At Thomson, our purpose is to enable business and nature to thrive together. The ecological planning requirements of your marine projects are critical, and we will work with you to make sure they are met, and support compliance and regulations.
Our marine ecology services are tailored to support the entire lifecycle of your project, from early-stage environmental impact assessments (EIA), through to ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Contact our experts today to find out more.
Benefit from dedicated marine ecology expertise
Ensure you are supported at every stage of your project with our advanced expertise and guidance. Our team is made up of experienced marine ecology consultants with expertise across a range of scientific disciplines, all focused on delivering practical, solution-driven advice. We provide specialist support for both off-shore and near-shore developments. Read about our latest projects to find out more.
What marine ecology services do we offer?
Formerly known as Unicomarine, the Thomson marine team offers a fully integrated service. This includes survey design, marine consulting, sample analysis, providing final technical reports, and more.
At Thomson, we provide specialist support to commercial developers and government bodies, such as the Environment Agency, Natural England, and Natural Resources Wales.
Survey design
We have extensive experience in assessing the ecological impact of developments, along with expert understanding of current and emerging marine legislation and policy. This allows us to design surveys that collect the right data to meet your project goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
Our team also specialises in providing ecological advice, surveys, and mitigation measures for projects that span both land and sea, such as cable routes and other linear infrastructure.
Marine macrobenthic samples
We are experts in the analysis of marine macrobenthic samples, with a dedicated team of marine taxonomists and full laboratory facilities.
Marine video & seabed imagery analysis
Our team uses drop-down and towed video systems to capture high-quality imagery of the seabed, helping to characterise habitats and identify species with minimal disturbance. This information provides essential baseline data for impact assessments, monitoring, and compliance. Find out more about our marine video and seabed imagery analysis services.
Particle size analysis
Particle size analysis is a key part of understanding seabed composition. At Thomson, we use laser diffraction and wet/dry sieving techniques to determine the distribution of sediment grain sizes. This data supports habitat classification, impact assessments, and compliance monitoring.
Marine consulting
With a strong understanding of both current and emerging policy, we provide practical, science-led advice that supports sustainable and compliant project delivery across a wide range of marine sectors. Our marine consulting services include expert support with marine licence and permit applications, as well as regulatory assessment support.
“At Thomson Environmental Consultants, our marine laboratory team is dedicated to providing clear, reliable results that our clients can trust. We take complex science and make it easy to understand, so you have the confidence to make the right decisions and keep your project moving smoothly”.
– Patrick Adkins, Marine Laboratory Manager.
Meet our team here and find out more about our professionals.
Choosing Thomson as your marine environmental consultants
At Thomson, we are one of the UK’s leading independent marine ecology specialists, with over 30 years of experience working across offshore, near-shore, and coastal environments. Backed by ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, and a team of Chartered and CIEEM-registered marine consultants, we offer expert support through consenting, licensing, environmental impact assessments, and post-construction monitoring.
Our in-house laboratory is led by world-renowned taxonomic experts, enabling us to process high volumes of samples quickly and accurately – from intertidal zones to deep-sea habitats around the world.
Why not view our recent projects to find out more?
Contact us today for expert advice.
Marine ecology knowledge hub
Explore our knowledge hub for a wealth of resources and insights from our expert marine consultants, from regulations advice, to the latest news and developments in the world of marine ecology.
Frequently asked questions on marine ecology services
What can you expect from a marine environmental consultancy service?
Thomsons’ marine ecology team provides expert surveys, data analysis, and reporting to support projects in the intertidal and subtidal zones. Services include baseline surveys, pre- and post-construction monitoring, and advice tailored to regulatory and planning needs.
When do you need a marine survey?
Marine surveys are required when a development or activity may affect the marine or coastal environment. They are often needed to support planning applications, obtain marine licences, or ensure compliance with environmental legislation. Contact our marine ecology consultants to find out more.
What is a marine survey report?
A marine survey report presents the findings of ecological surveys carried out in marine and coastal environments. It includes data on habitats and species, helping to inform planning applications, environmental assessments, and regulatory compliance.
What is a marine environmental consultant?
A marine environmental consultant assesses the potential ecological impacts of marine and coastal developments. At Thomsons, our marine consultants carry out a range of surveys and monitoring services to support projects while meeting environmental legislation and licensing requirements.
Contact our marine ecology team to find out more.
Explore Deep Blue – Thomson marine ecology newsletter written by our experts
Deep Blue is our free marine ecology newsletter, written by members of our marine team and published regularly. Head over to our Deep Blue page, where you’ll find all our marine publications, and join our mailing list to receive Thomson’s latest news and discoveries straight to your inbox.
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GIS Technical Lead
