The environmental services department was established in 2000 to provide a much needed service to marine Aquaculture operations. Our work has grown out from the aquaculture industry in Scotland, we now work in other countries around the world and provide support for other industries.
Our team consists of marine biologists, environmental scientists and laboratory technicians all trained in various specialities from providing advice regarding legislation to undertaking the necessary field work and analysis. We have access to a wide range of support services within and outwith FVG and strong links with academic partners.
FVG Environmental Services provide a complete package from field work to submission of final reports to regulatory bodies or authorities, and we are on hand to offer advice to our clients. We specialise in the following serevices;
Hydrographic surveys
Benthic Surveys for consents, lease and license application and renewal
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and reports
Biological, chemical and nutrient analysis and result presentation
Hydrography
Current speed and direction are important criteria for determining the scale of any new fish farm development or the potential expansion of an existing fish farm. We have considerable experience in the collection of the required hydrographic data and then reporting it in the appropriate manner, with the raw data being used for Depomod and AutoDepomod modelling work.
We can provide Doppler current meters, or use company or Crown Estate meters which meet the specific requirements of SEPA Attachment VIII when undertaking the hydrographic surveys.
Reports are written to meet the specifications of SEPA but can be tailored to suit the client for any in-house requirements.
Benthic Surveys
FVG Environmental Services can carry out all, or part of, the field work involved in preparation of baseline surveys for discharge consent applications or annual monitoring. We produce the associated reports for SEPA or for any internal monitoring requirements with fast and efficient turnaround times. Field work and Infaunal analysis can be carried out for either marine or freshwater surveys. With considerable experience in all aspects of aquaculture we are also available for professional advice.
Field work to fulfil either SEPA requirements for the aquaculture industry or other operations internal audits. This field work generally includes collection of sediment samples for Redox, particle size analysis (PSA), carbon (C) and faunal analysis at the required sampling locations. Other sediment samples can be collected as required for any other parameters such as zinc and copper. Faunal analysis is carried out with in-house sorting and ID of sediment samples in our fully equipped laboratories utilising trained staff. Faunal Data are analysed using appropriate univariate or multivariate statistics in order to determine community associations at the various sampling stations. Sediment analysis – PSA, carbon, Slice and other analyses are completed at specialist support laboratories. Report preparation – FVG Environmental Services can collate all the data required for consent applications and/or annual monitoring, and prepare the final reports for submission to SEPA. We also prepare reports for aquaculture and other operations internal auditing. Quality Assessment – FVG Environmental Services are part of the NMBAQC (National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control) scheme for faunal identification. All work is constantly monitored with internal assessment carried out.
Environmental Impact Assessments
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a procedure which must be carried out before certain developments on or off shore are permitted. The resulting Environmental Statement (ES) identifies the possible ecological effects of the development on the environment and details any proposed mitigating measures. Guidelines for the inclusion of all components relevant to the EIA process are available from the relevant bodies concerned. We ensure all topics are covered to the highest standard and close liaison with the company ensures that the best interests of the farmer and the environment are achieved.
Water Quality and other analyses
Water quality analysis involves the measurements of the physical, chemical and biological properties of water that may directly, or indirectly impact upon fish health and welfare. Apart from re-circulation systems, some aspects of water quality may be beyond the day to day control of the fish-farmer but routine monitoring is advisable. Certainly when problems occur, water quality records may be required for insurance purposes and or assessing the long term viability of a particular site.
The presence and abundance of certain phytoplankton and ‘jelly-fish’ can adversely affect important factors such as dissolved oxygen and light penetration as well as impacting physically and chemically on cage reared fish.
Fish Vet Group can undertake the analysis of water samples for a range of important chemical parameters such as ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds, metals, and trace elements. Samples of phytoplankton and jellyfish can be submitted to Fish Vet Group for identification, quantification and advice.
