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.
