Environmental baseline surveys

We provide marine environmental baseline surveys (EBSs) for inshore, offshore and intertidal projects around the UK, Europe and worldwide. These surveys help to assess the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the seabed, offering critical insights for project planning and compliance.

Scientist looking at specimens under a microscope

Field work

Within these surveys, we offer a comprehensive range of environmental sampling techniques including seabed imaging, benthic grab sampling, water quality monitoring, eDNA sampling, and fish sampling including innovative, non-intrusive solutions such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV).

We also provide fully qualified marine mammal observers (including Passive Acoustic Monitoring operators) and bird observers as required.

 

Laboratory analysis

Samples are sent to our UK-based laboratories for macrobenthic, fish, plankton, meiofauna, and sediment analyses.

We are also a leading provider of seabed imagery analysis from images and video collected across the UK’s marine protected areas and offshore development sites. We offer high-quality aerial and subsea imaging services.

 

Visualisation techniques

Seabed and habitat mapping is provided in-house using the benthic data we collect.

Our subsidiary, Tritonia Scientific, based alongside our labs in Oban, Scotland, is also an industry leader in 3D photogrammetry, producing high-quality visualisation of the benthic environment.

 

Consultancy

Our experienced consultants work closely with clients to plan EBSs tailored to project requirements. They analyse the data and deliver clear, timely reports to support regulatory and environmental needs.

Environmental baseline survey projects

Picture of survey crew deploying a grab over the side of a vessel at sea
Oil & Gas
Delivering full-service environmental survey for southern North Sea decommissioning
Visit project page: Delivering full-service environmental survey for southern North Sea decommissioning
Aerial picture of the rocky shore in the survey area
Offshore Wind
Spiorad na Mara Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Surveys
Visit project page: Spiorad na Mara Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Surveys
Picture of a survey crew member working on the boat at sunrise
Offshore Wind
Sofia Offshore Wind Farm: Pre-Construction Benthic Survey and Advisory Services
Visit project page: Sofia Offshore Wind Farm: Pre-Construction Benthic Survey and Advisory Services
Picture of crew members preparing to launch a grab over the side of the boat
Offshore Wind
Bellrock and Broadshore Offshore Wind Farms, environmental surveys
Visit project page: Bellrock and Broadshore Offshore Wind Farms, environmental surveys
Image map of the seabed at Sceirde
Offshore Wind
Sceirde Rocks Offshore Windfarm: benthic characterisation survey
Visit project page: Sceirde Rocks Offshore Windfarm: benthic characterisation survey
Picture of two of the survey crew preparing to launch a grab off the side of a boat
Offshore Wind
POSEIDON benthic sampling project
Visit project page: POSEIDON benthic sampling project
Picture of the seabed off North Wales
Offshore Wind
Llŷr Offshore Wind Farm: environmental surveys
Visit project page: Llŷr Offshore Wind Farm: environmental surveys
Picture of the seabed at Sodra Midsjobanken OWF
Offshore Wind
Marine mammal monitoring and benthic characterisation for an OWF in the Baltic Sea
Visit project page: Marine mammal monitoring and benthic characterisation for an OWF in the Baltic Sea
Picture of a survey team member preparing to deploy a camera over the side of the boat
Oil & Gas
Post-decommissioning environmental surveys in the northern North Sea
Visit project page: Post-decommissioning environmental surveys in the northern North Sea
Picture of the seabed
Offshore Wind
Marine ecological characterisation for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea
Visit project page: Marine ecological characterisation for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea
photo 3 (1)
Subsea Cables
Provision of expert seagrass advice and mapping, La Ciotat Bay, France
Visit project page: Provision of expert seagrass advice and mapping, La Ciotat Bay, France
Picture of survey crew deploying a grab over the side of a vessel at sea
Oil & Gas
Delivering full-service environmental survey for southern North Sea decommissioning
Visit project page: Delivering full-service environmental survey for southern North Sea decommissioning
Picture of a survey team member preparing to deploy a camera over the side of the boat
Oil & Gas
Post-decommissioning environmental surveys in the northern North Sea
Visit project page: Post-decommissioning environmental surveys in the northern North Sea

ocean ecology update

Picture of exposed Sabellaria reef on a seashore

Knowledge

Exploring the seafloor with acoustic cameras: a closer look at Sabellaria spinulosa reefs

Read article: Exploring the seafloor with acoustic cameras: a closer look at Sabellaria spinulosa reefs
Picture of a group of salmon in a fish farm

Knowledge

Aquaculture, benthic compliance and the IQI
Read article: Aquaculture, benthic compliance and the IQI
Picture of Sabellaria spinulosa reef

Knowledge

Sabellaria spinulosa reef: a geophysical review

Read article: Sabellaria spinulosa reef: a geophysical review
Picture showing the transition from an aerial photograph to a habitat map

Knowledge

State-of-the-art seabed habitat mapping
Read article: State-of-the-art seabed habitat mapping
Josh Australia article 1, April 2025

News

Ocean Ecology expands into Australia and the APAC region under DNV
Read article: Ocean Ecology expands into Australia and the APAC region under DNV
Picture of Ross Griffin and Emile Foote shaking hands to seal the acquisition of Shoreline Surveys by Ocean Ecology

News

Ocean Ecology acquires Shoreline Surveys Ltd
Read article: Ocean Ecology acquires Shoreline Surveys Ltd
Picture of a remote underwater vehicle (ROV) in the sea

News

OE acquires innovation focused Tritonia Scientific
Read article: OE acquires innovation focused Tritonia Scientific
logo of the Workboat Association

News

Ocean Ecology joins the Workboat Association
Read article: Ocean Ecology joins the Workboat Association
Picture of Sara Pflaum

News

Sara Pflaum joins Ocean Ecology
Read article: Sara Pflaum joins Ocean Ecology
Small catamaran (Coastal Surveyor) moored on a harbour wall

News

OE Awarded Triple QHSE ISO Certification
Read article: OE Awarded Triple QHSE ISO Certification
Picture of exposed Sabellaria reef on a seashore

Knowledge

Exploring the seafloor with acoustic cameras: a closer look at Sabellaria spinulosa reefs

Read article: Exploring the seafloor with acoustic cameras: a closer look at Sabellaria spinulosa reefs
Picture of a group of salmon in a fish farm

Knowledge

Aquaculture, benthic compliance and the IQI
Read article: Aquaculture, benthic compliance and the IQI
Picture of Sabellaria spinulosa reef

Knowledge

Sabellaria spinulosa reef: a geophysical review

Read article: Sabellaria spinulosa reef: a geophysical review