Skills & services

From raw marine data to scenarios, thresholds and reporting that can be defended

MER supports marine projects with data quality control, statistics, spatial analysis, GIS deliverables, numerical modelling and reporting for permitting, management and operational decisions.

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Data only becomes useful when it is checked, structured, interpreted and translated into a form that answers a real question. MER supports this process by combining field data, sample results, spatial and seabed evidence, monitoring datasets and applied analysis to produce outputs that project teams, authorities and managers can act on.

We use analysis and modelling to test how marine systems behave under pressure, how conditions may change over time, and what different design or management choices are likely to cause. This includes hydrodynamic, wave, sediment-transport and dispersal modelling, but also threshold-setting, classification logic, GIS-based spatial analysis, scenario comparison and decision support for coastal, offshore and environmental programmes.

In practice, that means MER can support shoreline erosion and beach-squeeze forecasting, aquaculture waste-dispersion scenarios, runoff and drainage impact calculations, spill trajectory prediction and source backtracking, ecological-status and threshold methodologies, and habitat or fisheries decision frameworks that combine mapping, modelling and prioritisation. The point is not to produce a model for its own sake, but to give authorities, consultants and project teams a stronger basis for action

Services, skills & methods

Data QA/QC and dataset standardisation To clean, structure and prepare marine datasets before interpretation or reporting begins.
Statistics, trend analysis and threshold interpretation For monitoring programmes, environmental baselines and decision-ready comparisons across stations, times and scenarios.
GIS, spatial analysis and mapped deliverables Including interpreted layers, figures and scenario maps that clarify constraints, risks and priorities.
Numerical modelling: hydrodynamics, dispersion and sediment transport For aquaculture, utilities, coastal infrastructure, plumes, pollution pathways and marine project design support.
Shoreline evolution, beach response and forecasting Where climate pressure, coastal structures or exposure scenarios need to be tested before decisions are made.
Technical reporting, scenario comparison and decision support To turn model runs and analytical outputs into clear recommendations for permits, management and operational control.

Analytical toolsets & modelling scope

MER can feed its analysis workflows with drone imagery, ROV and tow-camera video, side-scan sonar, CTD and multi-sensor water-column profiles, real-time buoys, hydrophone data, and grab/sediment-trap samples. That matters because it lets the modelling page speak credibly about integrating physical, acoustic, seabed and ecological datasets rather than only “running models” in isolation.

Typical outputs

  • QA/QC-ready datasets and interpreted summaries
  • Statistical comparisons, trend plots and threshold-based findings
  • GIS layers, maps and spatial decision figures
  • Scenario runs for dispersion, shoreline change and transport processes
  • Forecast and backtracking outputs for moving plumes or slicks
  • Decision-ready reports for permits, management and operational planning

Example Projects

Shoreline modelling ACE MER is applying a shoreline model and shoreface translation tool to forecast beach squeeze and structure performance under climate and sea-level change. Dispersion modelling Ichthys Eco-Farm MER used the MERAMOD dispersion model across multiple cage layouts and seasons to assess waste spread and potential benthic impacts. Hydraulic analysis Limassol rainfall runoff impacts Field expeditions, hydraulic calculations and water analysis were combined to assess the extent of marine-quality impacts from overflow events. Forecasting IRSAI MER contributes to a real-time spill-trajectory and origin-backtracking system that integrates current data and drone-detected pollution information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between data analysis and modelling?

Data analysis interprets measured observations, while modelling tests how systems may behave under conditions or scenarios that cannot be observed directly. MER can combine both in one workflow.

Can MER support both simple statistical reporting and advanced numerical models?

Yes. MER can support QA/QC, statistics, GIS outputs and technical reporting, as well as hydrodynamic, dispersal, sediment-transport and shoreline-evolution modelling where needed.

Can modelling outputs be used directly in permitting and environmental management?

Yes. MER can translate models and analytical outputs into maps, scenario comparisons and technical reports that support permitting, compliance, management and project planning.

Does MER only run physical models?

No. MER also supports ecological-status frameworks, threshold development, spatial prioritisation, spill forecasting, fisheries/conservation decision models and scenario testing where the main challenge is choosing between options under uncertainty.