Aquatic Ecology

At DPM Envirosciences, we have the expertise, equipment and approvals required to undertake thorough assessment of aquatic ecosystems consistent with best practice.

Key services include:

Stream health assessment / macroinvertebrate sampling

• study design and sampling by AusRivAS accredited ecologists (Queensland and NSW)
• data analysis and interpretation using univariate and multivariate techniques (AusRivAS OE50, SIGNAL2, richness, EPT, ANOSIM, nMDS and SIMPER)

Water and sediment quality sampling

• in-situ physico-chemical water quality measurements (EC, pH, DO, redox, temperature, turbidity)
• surface water and groundwater quality sampling, including QA/QC in accordance with Australian Standards
• sediment sampling using coring, grab techniques or direct collection, including QA/QC in accordance with Australian Standards
• analytical results interpretation in the context of relevant environmental values, guidelines and background datasets

Fish survey for biodiversity studies

• boat-based and backpack electrofishing lead by a Senior Operator in accordance with the Australian Code of Electrofishing Practice
• netting using active (seine netting) and passive techniques (fyke nets, bait traps and mesh nets)

Turtle survey

• netting (fyke nets and cathedral traps)
• snorkeling surveys
• nest surveys
• habitat assessment

Platypus survey

• netting (fyke nets)
• habitat assessment, including bank soils characterisation

Stygofauna assessment

• desktop suitability assessment
• stygofauna sampling
• impact assessment for groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs)
• development and implementation of GDE monitoring programs

Ecotoxicology studies

• contaminant bioaccumulation studies using benthic organisms, oysters and fishes

Flora survey for biodiversity studies

• species identification and abundance measures of submerged, emergent, floating and bank vegetation
• ground-truthing Regional Ecosystems mapping and health assessment of wetlands and riparian vegetation
• aquatic weed inventories and management plans

Reporting

• Baseline Aquatic Ecological Assessment
• Aquatic Ecological Impact Assessment
• Aquatic Values Management Plans
• Receiving Environment Monitoring Programs
• Ramsar Site Ecological Characterisation