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Wistari Reef marine benthic survey

Dunstans Construction Group, contracted to build the pipelines, commissioned Trinity to develop a possible exit point of the pipelines with the adjacent reefs to minimise impact to the reef.

How we helped

Heron Island, based on the southern Great Barrier Reef, is home to a resort and state-of-the-art research facility. As part of ongoing improvements to the research facility, two new saltwater intake pipelines were required to increase the flow of seawater for experimental treatments.

Dunstans Construction Group, contracted to build the pipelines, commissioned Trinity to develop a possible exit point of the pipelines with the adjacent reefs to minimise impact to the reef.

A team of expert Trinity divers surveyed the adjacent reef area to determine high-, medium-, and low-density reef areas for possible exit routes. Scientists at Trinity then used the data to produce high-quality reef survey maps to allow the construction company to make decisions on best possible, low risk pipeline drill exit points.

Given the high density of coral reef systems adjacent to the island, and the sensitivity of the reef, high-quality, accurate benthic maps were required in order to minimise impact to the reef while drilling and installing the pipeline.

About the project

Several underwater transects ranging from 40-100m long, and at depths of between 6-8m, were undertaken, meticulously documenting major and minor reef building benthic substrates. Substrates included (>30%) hard and soft coral reefs, sponges and ascidians, as well as non-living substrates (<70%), such as dead coral reefs hosting algal mats, rocky pavements, coral rubble and sand. See pics in gallery below.

With this information, a total of over 22,000m2 was mapped out (see heatmap in gallery below) for the identification of potential drill exit points with minimal damage to the living reef structure using sophisticated geographical information system (GIS) machine learning algorithms.

At Trinity, we have multiple accredited research divers and commercial vessels with licenced skippers and scientists. We were able to supply an all-in-one cost effective solution to minimise the risk of damaging the ever-sensitive coral reef systems of the Great Barrier Reef.

The new seawater intake system exceeded the research station’s requirements, provided substantial time and cost savings, and strengthened Heron Island Research Station as a world-class marine research facility.

Trinity developed a clear scope of work that fit our exact project needs, executed the works safely and produced a quality deliverable. Benthic maps prepared by Trinity were used to select drilling exit points on the seabed that avoided impact to the reef, which was critical to the project success. Trinity’s services were highly professional and exactly what was needed.

David Hoffman - Project manager

Client

Dunstans Construction Group

Year

2020

Location

Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

Services

Sectors

Education and healthPorts and maritime

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