Survey
The collection of baseline data is an essential component of any environmental impact assessment. Appin Scientific combines expertise in marine and terrestrial ecology, physics, oceanography and engineering to provide a total solution. Example measurements that we can perform include:
- Oceanography surveys, including:
- Water property measurement, using conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) recorders allied to specialist sensors (e.g. dissolved oxygen)
- Turbidity and suspended sediment profiles
- Current speed and direction profiles
- Surface drifter deployments to track current paths, for example for pollutant dispersion
- Marine mammal observations in support of industrial activities
- Seabird surveys
- Benthic and marine life identification surveys
- Bat ecology, identification and advice on building construction
- Terrestrial insect identification and survey
- Terrestrial and riverine habitat mapping
Appin Scientific can perform and manage inter-tidal and subtidal (diving) surveys (HSE SCUBA certified) and provide seabird, seal and cetacean observers for oil-related and aquaculture developments. We currently have considerable experience in benthic taxonomy and in the identification of freshwater invertebrates/vertebrates as well as river corridor habitat and vegetation surveys.
Appin Scientific carries out habitat and vegetation surveys (Phase 1 and Phase 2), national vegetation classification (NVC) survey work, quadrat and transect sampling and floral and faunal survey work. We specialise in bat identification and bat roost survey work and can advise the construction industry of 'bats and the law'. This includes the identification of pre-construction areas of conflict when bat roosts are discovered. We can also provide advice on amphibians, reptiles and fish through a network of our substantial scientific contacts.
Underwater Sound
Our specialist experience in acoustic measurement and analysis enables us to perform mitigation and sound level measurements to the highest standard. We offer:
- Realtime passive acoustic monitoring, using a range of hydrophones best suited to the frequency of interest, from 1 Hz to over 150 kHz. Data are logged directly to laptop computer via an analogue-to-digital converter sampling at upto 400 kHz and state-of-the-art real-time software.
- Offline passive acoustic monitoring of the key cetacean species such as harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and various dolphin species - using the most up-to-date versions of the proven TPOD self-recording ultrasound monitoring devices.
- Source level measurements. Sound profiles throughout the water column are measured at various ranges from the source and combined with sound speed profiles, determined using a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) instrument. Depending on the complexity of the sound field, the ray paths can be reconstructed using the latest modelling techniques to obtain a reliable estimate of the source level.
Appin Scientific has applied these techniques for the both the aquaculture and oil industries. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and will customise methods to particular applications.
Research and Reviews
Wildlife research and preparation of literature reviews for science and the media.
Our history of Media activities include research for the BBC's 'Supernatural' series and all the scientific research for the BBC 'Wildlife on One' Serengeti lion special 'Spy in the Den' (1998). We have written popular articles for the BBC Wildlife Magazine, the Mammal Society and the National Trust. We have also provided advice and consultation reports on the conservation of small cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS) to the Society of the Protection of Marine Mammals (Hamburg).
Education
- Marine biology, marine life identification and survey techniques lectures for undergraduate field courses
- Marine biology lectures and guides for dive schools
We have assisted in teaching the above courses to both Cambridge and Leeds University students, at the Dale Fort Field Studies Council in Pembrokeshire, Wales, for the past three years and continue to do so for Cambridge University each year.
Interns/Research Students:
We also take interns and supervise University projects at the degree level up to M.Sc. We encourage applicants to contact us about research opportunities/projects and co-supervision. All our interns that undertake diving-related projects are fully trained in underwater scientific diving techniques up to the level of BSAC Advanced Diver through our sister company, the National Diving College.
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