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Marine & Coastal Ecology

Environmental staff at a coastal industrial site

What are our Marine and Coastal Ecology services?

Our Marine and Coastal Ecology team provides specialist ecological advice and survey support for developments in coastal, estuarine and marine environments across the UK. From early baseline studies and Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA) through to Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), European Protected Species (EPS) licensing and construction-phase support, we help clients understand ecological constraints, secure the necessary consents and deliver projects in compliance with environmental legislation.

Working across a wide range of marine developments, our multidisciplinary specialists  provide pragmatic, evidence-based advice throughout the project lifecycle. Whether supporting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), marine licence applications, or on-site ecological supervision, we help our clients manage ecological risks, protect sensitive habitats and species, and deliver sustainable marine and coastal developments with confidence.

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Marine Baseline Studies

We can provide baseline studies to inform project design, mitigation, and impact assessment. By engaging early in the project lifecycle, we identify important ecological features and opportunities at the outset. This allows us to support efficient project design and streamline engagement with regulators through clear, evidence-based outputs.

Our team delivers surveys for terrestrial habitats and mammals, such as otter. We have in-house specialists who undertake marine mammal and fish desk studies and we work with trusted sub-contractors to deliver intertidal and benthic surveys. This integrated approach, combining in-house expertise with trusted specialists, ensures surveys are proportionate, targeted, and aligned with project needs.

Habitat Regulations Assessment

Our team has experience of undertaking shadow Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) for developments with potential to affect designated sites, including Special Conservation Areas, Special Protection Areas and RAMSARs across the UK.

Ornithology

We have a team of in-house ornithologists as well as a team of regular co-consultants we work closely with to deliver a range of ornithology services. These include breeding and wintering bird surveys in terrestrial, coastal and marine habitats using a variety of survey techniques and methods, including species specific surveys (site dependent). We have particular expertise in undertaking surveys and assessments, including collision risk assessments (terrestrial) and mortality matrix modelling (coastal projects) for both terrestrial (renewables and grid infrastructure) and coastal marine (ports and harbours) projects.

Ecological Impact Assessment

We can undertake stand alone Ecological Impact Assessments for smaller projects which may affect important ecological features. We also have a proven track record of working alongside other disciplines to produce chapters on terrestrial and marine ecology and ornithology as part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment. Our focus is on delivering concise, defensible assessments that help decision-makers understand impacts and solutions.

European Protected Species Licensing

We have substantial knowledge of European Protected Species (EPS) Legislation as well as mitigation requirements. We produce project specific EPS risk assessments to inform license applications and use sub-consultants to produce underwater noise modelling. This informs risk assessments to ensure that our mitigation strategies are robust and meet legal obligations.

Marine Mammal Observer

We can provide trained Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) to support construction and operational phases of marine projects. Use of MMOs ensures compliance with license conditions and mitigation plans, provides real-time advice to contractors and site teams, and allows for a clear, auditable record for regulators and stakeholders.

Our MMOs work seamlessly with construction teams to balance environmental protection with safe, efficient project delivery.

Ecological Clerk of Works

Our Environmental Site Services Team can provide Ecological Clerks of Work to audit and report on compliance with consents through the construction phase of projects. Having an ECoW on site can reduce the risk of costly breaches or enforcement actions, facilitate efficient communication between client, contractors, and regulators and maintain programme certainty by resolving issues quickly and proactively.

By embedding ecological expertise within the construction team, we help safeguard both the environment and the project programme.

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