AquaBiota can be responsible for all or parts of an environmental impact assessment (EIA). Often, we have been responsible for describing local conservation values and impact assessments on flora and fauna, as well as performed or procured the required surveys. In many smaller projects, such as the construction of docks and marinas, we are often responsible for the entire process including project management, conservation value estimation, EIA, preparation of application documents and expert support in any court hearing. Through our works with EIA, we have gained considerable experience regarding:
- EIA concerning offshore wind farms
- Natura 2000-EIAs. With the help of our partners, we undertake assignments involving land-based habitats as well
- EIA before water activities/operations such as dredging, construction of docks and marinas
- Infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, wiring
- EIA with respect to local zoning plans
According to the Swedish Environmental Code, the operator should continuously plan, monitor and investigate possible effects of their activity on the environment, and this requires a monitoring program. Initially, an analysis must be made with all available knowledge about the environmental conditions in the area. AquaBiota compile relevant biological, geological and hydrological information as well as information regarding anthropogenic influence. Based on this information, the study area can be bounded and objectives of the monitoring program be set up. In order to assess an activities impact on the environment, the monitoring program should in most cases to follow the so-called BACI design (Before After Control Impact). This means that measurements should be made before and after the start of an activity, and within and outside the expected impact area. Among other things, AquaBiota has the expertise and equipment to monitor
- Fish communities by standardized sampling using eDNA, gill nets, hydro acoustic surveys and fry detonation
- Plankton communities
- Hydrography and water chemistry
- Shallow bottoms (algae, vascular plants and fauna) by diving, snorkelling or video inventories
- Soft-bottom benthos by grab sampling
- Toxins in sediments
We can customize sampling programs after the client’s requests. AquaBiota’s routines ensure high quality throughout the entire sampling process, from data collection to processing and analysis. The monitoring is usually reported on an annual basis and supplemented with a comprehensive report where possible changes over time are analysed.