-
SRSL provides early-stage baseline studies, as well as surveys for exploration, exploitation, operation and de-commissioning phases of offshore mineral or hydrocarbon mining projects. We also design and implement monitoring programmes for a range of other anthropogenic activities in the marine environment.
|
-
SAMS currently hosts the UK National Facility for Scientific Diving
(NFSD), which provides a dive team for scientific dive training and
commercial services. The dive team is currently based on ten active
scientific divers who conduct over 650 diving operations a year in
numerous environments and countries around the world. The SAMS diving
support boat, Tritonia, is a 9.5m rigid-hulled inflatable boat.
SAMS
dive surveys offered include underwater photography or static
underwater video to quantify biological communities or single species
over defined areas. Specimen collection or in-situ measurements can be
taken by employing advanced and novel specimen collection techniques. We
also provide manual benthic coring for the purposes of pollutant or
species analysis back in the laboratory.
Our dive team can also
take coral cores whilst diving. Coral reefs are ideal sources for proxy
studies of the long-term climatic record. The length of the core is
correlated to the time record and analysis of changes within the core
can determine indirectly the climatic conditions at that point
 SAMS
divers can be contracted to deploy, maintain and/or retrieve
equipment/structures underwater. By attaching the equipment to permanent
or long-term moorings using divers means that the whole mooring does
not have to be lifted each time. If a large surface vessel is required
for this lifting process, then it can be expensive. Continual deployment
and recovery of moorings can impact the sea floor in vulnerable areas.
|
-
Mapping of seabed habitats is an important early-stage activity for
any offshore development project involving the seafloor. SRSL design methodologies and sampling programmes (to include
biological and bathymetric data) so as to characterise benthic habitats.
We would then compile all available data (sidescan and bathymetry data,
benthic video and photographs, and taxonomic data from samples) to form
synoptic seabed habitat maps in accordance with JNCC guidelines.
-
We provide intertidal sampling of flora and fauna or sediment in
intertidal areas. Analysis of benthic taxonomy (identification to
species level and enumeration) is done at the Scottish Marine Institute
using SAMS’ experienced staff. We also offer in-situ measurement of
sediment accretion rate. SRSL deliver in-house
analysis of sediment samples/cores, to include trace metal analysis
(ICP-MS and ICP-OES), nutrient analysis, particle-size analysis,
core-logging, radiochemistry and the characterisation of organic
compounds.
|
-
Measurement and ecological modelling of growth to assess the extent
of marine biofouling on structures, equipment or vessels. Photographic
footage and sampling can identify the fouling organisms and predict
weight and extent of coverage.
-
Macrobenthic infauna and epifauna are surveyed using SAMS’ Research
Vessels (where feasible), in conjunction with a variety of SAMS sampling
devices (such as Gravity Corer, Van Veen Grabs and Box corer,
Multi-corer and Megacorer, Craib corer, Spear corer, Multi-sensor core
logger and Laser particle-size analyser). SAMS also has a benthic lander
fleet with in-situ microsensors for imaging and measuring a range of
benthic parameters.
|
|
