areas of our business. Matt possesses strong practical field capabilities and experience; he is a qualified ADAS Occupational Scientific Diver (Part 6) and AMSA Coxswain (Grade 1) with extensive experience operating, working aboard and coordinating diving operations from small coastal research vessels and extensive coastal and offshore skipper experience. He possesses extensive experience carrying out fish and benthic community sampling, plankton and water quality sampling, baited underwater video and underwater visual survey techniques. Matt has worked in various environmental consultancies in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and has been involved in research investigating species-habitat interactions of marine fish and environmental feedback systems of kelp-reef habitats.

Joanna Smart

Joanna joined the Marine Solutions team in early 2018. Joanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine and Antarctic Science with first class Honours from the University of Tasmania and a Master’s in Quantitative Biology from the University of Queensland. Joanna has a Coxswain grade 1 (unrestricted) and is an ADAS Part 1 occupational diver and open water scuba instructor with more than 1,000 hours working underwater. Joanna has been working in marine research and consulting for over 8 years and her experience spans across both local and international projects, with experience in Australia, the South Pacific, Europe and North America. Joanna’s experience includes a variety of sectors including aquaculture, temperate and tropical reef ecology, environmental monitoring, and impact assessment. Joanna is involved in projects at Marine Solutions from project development and research through to field work, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

Dr Tim Alexander

Tim holds a PhD in marine ecology from the University of Tasmania and has over 20 years’ experience working in marine and freshwater environments. Tim has been involved in monitoring programs in intertidal shores, rocky reef, estuarine, river and lake ecosystems. He has extensive experience in marine sediment sampling and analysis, as well as the use of video to collect habitat and behavioural data, including with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), airborne drones and baited remote underwater video (BRUVs). Tim holds a Coxswain boat license and dive controller certificate with over 250 hours working underwater.

Anna James

Anna has a Masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine and joined Marine Solutions as logistic manager in 2017. She manages logistics for multiple large state-wide projects including ordering, labelling, packing and shipping equipment. She works closely with various stakeholders and maintains strong partnerships with laboratory personnel, field operation and site managers and her colleagues. Since commencing at Marine Solutions, Anna has been instrumental in the upgrading of essential logistical processes and systems and in redesigning office, laboratory and storage space for improved efficiency.

Isobel Thomas

Isobel has a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from the University of Tasmania, holds a Coxswain (restricted) ticket and has completed ADAS Part 1 Scientific Diver training. Isobel has worked extensively in coastal Tasmanian environments in the commercial fishing industry and adventure tourism, and also has over 5 years’ experience in marine research and environmental consulting. Isobel has experience as a consultant in the offshore Oil and Gas industry both as a marine fauna observer and in environmental monitoring using a variety of equipment and techniques to achieve successful outcomes whilst adhering to strict quality and environmental management protocols. Isobel joined the Marine Solutions team in September 2018, and has added valuable experience in environmental quality monitoring, data collection and analysis, sediment assessments and bathymetric seabed mapping around Tasmania.

Dr Coco Cullen-Knox

Coco is an Environmental Sociologist with over ten years of experience in research, consulting, government, and non-government sectors. She is uniquely skilled and qualified in both the social and environmental sciences. Her proficiency lies in qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting, environmental and social impact assessments and management plans, stakeholder analysis and engagement, knowledge brokering and extension, and various aspects of natural resource governance.

Coco has worked with a wide range of clients spanning local to global scales and across various topic areas, ranging from the seafood industry, offshore oil and gas, marine protected areas and climate change. Her outputs have been integral in guiding policy development, research direction, and fostering public and stakeholder engagement and consultation. Coco holds a Bachelor in Integrated Resource Management, Honours in Marine Governance, PhD in Environmental Communication, IAP2 Stakeholder Engagement, Certificate in Project Management, Coxswains Grade 2 NC certificate, and Scientific Diver.

Evie Callander

Evie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from the University of Western Australia, is a qualified Recreational Dive Instructor and Coxswains (unrestricted). She has over five years experience working in both the aquaculture and eco-tourism industries in Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania and two years experience in environmental consulting in Tasmania. Her consulting experience extends to the offshore Oil and Gas industry where she worked as part of a project team coordinating environmental surveys for the decommissioning of oil and gas rigs in the Bass Strait.

Evie joined the Marine Solutions team in May 2021 as a Project Officer, and has added value to the team in both field operations and office logistics with skills in environmental data collection, data analysis and management, and reporting.

Isabella Declerck

Isabella joined the Marine Solutions team in 2019. Since then Isabella has had a vast amount of field experience in environmental quality monitoring, data collection and sediment assessment around Tasmania. Isabella holds a Coxswains (restricted) and deckhand. She also has immense experience in motorboats and dinghies because of her sailing and coaching background.

Claire Butler

Claire completed an Honours degree in Marine Science at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies in Hobart. Her background is in seaweed ecology, collation and analysis of spatial data and statistical modeling. She now has over 5 years experience working in marine research and industry and has experience in project management, environmental impact assessments and threatened and protected species surveying. She is also a qualified ADAS scientific diver and holds a Coxswains NC certificate.  

Guy Williams

Guy enthusiastically joined the Marine Solutions team in November 2022. Originally from Sydney, he completed a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering and Graduate Diploma in Object-Oriented Programming (C/C++) while working in the fledgling internet industry. A growing passion for the outdoors (the colder and whiter the better) led Guy to switch gears in 1998 and move to Tasmania to complete Honours in Heard Island glaciology and then a PhD in polar oceanography. After initially working as mixed-layer biological oceanographer, Guy moved to Sapporo, Japan and then Paris, France to focus on his passion for cold, salty bottom water production in Antarctic coastal polynyas. He then returned to Tasmania in 2011 and was an ARC Future Fellow specialising in autonomous underwater vehicles and drones for polar research from 2014-2019. Guy has spent over two years on polar icebreakers across 10 research expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. He has a Coxswains (NC1), multi-rotor/fixed wing drone qualifications (<25 kg, BVLOS) and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment specialising in AUV training.

Tyson Jones

Tyson is a marine ecologist who joined Marine Solutions in 2022. Holding an Honours Degree in Marine Science and currently undertaking a PhD specialising in temperate and tropical reef faunal communities at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Tyson has over 8 years of extensive field experience and species identification skills. Tyson is an unrestricted Coxswain vessel operator and holds an ADAS Part-1 (restricted) Scientific Diver certification. With an excess of 500 logged scientific dives, Tyson has conducted scientific diving expeditions in all waters surrounding Australia accumulating over 500 hours of underwater work. Beyond diving, he also has extensive experience in Baited and Unbaited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUV/RUVS) systems, a myriad of coastal habitat monitoring techniques (Motion activated video, small mammal trapping, fish mapping) and invasive species surveys (electrofishing).

Annabelle Erskine

Annabelle joined the Marine Solutions team as a Project Officer in March 2022, following completion of the Master of Marine and Antarctic Studies degree at the University of Tasmania. She has a comprehensive skillset reflecting five years of scientific study and participation in various marine research programs across Australia, including an extended research voyage on the Investigator. Annabelle’s consulting experience extends to the offshore Oil and Gas industry where she worked as part of a project team coordinating environmental surveys for the decommissioning of oil and gas rigs in the Bass Strait. She holds a Coxswains Grade 2 NC certificate and PADI Open Water Dive certification.

Erica Johnson

Erica first joined Marine Solutions as an intern in 2019 while completing her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Lund University, Sweden. Since then, Erica has completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and in 2022 she returned to Marine Solutions as a Project Officer. Erica has experience working in both the private and the public sector evaluating environmental impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This has given her strong skills in field operations, data analysis and reporting.

Ellie Foster

Ellie joined Marine Solutions as a Technical and Field Officer in May 2022 and has since gained significant experience working in marine and estuarine environments across Tasmania. Ellie provides crucial support in field operations, including in data collection, boat operations, equipment maintenance and general logistics. She is a competent motorboat operator, holding a Coxswains Grade 2 NC certificate. Ellie is proficient in water safety and trailer handling due to her experience as a surf instructor.

Joel Watling

Joel joined the Marine Solutions team in 2023 as a Technical Officer. Joel has great experience driving commercial and recreational vessels and holds his Certificate 1 in maritime operations, coxswain deck, coxswain navigation, coxswain engineering and Coxswains Grade 2 NC and has also completed his elements of shipboard safety (ESS). Joel also holds his PADI open water diver certificate and has accumulated a high amount of sea time and dive hours. Joel contributes data collection, vessel and equipment maintenance and boat handling to the team. As well as general field tasks.