Environmental Monitoring

Monitoring is an essential tool for tracking ecosystem behavior, determining the distribution and magnitude of anthropogenic impacts, and assessing the performance of strategies or techniques for mitigating the effects of particular projects. The professional staff at Applied Marine Sciences, Inc. (AMS) has been involved in monitoring changes in aquatic ecosystems for over the past 30 years, and have designed and implemented diverse monitoring programs throughout the US and abroad. These programs include specific assessments of aquatic flora and fauna in a particular locality to the largest estuarine contamination monitoring program in the United States.

AMS utilizes thoughtful scientific design to produce monitoring programs that are efficient, cost-effective, and are capable of providing data useful to natural resource management decision making. Whether working for a public or private client, AMS works closely with all stake-holders to develop a clear and concise program mission prior to study design. AMS routinely conducts comprehensive literature reviews and assessments of similar programs to assist our clients in identifying a scientifically valid and cost-effective study approach.

AMS has established a reputation for performing the highest caliber of studies (staff members have published extensively in the peer-reviewed scientific literature), and our firm is employed by local, state and federal agencies as well as industrial clients. In addition, our staff of marine biologists, oceanographers and aquatic scientists are routinely employed by other engineering and environmental consultancies to assist in study design and monitoring program execution.

Recent Projects in Environemental Program Management

Regional Monitoring Program for Toxic Contaminants in San Francisco Estuary
AMS is currently managing this $1,000,000 per annum program for the San Francisco Estuary Institute and the State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Read more...

Baseline characterization of Anthropogenic Contamination in Biota Associated with the Alaska OCS Liberty and Northstar Oil and Gas Production Units in the Nearshore Beaufort Sea.
AMS is currently executing for the US Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS Region, a multi-year project it designed to determine the biotic impact of several new oil and gas development projects on federal leases in Alaska's North Slope.Read more...

Central Coast Long-term Environmental Assessment Network
AMS designed and implemented a long-term regional monitoring program in the Monterey Bay area. The Central Coast Long-term Environmental Assessment Network is funded by five municipal and industrial dischargers under the direction of the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Read more...

Monitoring Intertidal Assemblages and Hydrocarbon Concentrations
This project for the US Parks Service to monitor Intertidal assemblages and evaluate concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons was conducted by AMS at Point Reyes National Seashore.