Oil Spill Response in Solomon Islands

During Cyclone Oma in late February 2019 the 200 m long bauxite ship MV Solomon Trader grounded on a stretch of coastal coral reef at remote Rennell Island in the southern Solomon Islands, causing physical impacts on the reef and ultimately spilling a significant volume of heavy fuel oil, diesel oil and engine oil. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged to undertake environmental assessment and response prioritization and planning.

Climate adaptation & eco plan for Indon resort

The Manado area of North Sulawesi in Indonesia is world famous as a global destination for adventure diving on some of the world’s most biologically diverse coral reefs, and also boasts significant seagrass and mangrove habitats, backed by jungle-clad mountains.  Preserving the natural environment is critical to sustaining the tourism industry, which is one of the mainstays of the Manado economy.  In this vein Steve Raaymakers is developing a Climate Adaptation and Environmental Management Plan for the Lotus Resort located on the beach south of Manado, including improving waste management, shifting to renewable energy and protecting the fringing mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs, and planning more sustainable coastal protetcion measures as well as staff training and awareness.

Palm oil tanker grounds in Cebu, Philippines

On 8 September 2018 the palm oil tanker Theresa Aquarius grounded in the Port of Naga in Cebu, Philippines.  With super-typhoon Mangkhut bearing down from the central Pacific, the ship was successfully re-floated on the high tide and with the assistance of tugs the following day, with no significant damage to the hull and no discharge of pollution. EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged to undertake an environmental damage assessment and develop an ecological restoration plan in cooperation with Philippines’ authorities.

GEF China wetlands projects evaluated

From July to September 2018 Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants, with support from China national consultant Ms Yue Wang, undertook the Terminal Evaluation of two wetlands conservation projects in China that have been funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the United Nations Development Programme  (UNDP) since 2014. The Anhui wetlands project focuses on conservation of wetlands along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in Anhui province, which provide vital habitat for the critically endangered Yangtze River Finless Porpoise, Yangtze River Alligator and Chinese Sturgeon, as well as a number of species of critically endangered migratory water birds.  The Hainan wetlands project addresses conservation of wetlands on the large island province of Hainan off the south coast of China, with a focus on some of the last remaining mangrove areas in China.  The terminal evaluation finds that both projects have made significant progress in promoting effective conservation of globally important biodiversity in both provinces, including catalysing very significant increases in government investment in wetland conservation. The terminal evaluation identifies lessons learned and makes recommendations to further strengthen and replicate the benefits of the two projects.

Zinc carrier threatens remote atoll

On 24 June 2018 the cargo ship Thorco Lineage carrying 20,000 tonnes of Zinc concentrate grounded on the remote coral atoll of Raroia in the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia, threatening to pollute the highly sensitive coral lagoon.  Raroia Atoll is famous as the grounding site of Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition in 1947. Rapid action by international salvage companies Smit Salvage and Nippon Salvage, supported by the French Navy general purpose tug Bougainville, averted potentially major environmental impacts when the ship was successfully re-floated from the reef and towed to safe-haven in Papeete, Tahiti. EcoStrategic Consultants provided environmental support and advice to the salvage operation.

Island States go for Blue Economies

The 14 Pacific Island countries spread across Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia are often referred to as Small Island Developing States, when in fact given the immense area of ocean under their combined jurisdiction (30 million square km or almost 2x larger than the world’s largest country – Russia), a more accurate descriptor for these far-flung island countries would be Large Ocean States.  With a major lack of land the Pacific Island countries are increasingly looking towards their ocean resources for sustainable economic development – embracing the concept of “Blue Economy”. They are seeking to further develop existing ocean industries such as fisheries, mariculture and coastal and marine tourism, and to also develop new ocean industries such as ocean energy, deep-sea mining and marine biotechnology. As part of its Strategy for the Pacific, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), is assisting the 14 Pacific Island countries to develop a regional development framework for integrated ocean management and sustainable blue economy – The Blue Pacific Strategy. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by UNEP to develop the Blue Pacific Strategy, including ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of Pacific Island countries, and including a proposal for financing by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), under trance 7 of GEF funding (GEF-7).

Yellow Sea Review

Bounded by China, North Korea and South Korea, the Yellow Sea supports a wide range of coastal and marine biodiversity values, produces two million tonnes of capture fisheries and 14 million tonnes of mariculture products each year, hosts critical shipping lanes, and absorbs pollution discharges from five major coastal cities with populations of over ten million inhabitants each (Dalian, Qingdao and Shanghai in China, Pyongyang in North Korea and Seoul/Incheon in South Korea). In order to assist the littoral States to move towards a more cooperative, ecosystem-based approach to the management of the Yellow Sea, since 2017 the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been supporting implementation of the Yellow Sea Strategic Action Programme (SAP). Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged to undertake the Mid Term Review of the Yellow Sea SAP. This includes identifying lessons learned and any adaptive management measures that are needed to ensure successful implementation of the SAP, including the establishment of an inter-governmental Yellow Sea Commission.

Reef assessment in Djibouti

Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic has been apppointed as reef expert by the Court of First Instance in the Republic of Djibouti, in relation to the grounding of the bulk carrier M.V. Bulk Progress in the Port of Djibouti in July 2017. Tasks include undertaking an independent reef damage assessment, developing a reef restoration plan and costing and developing a valuation of reef damage.

North Sea rigs decommissioning

Steve Raaymakers has been engaged by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to undertake a technical environmental review of the proposed decommissioning options, including compliance with OSPAR Convention requirements, of the  Brent oil and gas field in the North Sea. Owned by a Shell/Esso joint venture the Brent field is served by four large platforms (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta), 154 wells, associated subsea infrastructure and a network of seabed pipelines. Production of oil commenced 1976 and shifted to mainly gas in the 1990s. After 40 years of operations, almost all of the economically recoverable reserves have been produced. Decommissioning will take over 10 years. 

Super tanker grounds in Gelasa Straits

The spate of major ship groundings in Indonesia continued in early 2017 with the grounding of the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) M.T. Alex on an unchartered reef in the strategic Gelasa Straits, between Kalimantan and Sumatra.  EcoStrategic provided advice on ecological aspects of the salvage operation to Smit & Samudera Salvage.

Groundings continue in Indonesia

In March 2017 the bulk carrier M.V Lyric Poet ran aground on a remote patch-reef in Gelasa Straits, Indonesia.  EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged to undertake an independent reef damage assessment, develop a reef restoration plan and costing and review damage compensation claims.

Another ship grounding in Indonesia

In February 2017 the 130 m Panama-flagged palm oil tanker the M.T. Global Uranus ran aground at Napo Reef south of Lembeh Island near the Port of Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.  EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged to undertake an independent reef damage assessment and develop a reef restoration plan and costing.

Ship grounding in Indonesia

In November 2016 the 230m Marshallese-flagged oil tanker the M.T. Spottail grounded at Takong Island in Indonesia (just south of Singapore).  EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged to undertake an independent review of ecological damage and compensation valuation.

Expert witness services - Barrier Reef ship grounding

From August 2015 to September 2016 EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged to provide expert witness services to the Federal Court of Australia, in relation to the grounding of the large coal ship Shen Neng 1 on Douglas Shoal on the southern Great Barrier Reef in April 2010. The engagement included reviewing the scientific bases of environmental damage claims and proposed remediation programs, and undertaking independent survey of remaining ecological impacts and the degree of ecological recovery since the incident.  

Ship grounding in Indonesia

On 28 August 2016 the 149 m Cyprus-flagged container ship the M.V. Nica 1 was refloated from Belvedere Reef in Bangka-Belitung Province in Indonesia (off the eastern tip of Sumatra and approximately 400 km north-west of Jakarta).  The ship had grounded on 15 July 2016 and sat on the reef for just over six weeks.  EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged to undertake an independent assessment of ecological damage to Belvedere Reef from the grounding.  The Nica 1 had been enroute from Fremantle in Australia to Singapore.  As an archipelagic State located strategically between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and between Australia and the markets of north Asia, Indonesia hosts very high numbers of transit shipping passing through its waters, which are generally poorly charted.  Ship groundings on Indonesian coral reefs are quite frequent.

Derelict ship removal in Torres Strait

From November 2015 to August 2016 EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged by the Queensland State Government (Maritime Safety Queensland - MSQ) to assess the best environmental options for the disposal of a derelict cargo vessel - the M.V. Sattha - that has been moored near Thursday Island in inner Torres Strait since 2009. Options assessed included scrapping the vessel in-situ, using it to create an artificial reef to enhance fisheries habitat in the vicinity of Thursday Island or at Weipa, towing it down the inner route of the Great Barrier Reef for dismantling and scrapping in Cairns or Townsville, and towing it to the Coral Sea to the east of Torres Strait for scuttling in very deep water (650 m+). The assessment process included consideration of costs and benefits, net environmental impact and consultation with relevant stakeholders. The option of scuttling the vessel in deep water in the Coral Sea came out very clearly as the best option overall. EcoStrategic assisted MSQ to assess the suitability of the vessel for dumping at sea, according to international and national guidelines, screen alternative dump sites, and develop the necessary applications to the Federal Department of Environment for a Sea Dumping Permit, along with an environmental management and monitoring program. 

Ongoing support to Lihir Island community, PNG

From October 2014 to August 2015 EcoStrategic Consultants continued to provide environmental advice and support to the Lihir Mine Area Landowners Association (LMALA), who represent the customary landowners in the vicinity of the Newcrest gold mine on Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea.  While the mine does have a comprehensive environmental management program, it is still an ongoing source of environmental impact on the island, including non-trivial impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems.  During this period EcoStrategic assisted LMALA with the independent assessment of such impacts, including sea dumping of mine waste, erosion and sedimentation in coastal catchments from mine-related earthworks, observed fish kills in coastal waters, impacts of a marine pollution incident from the mine processing plant and air-quality issues affecting residential communities.

Large Marine Ecosystem project - Indonesian Seas

The Indonesian Seas including those around Timor-Leste are a major part of the global epicenter of marine biodiversity - the so-called Coral Triangle region. The Indonesian Seas face many severe stresses and threats and in response the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and in cooperation with the two national governments, is developing the Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem Project (IS-LME). Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by FAO as the marine environment & ecosystems expert on the project design team, with project design fieldwork commencing in February 2015. (further info).

Expert review for Rio Tinto

Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by multi-national mining company, Rio Tinto, to undertake iexpert review of the marine and shipping management plans for Rio Tintos South of Embley bauxite mine and port project, south of Weipa on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, Australia. The review findings will be used both by the Federal Department for the Environment and Rio Tinto to refine marine and shipping management requirements for the project, in accordance with best practices. (further info).

Deep sea mining review - Pacific Islands

The potential for Deep Seabed Mining (DSM) has been identified as a possible economic game-changer for the Pacific Islands region. In preparation for this emerging industry, the European Union (EU), through the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), has been assisting Pacific Island countries to develop governance and institutional capacity to regulate and manage DSM. The project commenced in March 2011 and in August 2014, Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by the EU, through development firm Particip GmbH, to undertake the Mid Term Evaluation of the project. (further info).

Expert advice for Gorgon LNG project

International energy company Chevron along with Exxon Mobil, Shell and other partners, is developing the massive Gorgon LNG Project off the northwest coast of Western Australia, including offshore gas fields, submarine pipelines and construction of a 15.6 million tonne per annum LNG processing plant and export port on Barrow Island. The island is a highly sensitive marine and terrestrial Class A Nature Reserve, and as such the environmental standards and practices for the Gorgon project are extremely stringent. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged to provide expert advice on rigorous marine biosecurity measures, to prevent the potential introduction of marine pests via constriction phase shipping operations. (further info).

Asia-Pacific coral reefs - impacts of ship groundings

The 3rd Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Symposium (APCRS) was held in the coastal resort city of Kenting, southern Taiwan, in June 2014. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants attended and presented a paper on the impacts of ship groundings on Asia-Pacific coral reefs, including best practices for environmental response and marine resource damage assessment. (further info).

Marine pollution response at Lihir Island - PNG

On 23 May Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants provided support and advice to the Lihir Mine Area Landowners Association (LMALA) during a discharge into the marine environment of a carbon-like substance from the Newcrest gold mine on Lihir Island, PNG. Support including assessing the extent and nature of the pollution - which impacted on smaller islands adjacent to Lihir, and advice on suitable cleanup options, including the use of chemical dispersants - which were inappropriately used during the incident. (further info).

Economic assessment of damages at Lihir Island - PNG

As part of the work being undertaken to support the customary landowners on Lihir Island, PNG, as reported in May 2013 below, EcoStrategic Consultants together with MainStream Economics has undertaken an assessment of the economic costs of environmental damage from the Newcrest gold mine on Lihir. The assessment includes using environmental accounting and natural resource valuation methods, to place a monetary value on the damage to all terrestrial, marine and socio-cultural resources on Lihir, to be used in supporting claims for compensation for such damage. (further info).

New capital port - East Timor

Having gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, East Timor is one of the youngest countries in the World, and still faces many significant development challenges. These include a major lack of seaport infrastructure that is needed to expand both the exports and imports necessary to facilitate general economic development. To address this bottleneck, the International Finance corporation (IFC) is supporting the East Timorese Government to develop a new major capital port at Tibar Bay, just to the west of the capital, Dili. EcoStrategic Consultants has been contracted by IFC to undertake the environment and social impact scoping studies for the new port. (further info).

Seychelles State of the Environment Report

The Republic of the Seychelles is a group of over 100 islands located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The Seychelles is renown world-wide for the stunning beauty of its natural environment, ranging from spectacular granite mountains clad in rich tropical forests, to sparkling white beaches and turquoise coral lagoons. As such tourism forms the major component of the national economy, followed by fisheries, both industries being highly dependent on the ecological integrity of the environment. New industries are potentially emerging, including offshore oil and gas and deep seabed mining, which may pose major challenges for the existing environmentally dependent economy. To help address these challenges the Government of Seychelles, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is developing its first-ever National State of the Environment Report. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged as the team leader for the project, working with a team of Seychellois consultants and experts. (further info).

Vessel grounding on Great Barrier Reef

EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to undertake a reef damage assessment following grounding of the dive-tourism vessel M.V. Kangaroo Explorer at Briggs Reef, offshore from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. (further info).

Rapid assessment at Lihir Island - PNG

Lihir is a small, very rugged, mountainous island only 22 km long x 14 km wide, located off the east cost of New Ireland in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Lihir hosts one of the largest open cut gold mines in the world, operated by Australian company Newcrest Mining Ltd (NML). Under PNG laws mining companies must provide the customary landowners in the mine-impacted area with an Integrated Benefits Package (IBP), including financial, infrastructure, education, health and other development benefits for the landowners. The IBPs are required to be periodically reviewed and revised (nominally every 5 years), and this is currently underway between NML and the landowners representative group - the Lihir Mine Area Landowners Association (LMALA). To support the IBP review process, EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by LMALA to undertake a Rapid Environmental Assessment of impacts caused by the mine, and recommend how these might best be addressed in a new, revised IBP. (further info).

World Ocean Council - climate change impacts on ports

The World Ocean Council (WOC) held it second Sustainable Oceans Summit (SOS) in Washington D.C. in April 2013. As a WOC member Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants attended and presented a paper on designing and developing industrial ports in response to global climate change and sea level rise. (further info).

Environmental audit at Nawae construction - PNG

EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by Nawae Construction Ltd (NCL) in PNG to undertake an environmental audit of their slipway, vessel repair facilities, fuel storage tanks and mechanical workshops at Alotau in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. (further info).

2nd Global review of shipboard treatment systems

EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by HF Scientific (HFS) and Watts Water Technologies (WWT) in the USA to undertake a global review of the current technical status and potential market opportunities for shipboard ballast water treatment systems, as entry-into-force of the IMO ballast water Convention draws ever closer. (further info).

Offshore bunkering review

EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to undertake a review of the practice of offshore bunkering / ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and cargo in the Great Barrier Reef region. (further info).

Global review of shipboard treatment systems

EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by Trojan UV (TUV) in the USA to undertake a global review of the current technical status and potential market opportunities for shipboard ballast water treatment systems, particularly those that use physical filtration as a primary treatment. (further info).

Marine environment advice for Ok Tedi

Steve Raaymakers has been engaged by Ok Tedi Mining Limited in Papua New Guinea, to provide advice on prevention of, preparedness for and response to marine pollution from land-based facilities and vessels that service the mine. Ok Tedi is sustained by a major shipping task, as all supplies, including oil, diesel and other fuels, explosives, chemicals and other dangerous goods are transported up the Fly River from the Gulf of Papua to support the mine, and all ore mined from Ok Tedi is transported by vessels down the Fly River to larger export vessels (further info).

Coal port risk review

EcoStrategic has provided advice on environmental, sustainability and regulatory approval risks to potential investors in a proposed new major coal port in central Queensland. (further info).

New oil spill equipment strategy for PNG

Under ongoing support being provided by EcoStrategic Consultants for the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), a new National Oil Spill Equipment Strategy has been developed for the country. The Strategy seeks to ensure closer coordination between NMSA, the PNG Ports Corporation and private industry, in establishing an integrated and coordinated national inventory of oil spill equipment, to meet the increasing threat of marine oil spills in PNG from major resource developments (further info).

2nd Review of Newcastle Dredging

Under the standing panel engagement with the Australian Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities (SEWPAC), a second technical review was undertaken of the revised Long Term Dredge Material Management Plan for the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia (further info).

PNG marine team surveys Louisiade Islands

In Febuary 2012 EcoStratgic Consultants organized and led a three week expedition to the Jomard Passage area in the remote Louisiade Archipelago of Milne Bay Province, eastern PNG, as part of the ongoing National Maritime Risk Assessment. The expedition included participation by officers from the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) and Milne Bay Provincial Administration. Jomard Passage is the main transit route for large bulk carriers trading betwen Australian east-coast ports and markets in North Asia, and is considered a very high risk area for shipping and pollution incidents. It is also an extremely sensitive and valuable area with significant coral reefs, and local island communities that are highly dependent on marine resources. Activities undertaken during the research voyage included monitoring vessel traffic through Jomard Passage, assessing navaids and other incident prevention measures, surveying islands for marine debris, wildlife surveys, comprehensive mapping of marine habitats for oil spill sensitivity, and consultation with island communities. The report will be used to help develop improvements to marine environment protection arrangements, including possible development of a PSSA proposal for the area (further info).

Grounded vessel response - Port Moresby

Between 20 and 24 December Steve Raaymakers assisted the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) in the response to the grounding of the F.V. Miya Maru on Sinavi Reef off Port Moresby. The response included assessment of actual and potential pollution and preliminary assessment of damage to the environment and marine resources, and development of a plan to remove all remaining pollutants from the vessel and render the vessel safe (further info).

Policy support for Great Barrier Reef Authority

Steve Raaymakers was engaged by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to provide strategic, policy and technical advice on the management of ports and shipping in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The work is in response to current and predicted increases in shipping through the reef from ongoing expansion of Queensland ports. Advisory reports to the Authority were preapred on ports and shipping issues to be addressed in the overall Strategic Assessment of the World Heritage Area, identification of best management practices, a draft framework for a GBRMPA Policy on Ports and Shipping, and specific technical advice on the development of a Ship Grounding Compensation Regime for the Great Barrier Reef, and on ship-to-ship bunkering operations (further info).

Climate change advice for S Korea

Steve Raaymakers was sponsored by the Korean Internatiomal Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Marine Environment Protection Corportaion (KOEM) to attend a two-day expert meeting in Inchon, South Korea in November 2011. Steve presented on models and lessons on climate change vulnerability assessment and adapation in the coastal zone from Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand and the South Pacific, to a large delegation of scientists, environmental managers and officials from a range of South Korean government agencies and academic institutions. Experts from the USA, Indonesia and Vietnam also shared their experiences. South Korea is using the findings fo the meeting to further develop its national strategy on climate change vulnerability assessment and adapation in the coastal zone, and opportunities for bilateral and muliti-lateral cooperation between countries in the region were also developed. (further info).

Deep seabed mining workshop- Fiji

In the last week of November 2011 Steve Raaymakers attended an international workshop on "Environmental Management Needs for the Exploration & Eploitation of Deep Seabed Minerals" in Nadi, Fiji, following his work developing the Offshore Mining Policy for Papua New Guinea earlier in 2011. The workshop was organized by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) (workshop report). (further info).

Community consultation - Port Vila

Steve Raaymakers was engaged by the Governmet of Vanuatu to support a community consultation process for a proposed new container terminal in Port Vila, and provide advice to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (who are looking to invest in the project), on environmental management of the development. EcoStrategic Consultants had undertaken the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed container terminal in 2010 (further info).

Dredging review - iron ore port

Under the standing panel engagement with the Australian Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities (SEWPAC) as reported in July 2010, a technical review has been undertaken of proposed dredging to develop a new iron-ore export port by Fortescue Metals Group, at Anketell Point just north of Dampier in Western Australia (further info).

Port expansion review - Abbot Point

In June 2011 Steve Raaymakers was engaged by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to review proposed expansions at the coal export port of Abbot Point, on the Central Queensland Coast, Australia. Expansion plans include significant expansion of coal exports and the reclamation of 400 ha of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and dredging of 250 ha to create a Multi-Cargo Facility, including for a possible major LNG facility. The review addressed a range of environmental issues including identification of possible environmental offsets for impacts to the World Heritage Area (further info).

Deep Sea Mining Policy- PNG

In March 2011 Steve Raaymakers was contracted by the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Department of Minerals Policy & Geohazards Management to develop the National Offshore Mining Policy for PNG. PNG is one of the first countries in the world to grant a Mining Lease for commercial deep-sea mining (depths greater than 1,500 m), as well as over 95 deep sea mining Exploration Licences. The Policy, along with proposed amendments to the PNG Mining Act 1992, Mining (Safety) Act 1977 and Environment Act 2000, are designed to provide PNG with a world-class policy and legislative regime to manage deep sea mining in an orderly and sustainable manner, consistent with international Law of the Sea and related legal regimes (further info).

National Risk Assessment - PNG

In December 2010 EcoStrategic Consultants with a project team from the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PCL), commenced the first ever National Marine Pollution Risk Assessment for PNG. The study covers all PNG ports and national waters out to 200 NM, and assesses the risk of spills of oil and other pollutants from ships and other sources, including offshore facilities and onshore oil terminals. The assessement is being developed using Geograophic Information System (GIS) and will inform the development of a new National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan. The risk assessment is being undertaken in response to a significant increase ship traffic transiting through PNG waters, between Australian bulk ports and Asian markets, and increasing shipping calling at PNG ports with expansion of resource projects (further info).

Two ship grounding responses

In December 2010 and January 2011 EcoStrategic Consultants was called out to assist the response to two separate groundings by large bulk carriers on coral reefs in South East Asia. Services provided included environmental advice to the salvage operations to minimize reef impacts, marine resource damage assessments, assessment of the need for reef restoration, and assistance with determining compensation payments to local governments and reef users. Both ships were refloated with minimal environmental impact and zero release of pollution. (further info).

Long Term Dredging Plan - Port of Newcastle

Under the standing panel engagement with the Australian Commonwleath Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities (SEWPAC) as reported in July 2010, a technical review has been undertaken of proposed Long Term Dredge Material Management Plan for the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia (further info).

Ongoing lectures at Australian Defence College

Under the standing arrangement with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong, as reported in June 2008, Steve Raaymakers has continued to provide lectures on IMO marine environment protection Conventions to officers of the Royal Australian Navy and visiting allied navies, through the annual Command and Staff Course at the Australian Defence College (ADC) in Canberra. The latest course was run in March/April 2011. The lecture series includes an introduction to the environmental impacts of shipping, and familiarises Naval officers with provisions under the MARPOL, AFS, Ballast Water and other Conventions. The lectures are designed to better equip Australian and allied navy officers with the knowledge required for compliance with and enforcement of the IMO regime (further info).

Climate change strategy for maritime sector - PNG

EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged to develop a Climate Change Stragey and Action Plan for the maritime sector in Papua New Guinea, inclduing measures to implement latest requirements on the issue adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Strategy and Action Plan is the first to be developed for a spepcifc sector of the PNG economy, under the Government's broader national response to climate change. It addresses the operations of the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), of the PNG Regsitered fleet and of internatiomnal ships that visit PNG ports, which are growing rapdly with various resource developments in the country. The Strategy and Action Plan includes both climate change mitigation and adpatation measures for the maritime sector (further info).

Sea Dumping Panel Renewed

From 1 July 2010 a number of consultancies including EcoStrategic commenced listing on the Australian Department of Environment’s (DEWHA) sea dumping consultancy panel.  Services obtained from the panel include scientific, environmental and technical assessment and advice on dredge spoil disposal, sinking of derelict vessels and placement of artificial reefs, related environmental impact assessments and management and monitoring programs.  EcoStrategic’s first engagement through the panel is review of the sampling and analysis plan for proposed dredging at the Port of Dampier, Western Australia, for an additional LNG trunk link from the Pluto gas field, by Woodside Petroleum (further info).

Strategic Plan for Western Indian Ocean

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO), including the island States of Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles and the East African coast from Somalia to South Africa, hosts some of the last remaining least disturbed tropical marine resources in the world, which support over 60 million coastal people.  These resources, including extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests, are threatened by a range of impacts, including various land-based activities and sources of marine pollution.  To assist countries to address these impacts, with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has implemented a project called Addressing land-based activities in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO-LaB) since January 2005.  The WIO-LaB project has, amongst many other significant achievements, resulted in the adoption of a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) on land-based activities, by all of the Contracting Parties to the Nairobi Convention. The WIO-Lab project comes to an end on 30 June 2010 and a second Full Scale Project is being developed for the implementation of the SAP. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic has been contracted by UNEP as Project Design Expert to develop the project proposal. (further info).

EIA for Port Vila

EcoStrategic Consultants has been contracted by engineering firm Soros Associates to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a new container terminal in Port Vila, Vanuatu.  The EIA is part of a Bankable Feasibility Study being undertaken by Soros for the Government of Vanuatu, with funding from AusAID. The project aims to secure financing to develop a new international-class container terminal to support Vanuatu’s shipping-dependent economy, building on the existing, vastly overstretched container facility owned and operated by Ifira Trustees Ltd. (further info).

EcoStrategic joins piracy fight

Following the collapse of effective governance in Somalia in the early 1990’s, foreign fishing vessels began plundering the extremely rich marine resources off the coast of Somalia, exploiting the lack of an effective maritime enforcement regime.  There are also reports that some unscrupulous operators took advantage of the governance vacuum, to use Somali waters as a dumping ground for toxic wastes.  In response, Somali coastal communities began mounting attacks on the intruders, sometimes holding hostages and demanding ransoms.  Unfortunately, this initially defensive action has escalated into a full-blown plague of piracy, which may well have developed links to organized terrorist groups. As part of the international response to this major emergency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is, inter alia, implementing the Djibouti Code of Conduct to combat and repress piracy. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic has been engaged by IMO to develop the Implementation Plan for the Djibouti Code of Conduct (further info).

Ballast System Type Approval

In July 09 we reported on the development of the NK-O3 ozone-based ballast water treatment system by NK Co. Ltd of Korea, which is being supported by EcoStrategic Consultants.  As reported the system was granted Final Approval by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in July 2009 and in November 2009 it received Type Approval from the Korean Maritime Administration.  This gives the system all regulatory clearances needed to enter the commercial market, and three systems have already been sold, two for crude oil tankers and one for a chemical tanker (further info).

EIS Reviews for PNG

EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) to undertake independent reviews of the Environmental Impact Statements for two major development projects that have major maritime implications.  These are the PNG-LNG project by Exxon-Mobil and partners and the proposed development of a new international port facility in Port Moresby by Curtain Brothers, in part to service the PNG-LNG project (further info).

5th GEF Waters Conference a success

Australia's approach to environmental protection and natural resource management was under the international spotlight from 24 to 29 October 09, when the city of Cairns hosted over 200 delegates to the 5th Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Water’s Conference (IWC-5).  The IWCs are held biennially to share lessons and experiences and plan improvements for future GEF projects.  The Conference included technical field trips to the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas, to show-case Australia’s approach to protection and management of these resources.  Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic was engaged as Technical Coordinator for the conference. (further info).

Biodiversity Focus in North Asia

On 16 and 17 September 2009 neighbours China, Japan, Russia and South Korea met in Toyama, Japan, to discuss and develop initiatives to protect coastal and marine bio-diversity in their shared seas, through the UNEP North West Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP). This regional sea has a high level of coastal and marine bio-diversity threatened by extreme pressures, including major extractive fisheries, highly concentrated shipping, highly urbanized and industrialized catchments and heavily engineered coastlines.  An information-sharing workshop included presentation of possible models for cooperative regional bio-diversity management from other regions, and a proposal from Japan to develop a marine bio-diversity assessment tool with targets and indicators. National status reports from member-countries were also presented.  This was followed by a one-day brainstorming session to develop possible projects to conserve and protect coastal and marine bio-diversity in the NOWPAP region.  EcoStrategic Consultants facilitated the process and a report has been prepared on outcomes and proposed marine and coastal biodiversity projects, to be considered by the 14th NOWPAP Inter-Governmental Meeting in December 09. Japan will host the 10th Conference of Parties (COP10) of the International Convention on Bio-diversity (CBD) in October 2010. (further info).

IMO approves new ballast treatment system

On 17 July 2009 the 59th meeting of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) granted Final Approval for the NK-O3 shipboard ballast water treatment system. The NK-O3 system is based on Ozone and has been developed by Korean company NK Co Ltd, with support from EcoStrategic Consultants. EcoStrategic has been appointed an agent for the system, which has been tested according to the requirements of the IMO ballast water Convention, and shown to meet the IMO treatment standards. The NK-O3 system has many benefits, including relatively low costs, small engine-room footprint, simplicity of design, easy to retro-fit to existing ships, no requirement to carry hazardous chemicals on-board (ozone is generated as required), and environmentally benign.  This system represents a major breakthrough in the fight against ballast-mediated marine bio-invasions, and provides shipowners with a highly effective tool to ensure compliance with the IMO ballast water Convention (further info).

Incident review underway

Under the Australian National oil spill contingency plan, a formal incident review is undertaken after every oil spill that is responded to under the plan, in order to identify lessons learned and make recommendations for improving oil pollution preparedness and response arrangements.  Following the oil spill in South East Queensland from the container ship Pacific Adventurer in March 2009 (see March news below), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has established an Incident Review Team to undertake the review of the response and clean-up operation. The team comprises Mr Michael Julian as independent chairman, Mr Graham Edgley of Sydney Ports Corporation and Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic, supported by Mr John Gillies of AMSA.  The incident review report will be completed by end July 2009 and will be publicly available on the AMSA web site later this year. (further info).

Technical support for PNG Maritime

The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) of Papua New Guinea (PNG), is the government agency responsible for the regulation of shipping in PNG, through the implementation of the international legal regime as administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As PNG is both an Island Nation and a Nation of Islands – shipping is vital to the country’s economic survival and ongoing development. PNG is also extremely rich in marine resources – and NMSA’s functions include protecting these resources from pollution and other environmental impacts of shipping.  As reported previously, in 2007 and 2008 EcoStrategic Consultants worked with maritime law firm BWA, to develop a suite of new marine pollution laws for PNG – consistent with the IMO regime.  The new laws are now being prepared for Parliamentary submission, and NMSA has engaged EcoStrategic to provide ongoing technical advice and support in this area, including being ‘on-call’ to assist with the response to potential pollution incidents and related matters (further info).

Spill response upgrade for SE Asia

The region encompassed by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), comprising Brunei, Indonesia, Kampuchea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, hosts some of the richest, most diverse and productive coastal and marine ecosystems of the world, as well as some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The region is constantly threatened by the risk of shipping accidents, and has experienced many major and minor oil spills in recent years.  The ASEAN members recognize that the effective response to such incidents, often requires trans-national cooperation, and a regional Oil Spill Response Action Plan (OSRAP), has been in place since 1995.  The OSRAP lays out the principles and procedures for ASEAN members to assist each other in the event of major pollution incidents.  In light of lessons from recent major spills in other parts of the world, in 2009 ASEAN has moved to review and update the OSRAP, including the development of a new regional Strategy and Action Programme.  The project is supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and is being undertaken by Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants. (further info).

Queensland spill response supported

On 11 March 2009 approximately 300 tonnes of Heavy Fuel Oil that had spilt from the container ship Pacific Adventurer, began impacting on Australia’s famous surf beaches and National Park islands along 60km of the South East Queensland coast, from Marcoola on the Sunshine Coast to Moreton Island, off Brisbane.  The ship’s fuel tanks had been holed when 31 containers fell overboard as the ship steamed north in rough seas and high winds, towards Cyclone Hamish.  Popular beaches, rocky headlands and several creeks and wetlands were oiled, in this highly sensitive area. Both the State and National oil spill contingency plans were activated, and the incident was declared a Disaster, triggering emergency disaster management powers.  EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to provide advice on the environmental effectiveness of the spill response, including clean-up priorities and strategies, and the use of chemical oil spill dispersants. (further info).

PNG Marine Laws Completed

In October 07 we reported on the contract with the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), through Cairns - based Brian White and Associates (BWA), to develop new marine protection and pollution prevention and response legislation for Papua New Guinea.  The drafting phase of the project was completed in Dec 08, producing five new Bills with four supporting Regulations, implementing the relevant IMO and related international instruments in PNG, including the MARPOL Convention, AFS Convention, OPRC Convention and HNS Protocol, Intervention Convention, Civil Liability, Bunkers and Fund Conventions, London dumping Protocol and the international ballast water Convention.  The project involved a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process, and cabinet and parliamentary submission papers have been prepared for both passing of the Bills, and accession to those IMO marine environment protection Conventions that PNG has not yet ratified.  If passed and implemented, the new Bills will significantly increase protection of PNG’s vital coastal and marine resources from sea-based sources of pollution and related impacts, while allowing the sustainable development of the maritime sector in PNG. Further info. (further info).

Ship Inspectors as Ocean Protectors

When it comes to protecting the World’s oceans from ship-sourced pollution, the role of Port State Control (PSC) inspectors cannot be over-stated.  Ships must be designed, built and equipped to certain standards, as specified by the international legal regime of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Ensuring that ships comply with the relevant international standards is the main function of PSC inspectors.  Enhanced global efforts in Port State Control in recent years, has been a significant factor in reducing the number of sub-standard ships plying our oceans, and in reducing accidents and pollution incidents.  In order to carry out these functions, PSC inspectors must have a thorough understanding of the myriad maritime legal instruments that they are charged with enforcing.  In Australia, Port State Control is undertaken by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The rigorous training regime for AMSA ship inspectors, includes a five-day intensive course on the International Law of the Sea and IMO Conventions, delivered by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS).  As part of this course, Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic has been engaged by ANCORS to deliver training modules relating to the IMO marine environment protection Conventions. (further info).

Arafura Action Attracts Global Funds

An Action Plan to address trans-boundary threats to living marine resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas, has attracted support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Australian Government, as part of the broader multi-party Coral Triangle Initiative.  The project preparation grant will be used to develop a full scale project proposal and a framework for a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA). The TDA will lay the basis for enhanced regional cooperation between Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste, for the sustainable management of their shared seas. High priority issues in the region include illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, and the development of alternative sustainable livelihoods for coastal peoples to discourage this.  Steve Raaymakers has been engaged by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assist development of the project, which is being coordinated by the Arafura and Timor Seas Experts Forum (ATSEF). (further info).

Barrier Reef Shipping Review

Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic has been engaged by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation - to undertake a strategic review of shipping activities in the Great Barrier Reef region. Shipping has been identified as one of five key threats to the Reef. The Foundation mobilizes private sector funding for research into protecting the Great Barrier Reef, and the review will include identification of high priority actions, that could be undertaken to improve protection of the Reef from shipping.   The Foundation’s Chairman’s Panel comprises Chief Executives and Chairmen of 33 significant Australian companies, providing the opportunity to directly educate Australia’s key business leaders about the threats and pressures on the Great Barrier Reef, as well as what is being done to address them. (further info).

Port EIA for Arab Emirate

EcoStrategic Consultants has been contracted by engineering firm Soros to develop a scope of works, timeline and workplan for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a proposed new port facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The EIA planning is part of a pre-feasibility study being undertaken by Soros, including development of the project implementation schedule, detailed engineering design, financial closure, contracts procurement, phase wise construction, and probable date of operation of the port. Environmental issues to be considered in the EIA include possible impacts of dredging and land redclamation, construction of breakwater, possible impacts on hydrodynamics and coastal processes, possible impacts on coastal and marine biodiversity and ships' waste management. (further info).

Eco-training for Aus Navy

According to the princple of Sovereign Immunity under international law of the sea, naval and other military forces are usually exempt from the requirements of maritime Conventions. Such exemptions may be extended to government bodies under national laws, in Australia through the similar principle of Crown Immunity. However, Australia has passed legislation requiring all government boides, including the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), to comply all relevant national and international laws. The Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), based at the University of Wollongong south of Sydney, has an ongoing contract to provide education and training in international maritime law, to officers of the RAN and visiting allied navies, through the Australian Defence College (ADC) in Canberra. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged through ANCORS, to lecture at ADC on international maritime Conventions relating to environment protection and marine pollution prevention and control, as well as emerging trends in environmental issues relating to shipping. The lecture series will better equip Australian and allied navy officers, with the knowledge required for improved environmental performance of naval operations. (further info).

New marine laws for PNG

Marine resources are of utmost importance to Papua New Guinea (PNG), which hosts some of the last remaining pristine coral reefs of the world, where coastal peoples are still reliant on susbsistence fishing for day-to-day survival, and where ongoing development of commercial fisheries forms a vital part of the country’s economic future.  These resources face a number of significant threats, including pollution from ships.  The country hosts a number of international shipping lanes, including the main transit routes between the major east coast ports of Australia and their export markets in north Asia.  There have been several incidents resulting in pollution in recent years.  As part of efforts to address this threat, EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged by the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), through maritime law firm BWA, to develop new marine pollution legislation for PNG.  The new laws will implement all of the relevant Conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and provide PNG with a 21st Century legal regime for marine environment protection. (further info).

Busting ballast bugs in Busan

The Northwest Pacific region, comprising China, Japan, the Koreas and Russia, is at the global epicentre of the issue of ship-bourn invasive aquatic species.  The region has some of the densest shipping traffic in the world.  Shipping and ports are expanding rapidly as the region’s economies continue to expand. The massive shipyards of China, Japan and South Korea are building around 80% of the current surge in global ship tonnage.  Fisheries and aquaculture are also of utmost importance in the region, providing a foundation of protein security for around one third of the planet’s population.  The region is detecting increasing incidences of marine bio-invasions, and is also a major source of harmful species that have been exported to the coastal waters of every continent outside of Asia.  In order to begin to address these issues, EcoStrategic Consultants has been engaged to develop a framework for a Regional Action Plan on ship-bourn invasive aquatic species, for the Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP).  The framework plan was considered and further developed by NOWPAP member States at a workshop held in Busan, South Korea 11-12 October 2007, supported by the the South Korean Government. (further info).

Valuable visit to Vladivostock

The Russian Far East with its Pacific coasts is a region of increasing marine environmental focus, containing more than 40% of Russia’s commercial fisheries, hosting extremely important biodiversity resources - including a number of threatened marine mammal species - and with oil and gas industries expanding on and around Sakhalin Island, the near-pristine Kamchatka Penninsula and other areas.  Invited and supported by the Sea Protection Institute of the Admiral Nevelskoy Maritime State University (MSU) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), from 1 to 8 October Steve Raaymakers visited Vladivostock, Russia’s ‘Pacific Capital’, and participated in a number of activities.  These included presenting the keynote speech at the biennial Far East Marine Ecology Conference, assisting the first coastal cleanup to be carried out in the region under the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), participating in a multi-stakeholder round-table on oil and gas development in the region, and undertaking a number of interviews on marine environment protection for Russian television. (further info).

New spill manuals for PEMSEA

Volumes of oil carried at sea are increasing significantly with expanding global trade and economic development. The occurence and further risk of major marine pollution incidents is heightened in Asia, with major shipping lanes serving the trade routes to and from Japan, South Korea and ever-expanding China. The region's coast and oceans are of utmost importance, hosting the world's highest marine bio-diversity, 30% of world coral reefs, 40% of world mangroves and seagrasses, and producing more than 50% of global fisheries. In recognition of the need to enhance protection of these ocean values from the increasing risks of pollution, the UN programme on Partnerships for Environmental Management in the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), has developed two new training manuals:

• Contingency Planning for Oil Spills
• Cost Recovery from Oil Spills

Coastal Cleanups for East Asia

As reported in July 2006, the seas and coasts of East Asia are experiencing extremely high levels of pollution from solid wastes, discharged from both land- and sea-based sources. Such marine 'litter', also called marine debris and comprising large quantities of plastics as well as derelict fishing gear, is causing significant impacts on wildlife through entanglement and ingestion, interfering with safety of navigation and severely degrading coastal amenity, tourism and recreation values. EcoStrategic is assisting the countries of the region to tackle the problem, including undertaking a Regional Review on Marine Litter in the East Asian Seas and developing a Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter for the UNEP Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA). EcoStrategic is also providing support on the issue to the UNEP North West Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP), and provided technical expertise at workshops held in Japan, Indonesia and China in recent months. (further info).

Improving controls on dredging and dumping

EcoStrategic has recently submitted a major report to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), reviewing barriers experienced by developing countries in acceding to and complying with the international regulatory regime on the dumping of wastes at sea. The review assesses the compatibilities of various global and regional legal instruments on sea dumping; identifies legal, policy, institutional, socioeconomic and technical barriers faced by developing countries. The review also recommends a global programme of action, comprising a range of capacity-building, institutional-strengthening and technical assistance activities, to help developing countries to overcome these barriers. The report was considered by a meeting of the Scientific Group of the Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, held in Spain in June 2007. (further info).

Gold award for IMO film

In March 2006 we reported on the release by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the film Invaders from the Sea. The 50 minute documentary, which provides a fascinating insight to the problem of ship-bourne bio-invasions, won the Gold Award in the category of “Best United Nations Feature” at this year’s third annual United Nations Documentary Film Festival, held in New York from 21 to 22 April. The film was one of 31, selected from more than 200 entries, screened at the festival. The key requirement for the festival was that films should reflect one or more of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). A DVD version of Invaders from the Sea can be purchased from IMO for £10. (further info).

EcoStrategic supports marine safety

Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants has been appointed to the Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) of the Australian National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC). The NMSC advises Australian Federal, State and Territory Governments on the development and implementation of national marine safety standards, laws and regulations. Raaymakers has been appointed to provide expert technical advice and support on the nexus between maritime safety and marine environmental protection; 'performance' as opposed to 'prescriptive' regulatory models; catalysing the implementation of maritime regulatory regimes through technical assistance and capacity building and addressing the human element of maritime safety through communication, training and education. (further info).

Biodiversity boost for Indonesian seas

The seas surrounding Indonesia are extremely rich in living marine resources, including major fisheries and poorly understood marine biodiversity.  They lie at the very epi-centre of global marine biodiversity - the so-called “coral-triangle” bounded by Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea (PNG). This marine "Garden of Eden" is known to have the highest diversity of species of mangroves, seagrasses, fishes and corals in the World.  As part of global efforts to conserve marine bio-diversity, the Census of Marine Life (CoML) has secured US$40K in funding from the Sloane Foundation, to begin to include the Indonesian Seas in CoML. Initial actions include the establishment of a National Task Force and Secretariat, undertaking a status review with proposals for action, and establishing an information system. Preparation of the funding proposal was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and undertaken by EcoStrategic Consultants, and constitutes part of co-financing for the GEF/UNDP Arafura and Timor Seas project proposal. (further info).

Maritime impacts of climate change

Global climate change is affecting all aspects of human life. The maritime sector, including shipping, fisheries, offshore oil and gas and coastal and marine tourism, is no exception. A number of major impacts are foreseen, including an increase in frequency and severity of extreme whether events, opening of new navigation routes through melting of sea ice, especially in Arcrtic areas, flooding and erosison of coastal areas, and changes in fisheries resources due to effects of climate change on ocean eco-systems. While there is a wealth of information and events on the scientific aspects of global climate change and on the impacts upon different sectors, no specific information is available and very little action has been taken to date with regard to climate change and the maritime sector. To begin to address this major gap, the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden, is convening an international conference Impacts of Climate Change on the Maritime Industry (ICCMI2008), in Malmo 2-4 June 2008. Steve Raaymakers has been appointed to the Adivsory Committee for the conference (further information iccmi@wmu.se). (further info).

Environment action for East Asian ports

With a high rate of ongoing economic development in East Asia, most major industrial ports in the region are undergoing significant expansion, and may new ports are being developed. Such development can have significant environmental impacts. In order to assist the integrated environmental management of major ports, the UN programme on Partnerships for Environmental Management in the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), has developed the Ports Safety, Health and Environmental Management (PSHEM) Code, for both port authorities and companies operating in ports. The code has a number of elements including modular training packages, a comprehensive guidance manual on PSHEMS implementation and a manual and guidelines for ports on pollution contingency planning and cost recovery. EcoStrategic Consulants has been contracted by PEMSEA to undertake detailed technical review and editing of these manuals, ready for publication in mid 2007. (further info).

New Pacific partner

Another consultant has joined EcoStrategic’s global network of independent partners; Jeff Kinch based in Papua New Guinea. Jeff is a maritime anthropologist with a wealth of experience in the the soceo-economic and cultural as well as natural resource management aspects of marine resources in Papua New Guinea, broader Melanesia and the Western Pacific. He has lived and conducted research in traditional island communities in extremely remote areas, and has worked and is working on a number of major bi-lateral and multi-lateral development assistance projects; with governments, NGOs, universities and inter-governmental organizations. Jeff's joining helps to further strengthen the EcoStrategic network (consultants' CVs). (further info).

Ship-wreck site assessed

As reported in August 06, on 1 July 06 the bulk carrier ZHI QIANG, carrying 40,000 tonnes of raw sugar from Townsville to Korea, grounded on Long Reef in the Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. The salvage-team refloated the ship successfully - there was some release of oil and cargo. In December 06, EcoStrategic deployed a team to the Louisiade Archipelago to carry out an assessment of potential damage to the reef and associated marine resources, and to assess possible reparations to native communities, who own and use the marine resources of the area. The expedition was carried out over a 10 day period, and found that environmental damage was relatively restricted and that damaged areas are showing strong signs of ecological recovery. Satisfactory reparation arrangements were progressed with local island communities. (further info).

Panel positions for EcoStrategic

Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic has been appointed to the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Introduced Marine Pests Consultancy Panel (IMPS Panel) of the Australian Federal Fisheries department (DAFF). The GEF helps developing countries fund projects and programs that protect the global environment. The STAP provides strategic scientific and technical advice and comprises fifteen members who are internationally recognized experts in the GEF’s key focal areas. Raaymakers has been appointed in both the biodiversity and international waters areas.The DAFF IMPS Panel provides consultancy advice to the Australian Federal Government on an as-requested basis, on the ongoing development and implementation of the Australian National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. (further info).

Intercepting invasives in Istanbul

From 23 - 27 October 2006 in Istanbul, Turkey, consultants Adnan Awad, Tamara Shiganova and Steve Raaymakers provided training on the prevention and control of invasive aquatic species, to government officials from the littoral States of the Black and Caspian Seas (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine and Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazahkstan, Russia and Turkmenistan respectively). The course was specifically adapted to the needs of the Black and Caspian Seas, considering their enclosed nature and focussing on developing a response to the severe impacts caused by the introduction of the North American comb-jelly; Mnemiopsis leidyii. The training was based on the modular course developed in 2005 by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP), and was hosted by the Black Sea Commission. The model course is highly adaptable and suitable for delivery in all regions of the World. (further info).

Race to stop volcanic flood

EcoStratgic has deployed two consultants to Sidoarjo Regency in East Java, Indonesia, to assist urgent efforts to save towns and villages from a raging torrent of boiling, volcanic mud. Since May this year, when the Banjar-Panji 1 gas exploration drill unexpectedly hit a ‘live’ volcanic seam, 50,000 cubic metres of burning, toxic, liquid mud; has gushed to the surface each day – spreading, smothering and burning valuable croplands and forests as well as urban areas. Villages who’s very livelihoods are at stake have taken up arms, and the ecology of the Porong River and wetland system is threatened. Emergency plans are being implemented to contain and direct the volcanic flood. One option under consideration is to divert the volcanic flow to the ocean. The consultants sent through EcoStrategic are assisting the environmental risk assessment and management of the ocean disposal option. (further info).

Global review of sea dumping controls

The International Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (the London Convention), and its 1996 Protocol are designed to protect the marine environment from the dumping of wastes at sea.. In order to assist existing member States that are non-compliant, and to encourage further accessions to the Protocol, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has contracted EcoStrategic to undertake a global review. The review will describe barriers to the effective implementation of sea dumping controls in developing countries, and develop recommendations for future technical cooperation programmes, designed to remove the identified barriers. (further info).

Ship grounding assessment

On 1 July 2006 the bulk carrier ZHI QIANG, carrying 40,000 tonnes of raw sugar from Townsville to Korea, grounded on Long Reef in the Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. The salvage-team refloated the ship successfully, despite inclement weather and considerable damage to the port-side hull and holds. She was then towed to Port Moresby for further assessment. The incident resulted in some release of oil and cargo. EcoStrategic has been engaged to provide environmental advice and carry out an assessment of potential damage to the reef and associated marine resources. (further info).

Cleaner seas for East Asia

The seas of East Asia, extending from Malaysia in the south to the Koreas in the north, face a wide range of pressures and impacts, not the least of which is from marine debris, garbage and litter, especially plastics, washed into the sea from land-based sources and discarded from ships. The East Asian Seas Regional Coordinating Unit (EAS/RCU) of the the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has contracted EcoStrategic Consultants to develop a Regional Plan of Action on the Sustainable Management of Marine Litter in the East Asian Seas. The draft Regional Plan will be considered for adoption at the inter-governmental meeting of COBSEA (Coordinating Body for the Seas of East Asia), in early 2007. (further info).

Timor Sea team-work

The tropical Timor and Arafura Seas are shared by Australia, East Timor, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and are extremely rich in living and non-living marine resources, including major fisheries and oil and gas resereves. These trans-boundary seas face threats from illegal fishing, marine pollution and degradation of coastal habitats. EcoStrategic has been engaged by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to help develop a proposal to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), for a project to enhance cooperation on trans-boundary issues between Australia, East Timor, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The project will be developed in close coordination with the Arafura and Timor Seas Expert Forum (ATSEF). (further info).

Reef damage assessed

On 1 May 2006 the log-carrier MV ULSWATER grounded on the reef off Nusalomon Island, while leaving the Port of Kavieng, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. The ship was refloated successfully with no damage to the ship or release of pollutants. EcoStrategic was engaged to carry out an assessment of potential damage to the reef and associated marine resources, from the physical impact of the grounding. The assessment found that environmental damage was relatively restricted and that damaged areas are likely to recover. Satisfactory reparation arrangements were also progressed with the small community that resides on Nusalomon Island. (further info).

New partners

Two additional independent consultants have joined EcoStrategic’s global network of partners; Dr Esther Fondo in East Africa and Dr Julian Roberts in New Zealand. Dr Fondo is a marine scientist with specialist expertise in fisheries, oceanography, marine pests and the implementation of technical cooperation programmes. Dr Roberts is a marine scientist with specialist expertise in IMO affairs, oil pollution, shipping and offshore oil and gas issues, and the application of GIS solutions (partners). (further info).

Lost & abandoned fishing gear

EcoStrategic has been engaged by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to undertake a global review of the problem of lost and abandoned fishing gear, and make recommendations for action. The study falls out of the Draft Resolutions of the 60th United Nations General Assembly (Agenda Item 75(a) – 25 Oct 05) and is funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Seas initiative. (further info).

Film release

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) launched a new world-class Television Documentary entitled Invaders from the Sea. The high-quality, 50 minute film provides a fascinating insight to the problem of ship-bourne invasive species.The documentary was produced by the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, UK, and was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), IMO and three major international shipping companies. The project was initiated and developed by Steve Raaymakers when working at IMO 2000 - 2004, and he continued to act as an adviser to the project after establishing EcoStrategic Consultants in March 2005. Invaders from the Sea will be distributed for global television broadcasting and a DVD version can be purchased from IMO. (further info).

Pacific Islands International Waters

EcoStrategic has signed a contract with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to undertake the Terminal Evaluation of the GEF Strategic Action Programme for the International Waters of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (IWP). Alan Fox of Transboundary Consulting leads the evaluation team, which also includes Ana Tiraa of Fisheries and Environmental Resource Consultants and Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic. (further info).

Reef lessons for Baltic

On 20 Feb 06 the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden, organized and hosted a Think-Tank under the European Union - funded BalticMaster initiative. The Think-Tank considered future directions for the management of shipping, under the recently declared Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) for the Baltic Sea. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged by WMU to advise on lessons that might for learned for the Baltic, from the World’s first PSSA, which covers the Great Barrier Reef. (further info).

Canadian coastal risks assessed

Ottawa-based maritime consultants BMT Fleet Technology (BMT) have been awarded a contract by Transport Canada, to further develop the Ballast Water Risk Assessment Decision Support System that they developed on a trial basis for the Great Lakes in 2005, for extension to all Canadian coasts. Steve Raaymakers is acting as an adviser to the project. (further info).

Preventing pollution for profit

The GEF / UNDP / IMO programme on Partnerships for Environmental Management in the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), has dedicated the Dec 05 issue of its quarterly journal Tropical Coasts, to the subject of Port Safety, Security and Environment. It includes an article by Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic, entitled Preventing Pollution for Profit. The article outlines the benefits of taking an integrated coastal and catchment management approach to the environmental management of major ports. It explores the relationship between improved environmental performance and increased profits for port businesses. (further info).

Marine invasives in Africa

From 14 to 17 November 2005 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP), in cooperation with the UNEP Regional Seas programme and the Government of Tanzania, ran the inaugural delivery of its new model training course on Marine and Coastal Invasive Species. The course was attended by senior scientists and officials from East African countries that are parties to the Nairobi Convention. Steve Raaymakers of EcoStrategic was engaged by GISP to review and help further develop the course, and to lecture on several modules during the course delivery. The model course is highly adaptable and suitable for delivery in all regions of the World. (further info).

Global assessments of shipping

From 31 October to 3 November 2005 the International Ocean Institute (IOI) held the 31st bi-annual Pacem in Maribus (Peace in the Oceans) conference in Townsville, Australia. The current state of Global Marine Assessments was a major theme for the Conference, and Steve Raaymakers presented a paper entitled Maritime Transport & Global Marine Assessments: Out-of-sight and Under-stated? Steve’s presentation asserts that despite their actual and potential significance; the impacts of shipping are most often poorly addressed in global marine assessments. Assessments of the impacts of shipping are often patchy, non-comprehensive, undertaken by industry-related groups, and poorly reflected in broader assessments. The assessment and management of the shipping industry remains staunchly sectoral and generally outside of global moves towards a more integrated, holistic, cross-sectoral and ecosystem-based approach to marine assessments and oceans management models. (further info).

Value through versatility

In order to reduce overheads and costs to clients, EcoStrategic has adopted a business model based on independent partnerships and strategic alliances, rather than building a large staff of its own. In September 2005 EcoStrategic announced the formation of relationships with a number of groups, covering a wide range of expertise, including aquatic and atmospheric science (NIWA), naval architecture and marine engineering (BMT, MaST) and maritime policy and law (CMP), as well as a range of individual consultants from a variety of backgrounds (Partners). (further info).

Preventing pests in the Pacific

EcoStrategic submitted the final draft of the Regional Strategy on Shipping-Related Introduced Marine Pests for the Pacific Islands (SRIMP-PAC), to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). The Strategy aims to protect coastal and marine environments in the Pacific islands region by preventing, reducing and controlling the introduction of shipping-related introduced marine pests (IMPs). It provides a framework and mechanism for regional cooperation. The Regional Strategy provides a potential model for application by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in other parts of the World, such as the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. Development of the Strategy was funded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), through SPREP’s PACPOL programme. (further info).

Ships’ ballast partnerships project

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has contracted EcoStrategic to undertake preparatory work for the new GEF project proposal - Building Partnerships to Assist Developing Countries to Reduce the Transfer of Harmful Aquatic Species (also known as GloBallast Partnerships).

The consultancy includes, developing a background report on current status in all Regional Seas of the world, developing draft ‘vulnerability criteria’ to assist the prioritization of regions for assistance under the project, facilitating a global stakeholder workshop at IMO in London to review the above and advising IMO on the outcomes of the above. (further info).

Assisting Aussie’s neighbours

EcoStrategic has been contracted by the Centre for Maritime Policy (CMP) at the University of Wollongong, to provide advice to the Australian Government, on ways that Australia might best work cooperatively with neighbouring countries, to prevent the introduction of marine pests. The consultancy also includes advice on ways Australia might work to ensure the rapid development and implementation of an international regulatory regime on bio-fouling, including through cooperation with other countries. (further info).

Great Lakes risk assessment

Ottawa-based maritime consultants BMT Fleet Technology (BMT) have been awarded a contract by Transport Canada, to develop a Ballast Water Risk Assessment Decision Support System, on a trial basis for the Canadian Great Lakes, and possibly later extension to all Canadian Coasts. Steve Raaymakers is acting as an adviser to the project. (further info).

EcoStrategic established

Steve Raaymakers has established EcoStrategic Consultants as a new, globally active environment consultancy – Australian Business Number (ABN) 527 943 09036. EcoStrategic provides marine and coastal services, with specialist expertise in ports and shipping issues, backed with strong capabilities in terrestrial environments and broader natural resource management. EcoStrategic can deploy a single consultant to undertake specific tasks, or assemble tailor-made project teams for larger projects, through a global network of partner organizations and independent associates. (further info).