Marine life unlocked with project surveys
With twelve months of marine surveys now complete, we’re starting to build a detailed understanding of birds, marine mammals, and marine life in our Bass Strait licence area.
We’ll use this information to inform the design of our Gippsland Offshore Wind Farms, and guide decision making to reduce impacts so the wind farms coexist with the ecosystem.
This understanding is crucial - all Ørsted projects operational from 2030, including our two Gippsland projects, will deliver a net-positive impact on biodiversity - going beyond avoiding and mitigating potential harm, to actively restoring and enhancing biodiversity.
Gippsland’s Project Development Director Albert Quan said surveying offshore in the Bass Strait presents unique challenges.
“Weather conditions can shift quickly, requiring flexible planning and the ability to mobilise quickly when safe survey windows open.”
AECOM’s Principal Environmental Scientist Liz Barton is leading the marine environmental survey program, and says the work demands both technical expertise and adaptability.
“I love being on the ocean, it’s a special place and you never know what you will find.”
“It can also be very challenging - at sea you need to be flexible and adaptable. From a data collection perspective, we are continuously refining our methodology based on the conditions we encounter at sea.”
“My favourite survey is collecting underwater imagery – it reveals an amazing world below the surface and reminds us how adaptive animals are to their environment.”
Since late 2024, scientists and wildlife spotters in planes and boats have undertaken monthly vessel and aerial observation surveys.
Amongst the range of local seabird species and migratory species recorded, clear seasonal patterns are emerging. Humpback whales have been commonly observed during their annual migration, while dolphins and fur seals are observed more consistently throughout the year.
Beneath the surface, underwater imagery and sampling have identified diverse marine life, including several shark species, rays, and a variety of fish typical to the area.
Underwater passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) devices are also being used to listen for marine mammals over extended periods, capturing activity that may not be visible from the surface. Our Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) and a floating LiDAR system are also collecting high quality wind, wave, and tide data.
We’re combining our extensive experience with the expertise of highly respected local ecologists and scientists from Nature Advisory, HiDef, BMT, JASCO, and AECOM so we can shape a comprehensive picture of the marine ecosystem in order to avoid and mitigate harm.
Read more about our marine survey program here
This understanding is crucial - all Ørsted projects operational from 2030, including our two Gippsland projects, will deliver a net-positive impact on biodiversity - going beyond avoiding and mitigating potential harm, to actively restoring and enhancing biodiversity.
Gippsland’s Project Development Director Albert Quan said surveying offshore in the Bass Strait presents unique challenges.
“Weather conditions can shift quickly, requiring flexible planning and the ability to mobilise quickly when safe survey windows open.”
AECOM’s Principal Environmental Scientist Liz Barton is leading the marine environmental survey program, and says the work demands both technical expertise and adaptability.
“I love being on the ocean, it’s a special place and you never know what you will find.”
“It can also be very challenging - at sea you need to be flexible and adaptable. From a data collection perspective, we are continuously refining our methodology based on the conditions we encounter at sea.”
“My favourite survey is collecting underwater imagery – it reveals an amazing world below the surface and reminds us how adaptive animals are to their environment.”
Since late 2024, scientists and wildlife spotters in planes and boats have undertaken monthly vessel and aerial observation surveys.
Amongst the range of local seabird species and migratory species recorded, clear seasonal patterns are emerging. Humpback whales have been commonly observed during their annual migration, while dolphins and fur seals are observed more consistently throughout the year.
Beneath the surface, underwater imagery and sampling have identified diverse marine life, including several shark species, rays, and a variety of fish typical to the area.
Underwater passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) devices are also being used to listen for marine mammals over extended periods, capturing activity that may not be visible from the surface. Our Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) and a floating LiDAR system are also collecting high quality wind, wave, and tide data.
We’re combining our extensive experience with the expertise of highly respected local ecologists and scientists from Nature Advisory, HiDef, BMT, JASCO, and AECOM so we can shape a comprehensive picture of the marine ecosystem in order to avoid and mitigate harm.
Read more about our marine survey program here
Image caption: Specialist crews deploying a remote underwater recording device
Image caption: A humpback whale
Image caption: A pod of 33 dolphins travelling together
Image caption: Fixed wing propeller plane prepared to conduct monthly aerial surveys
Image caption: Underwater imagery of marine life and seabed biodiversity
Image caption: Passive Acoustic Monitoring device, deployed in February 2025, being retrieved from the water (image courtesy JASCO)
Image caption: Growth of marine life on a buoy retrieved from the water
Image caption: Specialist crews conducting water quality sampling