Offshore renewable energy assessments
In the offshore space, we have previously advised on planning requirements and natural values implications for multiple offshore aquaculture developments. Since 2020, we have been engaged periodically to provide planning and risk advice on the Bass Offshore Wind Energy project, and we are currently leading the boat-based avifauna (and marine mammal surveys) and collision risk reporting for a project within the Gippsland Declared Area.
In addition to our marine fauna survey capabilities we have technical expertise and experience to act as regulatory advisors and/or intermediary roles for peer-review of other consultants, including aspects of survey design and adequacy, as well as comparative/complementary value of other methods. We are also members of the NOPSEMA consulting panel formed to provide technical advice to inform assessment and decision-making processes in relation to offshore energy projects and strategic marine projects.
BOWE – Bass Strait Offshore Wind Energy Project
- Key Tasmanian advisors on natural values planning and risk considerations since 2020, with advice on:
- Natural values constraints such as IBAs and migratory pathways in relation to site selection, including predictive modelling of critical habitats and aquatic ecological communities.
- Regulatory and planning advice in relation to approvals pathways at state and federal level, including considerations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, international treaties and the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021, including compliance with NOPSEMA and DCCEEW – peer review of planning approvals pathway.
Gippsland Declared Area – seabird and marine mammal surveys
- Lead ecology consultant for boat-based seabird and marine mammal surveys; lead for technical avifauna reporting, including CRM results.
- Application of fixed transects following the European Seabirds at Sea and StUK4 protocols.
- Survey design and logistics associated with multi-day vessel surveys.
