ADS delivers comprehensive investigations and assessments of marine and coastal ecosystems. We examine environmental impacts for tasks ranging aquaculture environmental regulations compliance to environmental impact assessments for coastal and marine development projects. We utilise advanced acoustic equipment, including side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profilers, and multi-beam echosounders, to map seafloor topography, sensitive environmental receptors, and to identify underwater hazards. Our scientific team conducts specialized biological assessments, such as benthic macrofauna community surveys, coral reef health monitoring, and mangrove / seagrass habitat mapping. These data sets help our clients understand ecological sensitivities for their marine projects.

ADS uses top-tier numerical modelling software to simulate water currents, waves, sediment transport, pollutant transport, and ecological processes. We also provide metocean descriptions and GIS services. Using these tools we can predict how human activities affect the marine environment. We use hydrodynamic models to forecast the dispersion of heavy metals, thermal plumes, and excessive nutrient releases from industrial activities. Additionally, we develop predictive oil spill trajectory models to analyze potential risks from offshore oil and gas operations. These simulations provide our clients with quantifiable data to design effective mitigation strategies and secure regulatory approvals. Our models are also used in the commercial aquaculture industry to simulate solid waste and nutrient dispersal as well as oxygen uptake from the water column.

ADS conducts a wide range of physical oceanographic surveys for environmental impact assessment, maritime infrastructure design and port operations. Using acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCP) and automated tide gauges, we gather long-term data on wave climates, current velocities, and water level fluctuations. We perform bathymetric surveys utilizing both multi-beam and single-beam echosounders and seafloor surveys utilizing side scan and sub-bottom profilers. Additionally, we deploy remote operated vehicles (ROV) and drones for inspection of underwater structures and coastal landscapes. These hydrographic datasets allow us to model sediment transport, calculate dredging requirements, and provide design conditions for resilient piers / jetties, breakwaters, and other coastal infrastructure.

We also undertake water quality and benthic (seabed) quality surveys often mandated under the conditions of environmental monitoring programs. ADS have been continuously monitoring water quality in some systems since 2014.

ADS provides regulatory and technical support to heavy industries operating in sensitive maritime zones. We tailor environmental monitoring programs to meet the strict compliance standards of oil and gas production, marine mining, sand dredging, and port developments. By providing independent environmental audits and real-time monitoring and predictive modelling, we help industrial clients meet regulatory requirements and limit impacts in real time.

We also provide services to commercial aquaculture clients in the form of site selection studies and carrying capacity assessments. Some of our notable projects include carrying capacity assessments for clients in New Zealand, Brunei, Australia and site selection studies for the whole of Malaysia’s South China Sea facing coastal waters. Additionally, ADS provides expert witness services in environmental court cases with a focus on New Zealand and Australia.