Aquatic Ecology
LATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL have the expertise, specialist equipment, approvals and technical skills to provide scientifically robust study designs and thorough assessment of aquatic ecosystem health condition. Our approach is underpinned by the assessment of multiple and complimentary lines of evidence, including abiotic and biological parameters at appropriate spatial and temporal scales. We have experience undertaking aquatic ecology surveys across Northern Australia, as well as overseas in locations such as Papua New Guinea. Key services include:
AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES
We are leading experts in zooplankton and macroinvertebrate sampling across northern Australia and in PNG. We can undertake state-specific sampling techniques (kick, surber and sweep sampling) that meet the requirements of the regulator, including rapid biodiversity assessment methods (AUSRIVAS). Our accredited aquatic ecologists are expert taxonomists in the species-level identification of macroinvertebrates. Our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and software includes leading Leica brand stereomicroscope and dissecting microscopes, flexacam imaging, extensive specimen voucher collection, all supported by relevant taxonomic guides, books and journal publications. We also have a strong network of leading taxonomists to support the identification of zooplankton (microinvertebrates) and aquatic microfauna. This ensures our clients receive the highest level of taxonomic identification, enumeration and biomass quantification to support our data analysis and technical reporting deliverables. We are also at the forefront of environmental DNA sequencing techniques for morphospecies discrimination. Our team can design and implement receiving environment monitoring programs (REMP) and targeted aquatic invertebrate monitoring programs.
FISH SURVEYS
We undertake a variety of fish surveys in inland waters and estuarine environments. Our staff employ a wide variety of methodologies and techniques that are specifically suited to each project, target species and aquatic habitat. Our aquatic ecologists are Smith-Root accredited and Senior Electrofishing Operators in both boat and backpack electrofishing, in accordance with the Australian Code of Electrofishing Practice. We routinely use active (seine netting) and passive techniques (fyke nets, baited traps, gill nets), as well as environmental DNA techniques to survey fish communities in creeks, rivers, lakes, estuaries or wetlands. Our team can support fish passage investigation and monitoring programs, fish rescue and relocation efforts, as well as tissue testing for contamination and bioaccumulation of heavy metals.
RIVER HABITAT CONDITION
We routinely use a range of indicators and standardised measures to assess and score in stream and riparian habitat condition and processes. We can tailor our river habitat condition assessment to suit individual circumstances, providing information on the ecological condition, trends and functioning of a river system to guide river management decisions and actions. Scoring protocols applied include but are not limited to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) South West Index of River Condition (SWIRC) and the Pen-Scott foreshore condition assessment.
ALGAE & MACROPHYTES
We undertake species identification and abundance measures of submerged, emergent, and floating aquatic macrophytes (plants), ground-truthing regional ecosystem mapping and identify aquatic weeds in the field. We possess a high level of expertise and partner with leading algal taxonomists to provide our clients with planktonic, benthic and periphytic algal taxonomy including diatoms, chlorophytes, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and more. Our client specific monitoring programs align with state and federal water quality guidelines for drinking water, recreational waters and maintenance of ecological values.
Lateral hold and maintain a comprehensive set of permits, licenses and approvals required to support our services, including Scientific User Registrations, Animal Ethics Committee Approval, Scientific Exemptions and General Fisheries Permits.
Lateral also maintain high levels of Insurance, to keep our staff safe, whether out in the field, or behind the desk in the office, including Public Indemnity, Public and Products Liability, Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance and Workers Compensation.
OUR PARTNERS –FRESHWATER MACROINVERTEBRATES
Lateral partners with, and works closely with the Chris Madden and Paul McEvoy for leading species-level identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Chris Madden is a consultant with over 30 years’ experience in assessing stream and wetland sites. His previous employment with SA Water involved field work in all parts of South Australia with surface waters and he is acquainted with the range of habitats and issues in the state’s water-dependent ecosystems. Chris has a background in entomology and also has expertise in the identification of non-aquatic invertebrates.
As a consultant he has also sampled in most regions of Victoria and has identified aquatic invertebrates from all states of mainland Australia and some from Papua New Guinea. Paul McEvoy has worked for Sydney Water and SA Water and has extensive field experience in New South Wales and South Australia.
He also has expertise in the identifications of freshwater macroinvertebrates with over 25 years of experience. These aquatic macroinvertebrate specialists are based in South Australia and specialise in Diptera (particularly Chironomidae), Acarina (water mites) and Oligochaeta (aquatic worms).
Taxonomy
OUR PARTNERS – DR RUSSELL SHIEL
Dr Russell Shiel BSc Hons (Monash University), PhD (University of Adelaide) is an aquatic microinvertebrate taxonomy and ecologist specialist (Rhizopoda, Rotifera, Microcrustacea). He is a world authority on zooplankton and littoral microfauna across Australia, having authored or co-authored 3 manuals, 22 book chapters, 133 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 50 research reports to date. Lateral partners with, and works closely with Dr Shiel for leading species-level identification of aquatic microinvertebrates.
