BSL personnel have recently returned from a successful project in the North Sea conducting an environmental survey off the coast of Norway. The efficiency of the scope was greatly increased by maintaining the inspection ROV at the seabed, therefore acquiring video data continuously. Consequently, additional targets of scientific interest were identified for inspection during subsea transits between almost 300 waypoints previously identified from the geophysical data. This resulted in a more thorough survey being conducted in a shorter time frame.

The features investigated proved to be of environmental importance due to the nature of the sensitive species observed on the ROV live video. The coverage and density of hard corals were extensively mapped and the presence of soft coral, sea pens and both hard and soft bottom sponges were recorded and meticulously analysed according to established protocols.

The results of the habitat assessment will feed into project planning to help minimise potential impacts on these diverse and sensitive habitats and species.

BSL successfully completed three major deep-water environmental projects around the globe from vessels of opportunity during 2021 for major oil and gas operators. Early in the year the 'Bourbon Sapphire' was mobilised to complete a 120 day integrated environmental baseline, biodiversity and metocean survey campaign offshore Suriname. In September the 'Mamola Champion' was mobilised in Gabon to complete a predrilling environmental baseline and habitat assessment survey over 35 days ahead of a green field exploration well offshore Sáo Tome and Principe. Finally in December the 'Carimin Airis' was mobilised to complete a predrilling environmental baseline and habitat assessment survey over 21 days ahead of a green field exploration well offshore Malaysia.

BSL specialise in undertaking deep water environmental surveys from third party vessels to reduce the overall cost of environmental survey to our global client base. A typical package includes a specialised deep water winches, a LARS, MOD4 and/or Pressure Cameras for HD video and still image capture, water samplers and profilers, and a suite of sediment samplers for varying sediment types. Additional equipment and resources can be added for special requirement or geographic area of interest, such as MMO and PAM systems (towed or separately deployed), acoustic devices, etc. BSL packages can be delivered on a flat rack and/or 20 foot standard ISO container to anywhere in the world at short notice and mobilised onto a vessel currently on charter to the client, such as a PSV/AHV, or a locally available vessel of opportunity.

Benthic Solutions Limited is a marine environmental survey and consulting company delivering a broad range of services to the offshore renewable, oil and gas, utility and aquaculture industries worldwide from the shoreline to full ocean depth.

We are recruiting project managers and environmental report writers to support the growth of the company, based in our newly completed science park in Hoveton, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

The following positions are offered:

• Project Manager – Marine Environmental Survey
• Assistant Project Manager – Marine Environmental Survey
• Senior Environmental Report Writer
• Environmental Report Writer / Assistant Report Writer

All positions are full time, but can be part time for the ‘Assistant’ roles, with competitive salaries (commensurate with experience/qualifications) and benefits; including profit sharing and health insurance. Further details on the roles are provided below.

To apply please send your CV with a covering email to enquiries@benthicsolutions.com or by post to Benthic Solutions Limited, Unit A Greengates Way, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8ED. Closing date for receipt of applications is 1st September 2021.

PROJECT MANAGER - MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY

You will oversee all aspects of the project lifecycle for medium to large projects, including:

• Preparation of technical and commercial tenders
• Project planning and preparation of project HSEQ documentation
• Manage project delivery and maintain communication with the client
• Marketing and business development
• Attend client meetings and exhibitions/conferences in the UK and overseas

Applicants should possess a minimum of a relevant BSc degree and have 5 years’ experience of working in the survey industry, including >1 year of project management. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a dynamic team in a growing business.

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER - MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY

You will support project delivery and oversee delivery of small to medium projects, including:

• Preparation of technical and commercial tenders
• Project planning and preparation of project HSEQ documentation
• Manage project delivery and maintain communication with the client
• Marketing and business development
• Attend client meetings and exhibitions/conferences in the UK and overseas

Applicants should possess a minimum of 3 years’ experience of working in the survey industry. A BSc degree or equivalent qualification is preferable. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced marine scientist looking to move into an onshore project management role. There is the possibility of undertaking marine field survey but this is not a requirement for the role.

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT WRITER

You will support the Reporting Manager in the delivery of analytical and reporting requirements to our clients, including:

• Compilation of reports to meet client requirements (e.g. Bibliographic Desktop Study, MMO/PAM, Environmental Baseline/Characterisation, Habitat/Biotope Assessment, Pre-/Post-drill, Pre-/Post-decommissioning, Monitoring)
• Responsibility for specific projects, liaising with clients/subcontractors and overseeing production of reports to a high standard
• Interpretation of geophysical/environmental datasets, including use of appropriate univariate and multivariate statistical techniques
• Deliver technical knowhow (nature conservation/environmental legislation, survey design, environmental data interpretation, habitat assessment, statistical analysis, scientific report writing, data presentation, map/figure production, GIS) to support training of report writers
• Development of analysis/reporting methods and resources to improve quality/efficiency

Applicants should possess a minimum of a relevant BSc degree and have a minimum of 2 years’ experience as an environmental report writer in the survey industry. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced report writers wishing to take the next step in their career.

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT WRITER/ASSISTANT REPORT WRITER

You will support the Reporting Manager in the delivery of analytical and reporting requirements to our clients, including:

• Conducting intertidal phase 1 biotope surveys
• Granulometry analysis of sediment samples by sieving and laser particle sizing
• Interpretation of geophysical/environmental datasets, including use of appropriate univariate and multivariate statistical techniques
• Compilation of reports to meet client requirements (e.g. Bibliographic Desktop Study, Environmental Baseline/Characterisation, Habitat / Biotope Assessment, Pre-/Post-drill, Pre-/Post-decommissioning, Monitoring)

Applicants should possess a minimum of a relevant BSc degree and ideally >1 year’ experience as an environmental report writer in the survey industry; graduates with demonstrable aptitude will also be considered (at ‘Assistant’ level). This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for environmental interpretation and reporting to take an active role in a dynamic team to support the production of high standard deliverables to BSL’s clients.

Benthic Solutions sister company, Applied Genomics, has developed a sensitive environmental DNA Sampling tool which acts as an early warning system helping maritime ports to detect, monitor and manage invasive non-native marine organisms which potentially threaten the marine environment in ports and their surrounding coastal waters.

Invasive non-native species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide, after loss of habitats. With an estimated five to ten billion tonnes of ballast water being moved around the globe annually, international shipping provides a significant pathway introducing marine non-native species and harmful pathogens into ports and coastal waters. Many maritime ports are now identified as locations at high risk from the introduction of harmful organisms carried in ships’ ballast water.

“We’ve developed our eDNA services to deliver sensitive and accurate early detection of non-native species, reliable biodiversity monitoring, and actionable data analyses which help maritime ports to understand and proactively manage the potential threats to marine life, human health and the environment. Our proprietary sampling technologies allow us to target the local port environment, delivering a highly meaningful result for our clients.” says Sebastian Mynott, COO at Applied Genomics.

Applied Genomics unique approach to collecting large volume eDNA samples provides a highly efficient, sensitive and scalable method for monitoring the introduction of non-native species in coastal waters. This, combined with data from ballast water and biofouling eDNA samples, provides Port Authorities with a powerful tool for proactively managing, monitoring and protecting their marine environments.

Managing the risks of non-nave species introductions is a challenge now being taken up by a growing number of UK Ports, building on work undertaken in partnership with Natural England who have already recognised Applied Genomics in-depth eDNA sampling as a promising new technique for assessing the diversity of inshore fish populations in their 2020 report, NECR330.

For more information & case studies visit https://appliedgenomics.co.uk

Contact: Sebastian Mynott Email: sebastian@appliedgenomics.co.uk

Benthic Solutions Limited has completed several EBS-HAS survey campaigns for Energean across the Karish Field relating to the Karish, Karish North, Karish pipeline. In addition, we have reported on the Zeus, Athena, Hera and the Poseidon development wells in Block 12.

As a team, with pretty much all of us being involved at some point or other, our hard work is being put to good use with Energean extensively developing the offshore region. Karish North should start production in 2023, with a second well likely to be drilled in 2025. The company plans further investments that will produce the Karish fields’ gas/condensate – one through an additional gas export riser and the other in an extra oil train.

#environmental #drilling #collaboration #offshoresurvey #marinesurvey #oilandgasexploration #oilandgas #offshore

Benthic Solutions Limited is a marine environmental survey and consulting company delivering a broad range of services to the oil and gas, offshore renewable, utility and aquaculture industries worldwide.

We are recruiting up to two experienced or trainee marine scientists to support the growth of the company, based in our newly completed science park in Hoveton, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

The role involves working globally in a variety of interesting marine environments from the shoreline to full ocean depth. As one of our team of Marine Field Scientists, you will be involved in all aspects of survey work, including:-

• Participating in surveys from a variety of vessels and rigs during standalone environmental surveys or as part of multidisciplinary cruises with durations ranging from one day to several weeks.
• Operating a range of seabed/seawater sampling devices and underwater cameras.
• In-field Interpretation of geophysical and environmental data to support development of survey strategies appropriate for the project and to meet client specifications.
• Acting as the Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) or Protected Species Observer (PSO) implementing relevant mitigation protocols to minimise impacts on marine megafauna in daylight hours.
• Operating Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) equipment according to mitigation protocols to minimise impacts on marine megafauna during night-time hours.
• Conducting intertidal phase 1 biotope surveys.
• Granulometry analysis of sediment samples by sieving and laser particle sizing.
• Interpretation of geophysical/environmental datasets, including use of appropriate univariate and multivariate statistical techniques.
• compilation of reports to meet client requirements (e.g. Bibliographic Desktop Study, Environmental Baseline/Characterisation, Habitat / Biotope Assessment, Pre-/Post-drill, Pre-/Post-decommissioning, Monitoring).

Applicants require a minimum of a BSc degree in marine biology (or relevant subject) and preference will be given to candidates with experience. The position is offered on a full-time basis with a competitive salary commensurate with experience/qualifications and benefits, including health insurance and profit sharing. This is an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic individuals to join our dynamic multinational team.

To apply please send your CV with a covering email to enquiries@benthicsolutions.com or by post to Benthic Solutions Limited, Unit A Greengates Way, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8ED.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 29th March 2021.

Benthic Solutions Limited is a marine environmental survey and consulting company delivering a broad range of services to the oil and gas, offshore renewable, utility and aquaculture industries worldwide.

We are recruiting a Marine Benthic Taxonomist to support the growth of the company’s in- house capability based in our newly completed science park in Hoveton, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

As one of our team of Marine Benthic Taxonomists, you will be involved in all aspects of laboratory work, including:-

• Sieving, sorting, identification, enumeration and biomass of marine and estuarine benthic fauna, including all phyla from intertidal regions, shelf seas and deep waters from around the British Isles and globally.
• Efficient and accurate recording of data and preparation of final outputs to be provided to the reporting team and to clients.
• Maintaining the standards of an internationally recognised quality control scheme.
• Development, maintenance, storage and preparation of sample reference collections, both in-house and for clients.

The preferred candidate will be experienced in the above tasks, possess the ability to identify the majority of benthic fauna from around the UK with a minimum level of supervision and appreciate the need to work quickly and efficiently within a commercial laboratory.

Applicants require a minimum of a BSc degree in marine biology (or relevant subject) and have at least three years’ experience of working in a commercial taxonomic laboratory. The position is offered on a full-time basis with a competitive salary commensurate with experience/qualifications and benefits, including health insurance and profit sharing. This is an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic individuals to join our dynamic multinational team.

To apply please send your CV with a covering email to enquiries@benthicsolutions.com or by post to Benthic Solutions Limited, Unit A Greengates Way, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8ED.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 29 th March 2021.

As a team of passionate marine scientists Benthic Solutions is pleased to have successfully completed the environmental baseline surveys in a very harsh and challenging environment in which to operate offshore. The bespoke environmental sampling and imagery equipment developed and operated by Benthic Solutions, along with the persistence and tenacity of the field team to overcome the daily challenges, was essential in enabling the completion of the survey on time and under budget.

Meeting the continuing challenges in 2021, Benthic Solutions will continue to complete pioneering projects in the industry through the continuous development of our equipment, adaptive survey strategies and analytical methods to deliver valuable data on previously un-surveyed frontier ecosystems such as the one recently investigated offshore South Africa.

#TOTAL #harsh_weather #offshore #agulhas_current #environmental #eDNA

Link: https://www.total.com/media/news/communiques-presse/south-africa-total-makes-second-significant-gas-condensate-discovery

BSL as a subcontractor to N-Sea onboard the Noordhoek Pathfinder has completed another successful pre decommissioning survey for Perenco. As part of a broader scope of work, BSL undertook the pre-decommissioning habitat and environmental baseline survey, including provision of a dedicated sampling winch. Thanks to the collaborative effort and cooperation between all parties, the campaign was completed efficiently and without incident.

BSL is undertaking the laboratory analysis of the samples acquired offshore and subsequent data processing prior to completion and delivery of the environmental habitat and baseline reports.

#environmental #offshore #oilandgas #water #energy

We are pleased to be able to confirm that Ian Wilson, Managing Director and Principal Scientist at Benthic Solutions will be appointed as a new Director of EEEGR, the East of England Energy Group, at the AGM on 8th October.

Ian is looking forward to joining the board and working with the EEEGR team to promote the energy sector and its activities in the region. Ian will also be a champion of the Skills for Energy Programme, which is one of EEEGR's core programmes. It is led by industry and its primary aim is to ensure the ongoing diversity and volume of skilled individuals for the current and future well being of the energy sector.

EEEGR provides its members with a range of benefits including business introductions, networking opportunities, free job advertising, event discounts and up-to-date industry intelligence. For more information on EEEGR visit www.eeegr.com

#SkillsforEnergy #energy #networking #wellbeing #innovation

BSL has successfully completed another deep-water project offshore West Africa. During September and October 2020 BSL collaborated with a French environmental consultancy and a US vessel owner to deliver to a major oil and gas operator an integrated environmental survey in deep water utilising BSL’s latest grab, named ‘Big Benne’ by our French colleagues. This is a 0.5m2 Gray O’Hara type grab designed by BSL to reduce sampling time in deep water and to recover optimised sample volumes from a single drop. The single deployment is sufficient to obtain the representative triplicate of macrofauna (3 x 0.1m2 benthos samples) and a full suite of samples for physico-chemistry sediment analysis.

Our client commented as follows:
Congratulations to all of you! I have informed top management of your excellent performance and they all congratulate you!

Picture: ‘Big Benne’ next to a standard Gray O’Hara Box Corer

Benthic Solutions is currently working with several international companies in the start-up of a deep water drilling campaign in South Africa, aiming to establish the environmental baseline ahead of the commencement of drilling of the first well utilising various techniques including seabed video assessment, seabed sediment and water sampling. The harshness of the local metocean conditions makes this initial environmental survey a challenge and a great example of intra-industry collaboration between the exploration company, deep water drilling rig operator, ROV and environmental contractors to optimise the outcome. It has required cross discipline expertise to find suitable equipment and integrated innovative solutions, such as BSL’s specialised ROV tooling and survey design. This is without the added challenge of the current pandemic which required collaboration at all levels to mitigate the current risks associated with international freight and personnel travelling across multiple borders from several countries spread over four continents.

#environmental #drilling #southafrica #collaboration #offshoresurvey #marinesurvey #oilandgasexploration #oilandgas #offshore

At the request of several major fish farm operators Benthic Solutions Limited (BSL) has increased its capacity over recent months to support to the aquaculture industry to ensure their continued compliance and maintenance of their ability to deliver fresh salmon during the ongoing pandemic. Where local service providers have been shut down due to the impacts of the pandemic BSL has continued to operate with suitable mitigation measures in place. A number of surveys have been successfully conducted over recent months with a self-contained team undertaking the field data acquisition followed by the laboratory analysis, processing and reporting from our integrated base in Norfolk. BSL provide innovative cost-effective survey solutions across the marine environment from the beach to full ocean depth and routinely undertake more than 40 surveys per annum for the aquaculture industry.

#environmental #offshoresurvey #aquaculture #mariculture #salmonfarming #marinesurvey #salmon

We are pleased to announce that Benthic Solutions Limited and MarineSpace Ltd recently cooperated to complete the production of a bibliographic study offshore Greece. The well‑received study showcases the complementary expertise of Benthic Solutions and MarineSpace in the offshore marine environment, supported by the underwater sound modelling expertise of Subacoustech Environmental Ltd.

The study comprised a detailed literature review covering topics such as physical oceanography, environmental sensitivities (including marine mammals and reptiles), resource users, and also applicable environmental legislation.

For similar services, please do not hesitate to get in touch at enquiries@benthicsolutions.com and info@marinespace.co.uk

In its sixteen years of operation, Benthic Solutions Limited (BSL) has successfully continued to grow expanding its capabilities and resources, both in terms of the number of marine experts in the team and the size of the pool of equipment resources available (from standard devices to new and advanced technologies). Our team relocated one year ago into the first completed building of our new purpose-built science complex in Hoveton (Norfolk, UK). As part of a strategy of continued growth and development, three additional buildings are scheduled to be built this year. These will increase both BSL’s office and warehouse space; and also enable us to welcome start-up and small companies that have a synergy with our business to create a scientific hub in the heart of the Norfolk Broads and further encourage exchange and scientific innovation in the marine industry.

Benthic Solutions Limited – Hoveton, Norfolk

Due to continued commercial success Benthic Solutions Limited (www.benthicsolutions.com) is recruiting a Project Manager to be based at our new purpose-built facility in Norfolk.

Benthic Solutions Limited is a marine environmental survey and consulting company delivering a broad range of services to the oil and gas, offshore renewable, utility and aquaculture industries worldwide.

As a Project Manager you will be involved in all aspects of the project lifecycle, including:

• Marketing and business development
• Preparation of technical and commercial tenders
• Project planning and preparation of project HSEQ documentation
• Manage project delivery and maintain communication with the client
• Attend client meetings and exhibitions/conferences in the UK and overseas

The position is offered on a full-time basis with a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applicants should possess a minimum of a BSc degree in a relevant subject and have 3-5 years’ experience of working in the commercial survey industry. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a dynamic team.

To apply please send your CV with a covering email to Samantha Kemp at (samantha.kemp@benthicsolutions.com) or by post to Benthic Solutions Limited, Elanco Works, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8UH.

Closing Date is Sunday 21 April 2019.

Benthic Solutions Limited – Hoveton, Norfolk

Due to continued commercial success, Benthic Solutions Limited (www.benthicsolutions.com) is recruiting a Marine Benthic Taxonomist to support the growth of the company’s taxonomic capability at our new purpose-built facility in Norfolk.

Benthic Solutions Limited is a marine environmental survey and consulting company delivering a broad range of services to the oil and gas, offshore renewable, utility and aquaculture industries worldwide.

As a Marine Benthic Taxonomist you will be involved in all aspects of laboratory work, including:

• Sieving, sorting, identification, enumeration and biomass of marine and estuarine benthic fauna, including all phyla from intertidal regions, shelf seas and deep waters from around the British Isles and internationally.
• Efficient and accurate recording of data and preparation of final outputs to be provided to reporting team and clients.
• Maintaining the standards of a nationally recognised quality control scheme.
• Development, maintenance, storage and dispatch of sample reference collections, both in-house and for clients.

The preferred candidate will be a self-starting individual with experience in all of the above tasks, ideally possess the ability to identify the majority of benthic fauna from around the UK with moderate levels of supervision and appreciate the need to work quickly and efficiently within a commercial laboratory.

Short-listed candidates will be required to demonstrate their skills in the following aspects of the work: accuracy and speed of sorting and identification of macrobenthic taxa, breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject.

The position is offered on a full-time basis with a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applicants should possess a minimum of a BSc degree in marine biology (or relevant subject) and have at least 2 years’ experience of working in the lab environment preferably for the commercial survey industry. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a dynamic team.

To apply please send your CV with a covering email to Samantha Kemp at (samantha.kemp@benthicsolutions.com) or by post to Benthic Solutions Limited, Elanco Works, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8UH.

Closing Date is Sunday 21 April 2019.

Benthic Solutions Limited, an integrated environmental survey company, is attending Ocean Business 19 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton between the 9th and 11th April 2019. Please contact us if you are interested in meeting with a member of our team during the exhibition to discuss BSL’s innovative equipment and service delivery. We look forward to seeing you there!

Benthic Solutions Limited – Hoveton, Norfolk

Due to continued commercial success, Benthic Solutions Limited (www.benthicsolutions.com) is recruiting up to two experienced or trainee marine scientists based at our new purpose-built office in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

Benthic Solutions Limited is a specialist marine environmental survey and consultancy company delivering a broad range of marine science services to clients in the UK and worldwide. The company is a market leader in the provision of bespoke environmental surveys for the oil and gas, offshore renewable, utility and aquaculture industries.

The role involves working globally in a variety of interesting marine environments from the shoreline to full ocean depth. You will be involved in all aspects of the business, including; project planning, client liaison and field survey, through to interpretation of physico-chemical / biological / geophysical data and compilation of reports.

The positions are offered on a full-time basis. Applicants should possess a minimum of a BSc degree in a relevant subject and ideally have experience of environmental survey and/or consultancy. This is an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic individuals to join a dynamic multinational team. The position comes with a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To apply please send your CV with a covering email to Samantha Kemp at (samantha.kemp@benthicsolutions.com) or by post to Benthic Solutions Limited, Elanco Works, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8UH.

Closing Date is Monday 21 January 2019.

2018 was a busy year for the BSL team and our partners, summarised as follows:

• A 60% increase in enquiries and a 100% increase in project awards from 2017
• Recruitment of 10x new BSL personnel covering a wide range of roles
• Increased workload across all key target industry sectors (oil & gas, renewables, cables and aquaculture)
• Involvement in 6x major decommissioning projects in the North Sea
• Significant international expansion; counting projects in Aruba, Grenada, Mexico, French Guyana, Angola, Senegal, Mauritania, Namibia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Portugal, Norway, Ireland, Cyprus, France, Israel, Romania, Myanmar and Thailand

We are pleased to announce that 2019 will begin with BSL's relocation to our new purpose-built office/warehouse at the end of January as the first stage of development by BSL of the new Hoveton Science Park.

We would like to express our thanks to all of you who worked with us on these diverse and interesting projects during 2018 and we look forward to another year of successful collaboration.

Benthic Solutions Limited (BSL) – Hoveton, Norfolk

Due to continued commercial success, Benthic Solutions Limited (www.benthicsolutions.com) is recruiting up to three experienced or trainee marine scientists based at our riverside location in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

Benthic Solutions Limited is a specialist marine environmental survey and consultancy company delivering a broad range of marine science services to clients in the UK and worldwide. The company is a market leader in the provision of bespoke environmental surveys for the oil and gas, offshore renewable, utility and aquaculture industries.

The role involves working globally in a variety of interesting marine environments from the shoreline to full ocean depth. You will be involved in all aspects of the business, including; project planning, client liaison and field survey, through to interpretation of physico-chemical / biological data and compilation of reports.

The positions are offered on a full-time basis. Applicants should ideally possess a minimum of a BSc degree in a relevant subject and have experience of environmental survey and/or consultancy. This is an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic individuals to join a dynamic multinational team. The position comes with a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To apply please send your CV with a covering email to Samantha Kemp at Benthic Solutions Limited (samantha.kemp@benthicsolutions.com) or by post to Benthic Solutions Limited, Elanco Works, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8UH.

Closing Date is Friday 18 May 2018

Benthic Solutions Limited will be attending this year’s Oceanology International at ExCeL London between the 13th and 15th March 2018. Please contact us if you are interested to meet with a member of our team during the exhibition (enquiries@benthicsolutions.com) to discuss our innovative protocols. We look forward to seeing you there!

Benthic Solutions Limited will be attending this year’s Ocean Business at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton between the 4th and 6th April 2017. Please contact us if you are interested to meet with a member of our team during the exhibition to discuss our innovative protocols. We look forward to seeing you there!

Benthic Solutions is delighted to announce that in recognition of our commitment to occupational health and safety and our fully implemented safety management system, the company was awarded its OHSAS 18001 accreditation in December by QMS International PLC. This, along with our existing ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates for quality assurance and environmental management, along with our ongoing participation in the NMBAQC scheme demonstrates BSL’s commitment to continual improvement and to providing the highest quality services, safely to our Clients.

Representatives from Benthic Solutions Limited will be attending this year’s Offshore Wind Meets... event in Lowestoft on the 6th December 2016. The conference is jointly organised by OrbisEnergy, Innovate UK and the Knowledge Transfer Network. Please contact us if you are interested to meet during the exhibition to discuss our innovative environmental protocols (enquiries@benthicsolutions.com). We look forward to seeing you there! http://www.orbisenergy.co.uk/offshorewindmeets/

Ian Wilson, the Director of Benthic Solutions Limited will be attending this year’s Offshore Decommissioning Conference at the Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews between the 14th and 16th November 2016. The conference is jointly organised by Decom North Sea and Oil & Gas UK. Please contact us if you are interested to meet with Ian during the exhibition (enquiries@benthicsolutions.com) to discuss our innovative environmental and decommissioning protocols. We look forward to seeing you there! http://offshoredecommissioningconference.co.uk/

After weeks of glorious sunshine the team had a chance to get out on the beach at West Runton. Norfolk. However, today we weren’t so lucky with the weather, bearing intermittent torrential rain and a howling gale as the tide went out. We were all there to search for evidence of lugworm reproduction (Arenicola marina) for Capturing our Coast, a Lottery funded organisation which coordinates marine survey of our coasts. It was a great opportunity to investigate the rockpools and identify intertidal species including Coralina sp., Fucus serratus and 3 sponges which are rare for the Norfolk coastline.

BSL are delighted to announce their registration with Achilles First Point Assessment (FPAL) in the spring of this year. FPAL is used by buyers to identify, qualify, evaluate and monitor suppliers on their behalf. It is an industry-run community of operators, contractors and suppliers working in collaboration to promote a fair and transparent supply chain. Through our subsidiary Subacoustech Environmental Limited, we have also been registered with Achilles UVDB for a number of years. Achilles UVDB provides supplier management for the Utilities sector in the UK, assisting these companies manage risk within their supply chain and comply with procurement legislation.

For more details of our registration please contact our team via enquiries@benthicsolutions.com or +44 (0) 1603 784726. We look forward to hearing from you!

FPAL Supplier Number: 10055314

Congratulation to the whole team at BSL! All our staff took real pleasure to bake wonderful and very tasty cakes for the Horning Boat Show on the 30th April 2016. Showcasing the very renowned Shortbread Millionaire, Cookies, Brownies, Flapjacks, Pralines, Banana Bread and Lemon Drizzle cakes but also foreign specialities such as the Austrian Appel Strudel, Spanish Tortilla and the French Frangipane, our stand attracted lots of visitors during the day! We want to thank all the visitors and supporters who permit to make this day a success. We are happy to announce that we have sold more than a hundred pieces of cakes with all donations going to the RNLI and the Alzheimer’s Society.
If you didn’t make it and would still like to donate, please do so via the JustGiving links below:
https://www.justgiving.com/teams/BSLbakesforAlzheimers
https://www.justgiving.com/teams/BSLbakesforRNLI

Continuing on the success from the previous year, the Marlborough Football Club, sponsored by Benthic Solution Limited continued their outstanding form for the 2015 to 2016 season. They comprehensively won the Norwich and District Under 19 Development league by winning every game with an average of over 6 goals scored per game and conceding only 6 goals all season. This phenomenal season continued when further entered into an adult cup competition within the Division 1 league, achieving a final finish against Sprowston Wanderers and winning after a 4:4 thriller, extra time and 8:7 on penalties (pictured). Further details of results can be seen on http://www.norwichsundayleague.co.uk/index.php/league-results-fixtures/under19b. This achievement was almost matched by many of the players who also play for our local under 18’s team in Wroxham, who also finishing top at the end of the season.

Benthic Solutions Limited will be attending this year’s Oceanology International at ExCeL London between the 15th and 17th March 2016. Please contact us if you are interested to meet with a member of our team during the exhibition to discuss our innovative protocols. We look forward to seeing you there!

The whole team will be getting their bake on to raise money for the RNLI and Alzheimer’s Society at the Horning Boat Show, Norfolk, on the 30th April 2016 (http://www.horningboatshow.co.uk). Expect delectable cupcakes, sumptuous sausage rolls and many more for two great charities. The whole team will be there to join in the fun, and it promises to be a fantastic family day out on the beautiful Norfolk Broads. We hope to see you there! But if you can’t make it and would still like to donate, please do so via the JustGiving links below:
https://www.justgiving.com/teams/BSLbakesforAlzheimers
https://www.justgiving.com/teams/BSLbakesforRNLI
In addition to the bake sale, two of our team (Cécile and Lucy) will be running the Norfolk Race for Life Pretty Muddy 5k challenge on the 14th May 2016, raising funds for Cancer Research UK. Neither of the girls likes running very much, but they’re both excited to get involved! If you’re feeling generous, please consider sponsoring Cécile and Lucy for their Race for Life via the following JustGiving link:
https://www.justgiving.com/teams/benthic-solutions

In September 2015 Benthic Solutions Limited (BSL) completed a successful environmental and geophysical survey programme in the Falkland Islands. The three-month assignment comprised a multi-disciplinary approach during the southern hemisphere winter, and revealed a very complex array of habitats and diverse macrofaunal communities. The survey showcased BSL’s new underwater camera system, the MOD4. This system was designed in-house, using a ‘lessons-learned’ approach from the numerous other systems available, and utilised over many years. The MOD4 system can be used in a variety of underwater environments from poor visibility shallow water, to deep water projects in both real-time and self-contained configurations, based upon four deployment modes. It acquires still photographs of outstanding resolution (24mp) as well as high definition video footage (2mp). Development continues to ensure that this system remains at the forefront of advancements in underwater photographic technology. This system can be supplied cost-effectively with an operator; please contact us for details of how we can tailor this system to your project.

In addition to Benthic Solution’s expertise in offshore and deep water projects, BSL personnel have also undertaken numerous environmental surveys in shallow water and intertidal areas in recent years. An example was carried out earlier this year for habitat assessment on multiple interconnector landfalls in both northern France and southern Ireland. Operations were undertaken during extreme low-water spring tides assessing both habitats and faunal assemblages within the route corridor from the low water mark to above the foreshore. The surveys were done using a combination of geo-referenced aerial images and directed onsite using GPS devices, visually recording habitat boundaries, intertidal zones, and describing the biological assemblages. The results indicated a fascinating array of both flora and fauna which inhabit both of these coastlines. Particular highlights were a dazzling array of gastropod molluscs present along the rocky shores of Brittany, (Littorina sp., Gibbula sp. and Calliostoma sp.) and impressive biogenic reef structures formed by the honeycomb worm Sabellaria alveolata on the beaches in Ireland (pictured), the latter a protected Annex I habitat under the European Habitat Directive. The survey was part of a multi- disciplinary pre-development baseline assessment which included vessel based operations inshore and offshore.

Benthic Solutions Limited is proud to support the Marlborough Football Club from 2015 to 2016. Based to the north of Norwich, a large number of players also play for our local village team represented by Wroxham under 18s and reserves. Marlborough F.C. are currently top of the Norwich and District Under 19 Development League, with a perfect 9 wins from 9 games and a massive goal difference. With an average strike rate of over 7 goals per game and having conceded only 2 goals all year, they are already on course to match last year’s achievement, and winning the league outright with games to spare. Further details of fixtures can be seen on:
http://www.norwichsundayleague.co.uk/index.php/league-results-fixtures/under19b.

Staff at Benthic Solutions have volunteered their time to support a public awareness poster for the visitors of the grey seal colony at Horsey, North Norfolk. After observing incidents of misbehaviour by a small minority of the public when visiting the colony, BSL personnel were proactive in providing their services and expertise to the ‘Friends of Horsey Seals’, in order to produce an educative poster with the aim to protect both seals and the public along with their dogs. If you want to help support the scheme or require information about the seal colony and its management at this beach, please visit: www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk.

After not touching our website for 10 years, I am delighted to release the new Benthic Solutions website. This has been designed and improved to provide easy navigation through our specialised services, bespoke equipment, rental equipment, company news and operations gallery, and will be updated regularly. The new ‘Contact Us’ page should allow clients a simple request tool for further information about any of our services; where a member of our team will be happy to help you. I hope you will enjoy your visit.

Benthic Solution’s extensive reputation in innovative science in the marine environmental sector has become further enhanced through our partnerships with two leading specialist environmental companies in 2014. Benthic Solutions is working with both Applied Genomics Limited (specialists in the use of DNA sequencing to monitor biological impacts) and Subacoustech Environmental Limited (specialists in acoustic modelling and monitoring). Working alongside both companies, BSL has developed novel survey protocols to enlarge its capabilities for the implementation of DNA analysis and acoustic monitoring techniques into routine marine assessments alongside our standard survey operations. These new tools will enable BSL to model, acquire, monitor and interpret data cost-effectively to a precision well beyond that currently available in the marine environmental sector.

Our specialist EMCAED™ protocol (Environmental Monitoring and Cuttings Assessment for Exploration Drilling) has continued to be successful in recent years, with multiple projects completed in Greenland, Central America and West Africa, and is becoming a legislative requirement in some countries. We have continued to manufacture and develop our bespoke equipment to ensure these surveys remain extremely cost-effective, whilst providing a flexible and innovative survey strategy. Furthermore, to remain at the cutting edge of commercial marine science, we are implementing additional DNA sequencing analysis and acoustic monitoring, providing further dimensions to these surveys and ensuring a better understanding of project outcomes for our clients.

Benthic Solutions is pleased to confirm that in recognition of our environmental commitment and management plan, the company was awarded ISO 14001 certification in February 2015, presented by QMS International PLC. This, along with our existing quality assurance certification under ISO 9001 (awarded in August 2013) and our participation within the NMBAQC scheme over the past 5 years (for macro-invertebrate and particle size analysis), emphasises BSL’s continued commitment to improvement, and maintaining a high level of quality assurance for our clients.