Laboratory

Our teams process and analyse biological and physiochemical samples, images and other data in our own specialist marine laboratories and facilities.

Picture of a marine scientist working in a lab with a microscope

We participate in the NE Atlantic Marine Biological Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme for macrobenthic invertebrate, particle size analysis (PSA), fish and zooplankton, demonstrating our analytical processes align with industry best practice. Our sediment laboratory was one of the first in the UK to be validated by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for PSA in marine licence applications, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

Our comprehensive laboratory services include macrobenthic, fish, plankton, and meiofaunal analysis, full sediment analysis, image analysis, and seabed mapping. We also offer cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis from our dedicated laboratory in Oban, Scotland.

In collaboration with Tritonia Scientific, part of Ocean Ecology Ltd, we provide advanced 3D photogrammetry facilities and expertise from our Oban laboratory.

Our skilled staff bring extensive experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to every project, ensuring accurate data and actionable insights for sustainable marine operations.

What we offer

Laboratory services

Laboratory projects

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 two survey team holding a dogfish landed in the survey at Allonby Bay
Regulatory Bodies
Fish survey helps understand the ecology of Allonby Bay HPMA
Visit project page: Fish survey helps understand the ecology of Allonby Bay HPMA
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
Satellite image of the Solent showing points where the oyster restoration project would focus
Aquaculture
Solent Oyster Restoration
Visit project page: Solent Oyster Restoration
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 survey team operating a winch on the back of a boat
Offshore Wind
Arven Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Visit project page: Arven Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Picture of the side of a boat heading out to sea to conduct the survey
Aquaculture
Visual Baseline Survey and Ongoing Partnership
Visit project page: Visual Baseline Survey and Ongoing Partnership
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
LlĹ·r Offshore Wind Farm: Environmental Surveys
Visit project page: LlĹ·r Offshore Wind Farm: Environmental Surveys
Picture of a crew member preparing to launch a grab off the back of a boat
Offshore Wind
Morecambe Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Visit project page: Morecambe Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Picture of a reef on the seabed
Offshore Wind
Hornsea Zone Offshore Wind Farm Projects: Comprehensive Environmental Support Across Multiple Phases
Visit project page: Hornsea Zone Offshore Wind Farm Projects: Comprehensive Environmental Support Across Multiple Phases
Picture of benthic samples graded by size into different crates to be taken ashore
Offshore Wind
Rampion and Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farms
Visit project page: Rampion and Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farms

ocean ecology update

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
Picture of Dr Michael Redford

News

Spotlight on Michael Redford
Read article: Spotlight on Michael Redford
Picture of qualified Lab Technician Mackenzie Harrod

News

First Ocean Ecology apprentices qualify
Read article: First Ocean Ecology apprentices qualify
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
Kate Llewellin 1 square 400pix

News

Spotlight: Principal Sediment Specialist Kate Llewellin
Read article: Spotlight: Principal Sediment Specialist Kate Llewellin
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
Picture of Dr Michael Redford

News

Spotlight on Michael Redford
Read article: Spotlight on Michael Redford
Picture of qualified Lab Technician Mackenzie Harrod

News

First Ocean Ecology apprentices qualify
Read article: First Ocean Ecology apprentices qualify