Site characterisation

We provide geophysical, environmental and ecological survey services to gather comprehensive datasets for seabed and sub-seabed site characterisation.

To crew members working on a boat deck at night

In-house teams and equipment

These surveys will typically involve the collection of benthic environmental and bathymetric data, similar to that of Environmental Baseline Surveys (EBS). Additional hydrographic parameters may also be measured, such as current and wave data, along with fish surveys and sediment contaminant sampling, tailored to the specific requirements of each project.

We use our own highly trained survey teams and in-house equipment, ensuring efficient and seamless operations. The familiarity of our personnel with the equipment enhances the quality and reliability of our survey work.

Laboratory analysis is conducted in-house for macrobenthic, fish, plankton, meiofauna, and sediment analyses. For specialised analyses, we maintain trusted relationships with subcontracted laboratories. Data is interpreted, analysed, and reported on by our team of experienced consultants, delivering actionable insights for your project.

Site characterisation 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
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
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 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 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 coldwater coral on the seabed in Norway
Subsea Cables
Assessing vulnerable marine ecosystems: cold-water coral reefs, sponge aggregations, and sea pen communities
Visit project page: Assessing vulnerable marine ecosystems: cold-water coral reefs, sponge aggregations, and sea pen communities
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 coldwater coral on the seabed in Norway
Subsea Cables
Assessing vulnerable marine ecosystems: cold-water coral reefs, sponge aggregations, and sea pen communities
Visit project page: Assessing vulnerable marine ecosystems: cold-water coral reefs, sponge aggregations, and sea pen communities
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

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