Marine Biology Services
Marine and Aquatic Studies
Chambers Group’s background ranges from surveys of coastal waters and streams, to inter-tidal and SCUBA surveys and sampling the offshore environment to depths of over 1,400 feet. We also have extensive experience in analyzing wetland habitats and developing mitigation and restoration plans. The marine and aquatic sciences assess the complex interactions among the physical, chemical, and biological environments. Studies of the oceans, bays, harbors, wetlands, streams, and lakes require specialized sampling and analysis techniques. Chambers Group offers services and capabilities in all phases of marine and aquatic sciences.
Mitigation Planning and Habitat Restoration
Chambers Group has been actively involved in all phases of mitigation planning, implementation, and monitoring for marine and wetlands habitats. As part of the environ-mental documentation process, significant impacts are identified, and a detailed mitigation plan is prepared. Often, the mitigation may require habitat restoration. Habitat restoration measures that may be implemented for marine and wetlands impacts include creating an artificial reef, transplanting eelgrass, and restoring coastal wetlands.
Ecological Risk Assessment
Chambers Group biologists have successfully worked with ecological risk assessment modelers to develop models that are relevant to the species and habitat conditions of the project site. Our Marine Biology Group Manager is an aquatic biologist who has been trained in ecological risk assessment and thus understands the needs and constraints of risk assessment models. For example, she worked with ecological risk assessment modelers to address the potential impacts to listed species of chemical munitions burning at several military bases.
Marine Studies and Sampling
Chambers Group conducts marine studies in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service protocols. Marine sampling presents formidable challenges to the investigator. Chambers Group has been the leader in the development of equipment and methodologies to study the oceans. In water deeper than 100 feet, remote sampling and observation techniques must be used. Chambers Group has been among the leaders in using manned submersibles and remote-operated vehicles to study the deeper waters of the ocean. In shallower water, SCUBA diving is often used for observation and sampling. Chambers Group helped pioneer the development of sampling equipment for underwater surveys. For example, we designed a specialized underwater photographic device that takes excellent photographs, even under rough and dirty conditions. Chambers Group maintains a scientific diving program that adheres to the SCUBA diving requirements of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Mitigation Planning / Habitat Restoration
Chambers Group has been actively involved in all phases of mitigation planning, implementation, and monitoring for marine and wetlands habitats. As part of the environmental documentation process, significant impacts are identified, and a detailed mitigation plan is prepared. Often, the mitigation may require habitat restoration. Habitat restoration measures that may be implemented for marine and wetlands impacts include creating an artificial reef, transplanting eelgrass, and restoring coastal wetlands.
- Sampling and Surveying
- Sediment and water column sampling
- Intertidal, subtidal, and deep water surveys
- Modeling and Monitoring
- Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP)
- Water quality analysis and modeling
- Wetlands
- Dredging impact analysis
- Toxic material releases into aquatic environments
- Analysis and Mitigation
- Habitat restoration
- Natural Resource Damage Assessments
- Wetlands restoration
- Dredging impact mitigation
- Eelgrass surveys and mitigation
- Exotic and invasive species removal
- Permit Assistance and Documentation
- Consultation with regulatory agencies
- Permit filing
- Development of processing guidelines
- Other services
Wetlands Studies and Restoration
Chambers Group conducts a variety of coastal and freshwater wetlands studies. These have included jurisdictional wetlands delineations and reconnaissance, analysis of impacts on wetlands from coastal development and storm water discharges, comprehensive analyses of wetlands ecology, as well as wetlands restoration projects. Studies have involved sampling of fishes, benthic invertebrates, small mammals, insects, and water quality in wetlands, as well as asses sing wetland bird use.
Jurisdictional Delineations
Jurisdictional delineations are conducted in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) protocols. A pre-field review of maps, aerial photographs, and soil types is typically conducted to identify potential wetlands and other waters of the United States. Wetlands biologists then conduct field surveys of the project area. Surveys follow transects perpendicular to hydrological gradients. At each sample point, data are collected on vegetation, soils and hydrology. Boundaries of delineated waters of the U.S. and locations of delineation data points are mapped onto aerial photos. Vegetation communities are also delineated in the field. Final map ping and determination of acreage is accomplished using GIS software. Our biologists evaluate the effects of project activities on USACE jurisdiction to attain compliance with provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Chambers Group assists in the preparation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 and Regional Water Control Board Section 401 permit applications as well as California Fish and Game 1600 et.al. Streambed Alteration agreements.
Vernal Pools
Seasonal vernal pools are an important part of our region’s water system and habitat. They are typically found in oak woodlands and chaparral areas. These pools create a distinctive habitat for plant and animal species. Vernal pools serve as a migratory pathway and breeding area for birds, as well as an important ecosystem that supports vernal pool tadpole shrimp. Urbanization is degrading the abundance and nutritional balance of these fragile ecosystems. Construction, water diversion and other human disturbances impact the hydrology of vernal pools. Of particular concern is the survivability of sensitive species such as a variety of fairy shrimp that live in vernal pools. Chambers Group biologists hold U.S. Fish and Wildlife permits to survey for fairy shrimp during the wet and dry seasons. They can assess impacts of proposed construction projects, as required by environmental laws and regulatory agencies, and recommend protection and mitigation strategies.
Laboratory Facilities
The Chambers Group’s marine laboratory houses offshore and intertidal sampling equipment and provides space for sample processing and storage. This facility sup-ports Chambers Group’s scientific diving program and includes tools, transects, photographic equipment, sampling and sorting equipment, collecting devices, and SCUBA equipment. Microscopes and a large collection of California algae, adult and larval fishes, and invertebrates, as well as a library of keys to California species, are maintained. Chambers Group maintains an extensive collection of underwater slides of California fauna and flora to aid in species identification from field and photographic samples.
Marine Biology Projects:
EIR/EIS for Bolsa Chica Wetlands Restoration Project (California State Lands Commission)
A Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) were prepared for the restoration of the Bolsa Chica wetlands. The goal of the restoration is to retain, and to the extent desirable and feasible, enhance the existing fish and wildlife resources, such that the ecosystem will be natural, biologically diverse, productive, and estuarine in nature. Feasibility of alternatives were developed, and a close liason with the Subcommittee and their Engineering Team was established. Key environmental issues include over-wintering habitat for migratory species, nesting habitat for migratory shorebirds and seabirds and endangered species, modifications to the hydraulic regime to meet objectives, interests of contiguous property owners including the County of Orange, interests of concerned recreational groups (including surfers), and the phase out of oil extraction operations. The plan included long-term monitoring to assure the success of the restoration. Other key issues included changes to the Bolsa Chica State Beach as a result of the construction of a new ocean inlet with a new bridge over the inlet on Pacific Coast Highway. Associated issues included recreational impacts on the beach and within the restored lowlands, traffic flow within the beach area as a result of the inlet and bridge, aesthetics issues, construction impacts (including traffic) associated with the moving of large amounts of earth within the lowlands and during bridge construction. This project received an award in 2001 from the California Association of Environmental Professionals Outstanding Environmental Analysis Document for the Bolsa Chica Lowlands Restoration Project EIR/EIS.
Colorado Lagoon Restoration Initial Study (City of Long Beach, sub to Moffatt & Nichol )
The Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project developed alternatives to improve the water quality and restore habitat in Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach. Chambers Group described the existing habitat types in the lagoon, evaluated the habitat benefits of the restoration alternatives, and prepared a California Environ-mental Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study for the project.
Goleta Beach County Park Long-Term Protection Plan EIR (Santa Barbara County Parks)
Chambers Group prepared an EIR for the Long-Term Protection Plan to protect the uses and resources of the park as well be sustainable over 20 years. The plan was needed because erosion associated with major storm events threatens the park and its infrastructure. The EIR focuses on analyzing the impacts of two proposed plans, the Beach Stabilization/Permeable Pile Groin Plan and the Managed Retreat Plan. The EIR focuses on the changes in the environment that could occur as a result of all phases of each of the co-equal projects, including planning, implementing, and monitoring the changes. The EIR addresses both the site-specific and cumulative impacts of the proposed projects. Further, it identifies recommended potentially feasible mitigation measures that could be incorporated into the project to reduce or eliminate adverse environmental effects.
Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project EIS/EIR (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District )
This project involved working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to determine alternatives for the restoration of the Upper Newport Bay ecosystem. Dredging and restoration was necessary to return this area to levels which can support enhanced habitat and attract associated wildlife. After development of a range of alternative bay configurations, the detailed project description and the Final EIS/EIR were completed. A Biological Assessment (BA) was prepared to address potential impacts to listed species.
