From WA’s river systems to its coastal waters. No aquatic environment too complex.
Western Australia's aquatic environments are among the most biodiverse and ecologically significant in the world — from the ancient river systems of the Kimberley and the Pilbara's seasonal waterways, to the wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain, the coastal estuaries of the southwest and the rich marine environments of the Indian Ocean. Understanding and assessing those environments requires specialist expertise. Trace Ecology's team of marine biologists and freshwater biologists brings that expertise to every project.
We deliver aquatic ecological assessments for developers, miners, infrastructure builders, dredging operators, port authorities and government agencies whose projects intersect with waterways, wetlands, coastal zones or marine environments. Our assessments evaluate ecological health, species diversity, habitat condition and potential project impacts — producing reports that meet the requirements of the EPA, DBCA, the Department of Transport and the EPBC Act, and that stand up to regulatory scrutiny.
Our freshwater ecological assessments examine rivers, creeks, wetlands, lakes and drainage systems across WA and the NT. We assess macroinvertebrate communities, aquatic flora, riparian vegetation and fish assemblages — using standardised sampling methodologies that generate comparable, defensible data. We evaluate physical habitat condition, geomorphology and hydrological connectivity, and identify the presence of threatened freshwater species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act and the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA).
Our marine ecological assessments cover coastal, estuarine and offshore environments — assessing seagrass meadows, coral communities, reef habitats, fish assemblages, invertebrate communities and marine megafauna. We support environmental impact assessments, dredging impact assessments, port and coastal development approvals, and offshore infrastructure projects with rigorous, field-based marine ecological data.
Across both freshwater and marine environments, we provide comprehensive water quality testing and monitoring — measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, nutrients, heavy metals and biological oxygen demand. Our water quality programmes are designed for baseline assessment, impact monitoring and ongoing compliance, and are tailored to the specific requirements of mining operations, industrial facilities and development projects near sensitive water bodies.
Trace Ecology is a division of Trace Enterprises — Perth's only fully integrated heritage, environmental and planning consultancy. Where your aquatic assessment also requires terrestrial surveys, mine site rehabilitation or environmental management plans, our broader team is ready to step in.
Aquatic Surveys & Assessments Index
Every aquatic assessment starts with the right specialist.
Whether you need a freshwater ecological assessment, marine ecology survey or water quality testing programme, Trace Ecology is ready to help. Talk to our team today — no obligation.