Designing a multidisciplinary marine environmental monitoring program for one of the world’s largest energy project developments

Nearshore Environmental Monitoring Program

The Nearshore Environmental Monitoring Program (NEMP) was developed to monitor potential effects before, during, and after dredging and offshore spoil disposal activities associated with the development of one of the most significant energy projects in the world.

Looking to monitor 12 potential project impacts identified during an environmental impact assessment, our team worked with an independent panel of experts, government agencies, universities, offshore vessel operators, and our client’s environment team. Our goal? To ensure that the cultural, economic, and ecological significance of sensitive habitats were protected.

We implemented a wide range of methodologies for data collection including by aerial, land, vessel-based, and underwater surveys. Data collection techniques involved remote sensing by satellite imagery, real-time water quality monitoring, aerial-based marine fauna observations from plane, in situ water and sediment sampling for quality and infauna, diver-based and towed video benthic habitat surveys, and deployed instrument metocean data collection.

Ultimately, the outcome of the NEMP demonstrated that the project avoided potential environmental impacts and met its strict regulatory compliance requirements.