Services

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.

Baseline Surveys and EIAs

Marine Solutions has the in-house expertise to design and implement quality baseline surveys and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for a wide variety of projects. Our team’s extensive knowledge of marine ecology and coastal engineering enables us to evaluate anthropogenic impacts on the surrounding environment using a variety of techniques, including characterisation of habitat, biological communities and sediments, and quantification of water quality parameters through space and time. We have a thorough understanding of legislative requirements surrounding coastal construction works in Tasmania and further afield. We have conducted baseline surveys and EIAs for marina redevelopments, jetty constructions, effluent outfalls, underwater pipeline constructions and aquaculture leases.

Selected Past Projects:

  • EIA, shipping operations of Stanley port, Stanley (TasPorts)
  • EIA, public boardwalk proposed development, Battery Point, Hobart (SKM/Hobart City Council)
  • EIA, marine effluent outfall, Ulverstone (CEE)
  • Sediment and biological monitoring plan, George Town sewage outfall (GHD/TasWater)
  • EIA, marine effluent outfall, Blackmans Bay (CEE)
  • Baseline survey/ecological assessment, Domgas pipeline route (DOF Subsea)
  • Baseline survey, PNG LNG pipeline route (Marengo Mining/COFFEY)
  • Baseline marine surveys, sewage treatment plant, Medang, PNG (Marengo Mining/COFFEY)
  • Environmental impact assessment of effluent and wastewater disposal, Coffs Harbour, NSW (Coffs Harbour City Council)

Ecological Assessments

Our project team is experienced in assessing benthic flora and fauna, with the relevant techniques varying to reflect different substrate types. Standard techniques include infauna grabs, quadrat and transect surveys, towed and diver video, photo quadrats, and diver surveys for mobile invertebrates, fish, algae and sessile invertebrate communities. Usually a combination of these and similar techniques are utilised to characterise the marine community and also survey for threatened and protected species. Introduced species and sensitive habitats are also identified through this process. Within our team is specific expert knowledge of macroalgae, reef fish, coral and other benthic invertebrates’ identification.

Marine Solutions has designed and conducted numerous monitoring programs utilising benthic infauna as an indicator of impact. Notably among these was a three year study into impact from the Coffs Harbour deep sea release, and other ongoing studies in southern Tasmania monitoring impact of effluent outfalls. Marine Solutions has also conducted numerous finfish, algae, invertebrate and coral baseline surveys and monitoring in the past.

Selected Past Projects:

  • Ecological assessment of proposed jetty and boat ramp development, Fulham Island, Tasmania (Burbury Consulting)
  • Spotted Handfish population survey, Sandy Bay, Hobart (DSS)
  • Ecological assessment of public boardwalk development, Battery Point, Hobart (SKM/Hobart City Council)
  • Ecological assessment of port development, Triabunna, Tasmania (Burbury Consulting/Glamorgan Spring Bay Council)
  • Effluent outfall investigation, Derwent River, Hobart, Tasmania (TasWater)
  • Baseline survey/ecological assessment of Domgas pipeline route (DOF Subsea)
  • Marine ecological assessment for bridge redevelopment, Bridgewater Bridge (GHD)
  • Environmental impact assessment of effluent and wastewater disposal, Coffs Harbour, NSW (Coffs Harbour City Council)

Dredge Management and Planning

Marine Solutions is experienced in the protocol and legislative requirements of dredging, dredge disposal and reclamation. We are well-placed to advise on the management of dredging operations, including aspects relating to disposal of the dredge spoil, release of potentially toxic material from sediments, localised erosion of the foreshore resulting from dredging operations, impacts of dredging on benthic flora and fauna and treatment of the land/water interface. Our previous experience includes design and implementation of small to medium-scale dredge management plans and dredge environmental risk assessments for both private and government clients.

Selected Past Projects:

  • Environmental risk assessment of proposed dredging, Spring Bay, Tasmania
  • Dredge management sampling regime, Bridport, Tasmania (MAST)
  • Ecological assessment of port development, Triabunna, Tasmania (Burbury Consulting/Glamorgan Spring Bay Council)
  • Dredge Management Plan, private marina, Kettering (Kettering Marine)
  • Development of dredging plan, Georges Bay barway, Pelican Point, Tasmania (GHD)

Video and ROV Surveys

The project team has extensive experience in underwater videography and interpretation of qualitative results. Video is taken with a state of the art full HD Sony NEX 5 camera housed in an Aquapazza underwater housing, along with over 1000W underwater video lights resulting in high quality clear footage. Video footage is reviewed by marine scientists who are experienced in determining habitat structure, community type and species composition from video and still photos. Detailed image analysis for community structure can also be conducted if required. In addition we have towed video capability with GPS overlay and speed/direction stamp should this be a more suitable method of collecting imagery. Marine Solutions also has access to, and experience operating, a powerful ROV with dual lights, USBL positioning system, grabber arm and dual cameras suitable for working in deeper environments. This system is comfortably housed on our larger research vessel, providing a safe and efficient operational platform. Still photography is taken by a 14MP DSLR in a housing with external lighting, providing high resolution images, even in challenging environmental conditions. For aerial imagery, we own and operate a Phantom 4 Pro v2 professional drone fitted with a 20 MP camera capable of 4K video recording

Selected Past Projects:

  • ROV surveys to meet regulatory requirements for the application for establishment of new Marine Farming Zones in south east Tasmania.
  • Assessment of the extent of impact of dredge material disposal on benthic environments in northern Tasmania, using towed video footage and diver-collected images
  • Drop camera surveys of Spoil grounds in Bass Strait
  • Towed camera surveys of scallop beds and rocky habitats in Bass Strait
  • Intertidal and subtidal environment survey, Woodbridge, Tasmania (TasWater)
  • EIA, proposed jetty and boat ramp development, Fulham Island, Tasmania (Burbury Consulting)
  • Aerial plume studies to determine extent of effluent discharge at various outfalls, Tasmania (TasWater)
  • EIA, public boardwalk proposed development, Battery Point (SKM/Hobart City Council)
  • Baseline survey/ecological assessment, Domgas pipeline route (DOF Subsea)
  • Baseline survey, PNG LNG pipeline route (Marengo Mining/COFFEY)
  • Baseline marine surveys, sewage treatment plant, Medang, PNG (Marengo Mining/COFFEY)

GIS and Spatial Modelling

Marine Solutions is able to undertake detailed analysis and representation of field survey data and can provide a wide range of spatial data services. Our experience in GIS and spatial analysis has been gained while working on projects across Australia and overseas and is constantly adapting to meet the needs of our clients. In addition to the GIS services we offer our team has extensive experience in the development and application of spatial models across a broad range of disciplines.

Our experience in spatial modelling includes:

  • Mixing zone modelling
  • Sediment transport modelling
  • Depositional modelling
  • Oil Spill trajectory modelling
  • Hydrodynamic modelling
  • Ecological modelling
  • Outfall plume modelling and verification

Selected Past Projects:

  • Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler outputs for integration into modelling and EIS development
  • Bathymetric mapping for coastal developments and floating structures such as ‘Brooke St pier’
  • Ambient monitoring program, ADCP deployment and study, Launceston (TasWater)
  • Outfall plume modelling and verification, effluent outfall investigations (TasWater)
  • Ecological/particle transport modelling, Abalone Biotoxin Management Plan (TShellfish Market Access Program)
  • Outfall plume modelling and verification, effluent outfall investigations (Cadburys)
  • Depositional modelling defining benthic impacts associated with aquaculture activities; Depomod (Tassal)
  • Hydrodynamic modelling of riverine systems (Murray-Darling Basin) for environmental flow assessment, (Charles Sturt University)

Hydrographic Surveys

Our experience in bathymetric surveys, habitat mapping and cartography is extensive, having completed surveys in many areas in Australia. Utilising a boat mounted DGPS and dual frequency sounder linked to a data logging program and a laptop we produce detailed habitat and bathymetric maps to Australian hydrographic survey requirements. Habitat types are ground-truthed by a digital single CCD drop camera which records to an Archos PMA440 unit with GPS overlay function for later review.

Selected Past Projects:

  • Fine scale bathymetric mapping of proposed new farming zones, to Australian hydrographic standards and Marine Farming Branch Standards
  • Bathymetric mapping for dredge planning and management for TasPorts in various regions throughout Tasmania
  • Developing the bathymetry and a proposed pipeline route for an outfall in Napier, New Zealand
  • Planning and environmental assessment for the scuttling of the Troy D, Mercury Passage, Tasmania
  • Bathymetry of Medang Harbour, PNG, for input into wave and dispersal models
  • Port development, Hobart, Tasmania (TasPorts)
  • Public boardwalk proposed development, Battery Point, Hobart (SKM/Hobart City Council)
  • Port development, Triabunna (Burbury Consulting/ Glamorgan Spring Bay Council)
  • Effluent outfall investigation, Derwent River, Hobart, Tasmania (TasWater)
  • Effluent outfall investigation, northwest Tasmania (TasWater)
  • Pipeline route planning and assessment, Dover, Tasmania (Tassal)
  • Domgas pipeline route, Barrow Island (Marengo Mining/COFFEY)
  • Irrigation pipeline route planning and assessment, Bridgewater, Tasmania (Tasmanian Irrigation)
  • Outfall investigation, Port Sampson, NSW (Worley Parsons)

Water Quality Monitoring

Marine Solutions use YSI-Xylem EXO2 and EXO3 multi-parameter water quality sondes for in situ water quality measurements, which include, but are not limited to, temperature, depth, conductivity, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll. We have the means to conduct deployments of the Sonde for continuous data recording over extended time periods, depending on the requirements of the given project. We are also experienced with the deployment and management of Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) and a wide range of other data loggers including Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) loggers. This includes calibration, field operation, data management and reporting. The sampling, techniques and constraints of water sampling in the southern regions of Tasmania are all well known to Marine Solutions, and we have strong relationships with support networks to ensure samples are handled and stored appropriately and then assessed in a timely manner.

Working closely with the Tasmanian aquaculture industry, Marine Solutions conducts regular water quality monitoring for Shellfish Market Access Program (ShellMAP) in the southern Tasmanian region, and TasWater throughout Tasmania including the Pieman River in the state’s west and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. We also conducted the environmental assessments for Spring Bay Seafoods, which resulted in them gaining international aquaculture sustainability accreditation through Friend of the Sea. We are one of only a few organisations that has been granted approval to sample treated abalone live-holding discharge water from processors for laboratory testing in the interests of biosecurity (granted as of mid-2013). In addition, Marine Solutions conducts a large amount of water quality monitoring for Sorell, Kingborough and Huon Valley Councils in relation to their effluent outfalls.

Selected Past Projects:

  • Vessel-based water quality monitoring for Shellfish Market Access Program (ShellMAP), often requiring mobilization at short notice.
  • Ambient water quality monitoring of waste water treatment plant discharges throughout Tasmania
  • Monitoring of water quality in the vicinity of aquaculture facility intake systems.
  • In-situ monitoring of water quality parameters at Bridgewater for a three-month period
  • Ongoing water quality monitoring around coastal and offshore regions to develop ambient water quality guidelines for coastal regions
  • Effluent outfall investigations (TasWater)
  • Ecological assessment of public boardwalk development, Battery Point, Hobart (SKM/Hobart City Council)
  • Ecological assessment of port development, Triabunna, Tasmania (Burbury Consulting/Glamorgan Spring Bay Council)
  • Ecological assessment for marina redevelopment, Bellerive, Tasmania (Clarence City Council)
  • Outfall baseline surveys (Worley Parsons)
  • Baseline marine surveys of sewage treatment plant, Medang, PNG (Marengo Mining/COFFEY)
  • Marine ecological assessment for bridge redevelopment, Bridgewater Bridge (GHD)
  • Environmental impact assessments for Macquarie Point sewage outfall and Hobart Rivulet, Derwent River, Hobart (Hobart City Council)
  • Environmental impact assessment of effluent and wastewater disposal, Coffs Harbour, NSW (Coffs Harbour City Council)

Sediment Sampling

Marine Solutions has conducted numerous projects requiring sediment sampling for a range of parameters. We are familiar with the process and procedures for sampling and assessment of sediments, and the manner for them to be safely sampled and handled as appropriate for the relevant analysis, whether that be contaminant, elutriate, pore-water, TOC, particle size, or other tests as required. We have the capabilities and equipment to collect sediment samples in the manner that best suits the requirements of a given project, be it by quad corer, vibrocorer, grab sampler, hand-collected by divers, or otherwise.

Selected Past Projects:

  • Sediment sampling and characterization of the Granton banks prior to the Tas Irrigation pipeline being laid.
  • Sediment testing, then development and completion of a monitoring plan for the Nyrstar wharf redevelopment, Hobart
  • We have undertaken sediment sampling on specific projects to review and address the issue of marine sediments contaminated by Tri-butyl tin.
  • Geeveston Sewage Treatment Plant Ambient Monitoring Program, Geeveston, Tasmania (TasWater)
  • Ecological assessment of public boardwalk development, Battery Point, Hobart (SKM/Hobart City Council)
  • Ecological assessment of port development, Triabunna, Tasmania (Burbury Consulting/Glamorgan Spring Bay Council)
  • Ecological assessment for marina redevelopment, Bellerive, Tasmania (Clarence City Council)
  • Marine ecological assessment for ‘Basslink’ cable construction (CEE)
  • Marine ecological assessment for bridge redevelopment, Bridgewater Bridge (GHD)
  • Environmental impact assessment of aquaculture facility, Spring Bay, Triabunna, Tasmania (Spring Bay Seafoods)
  • Environmental impact assessments for Macquarie Point sewage outfall and Hobart Rivulet, Derwent River, Hobart (Hobart City Council)
  • Environmental impact assessment of effluent and wastewater disposal, Coffs Harbour, NSW (Coffs Harbour City Council)

Research Charters

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 Smooth Solution small rigid hull inflatable boat is suitable for near-shore rivers, lakes and sheltered shallow waters.

A recent addition to our fleet is The Environmental Solution. This vessel is a 6.0 m Hobson trihull with twin 90 horsepower engines. It has powered lifting davits and sieving attachments for lifting and manoeuvring 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.

Capacity Building and Facilitation

Marine Solutions has developed and implemented school based programs aimed to increase capacity in the marine sectors by building human capital. One award winning program, ‘Working on the Water from A-Z’, was reviewed and proposed as a national model for student engagement.

Additionally, Marine Solutions has facilitated numerous marine based works including the South East regional marine plan, Indigenous aquaculture forum, Skills summit and recently facilitated the development of the DPIPWE groundwater section strategic plan.

We are actively engaged in project identification and implementation across a range of sectors, and our ongoing commitment to these speculative projects is evidence of our industry support.

Selected Past Projects:

  • Working on the Water from A-Z program
  • Stakeholder workshop and strategic plan development for the groundwater section of NRE Tasmania
  • Developed a 2-day program and ran a residential on leadership development program. This unit was an integral part of Seafood Training Tasmania’s award-winning Shellfish Diploma course.