Amalgamates Solutions and Research - Marine Field Measurement, Laboratory Studies, Ecology and Biology Services, and Ecosystems

Amalgamates Solutions and Research (ASR) understands that natural systems provide innovation in science and help to sustain the quality-of-life for present and future generations. Whatever your marine consulting and research requirements are, ASR guarantees to meet your needs in a fully professional way. We provide consulting and research in the following:

• Multi-purpose artificial surfing reefs
• Numerical computer modelling of the marine environment
• Ecology and environmental effects
• Ports, harbours, oil industry
• Development and environmental solutions for industry, regulators and all stakeholders

With considerable international experience in the Pacific, Asia, Europe and the Americas, ASR can meet your goals and understand your cultural needs.

Field measurements

Experts in field measurements on the continental shelf, in estuaries and in ports, ASR is one of the few companies that can also demonstrate and guarantee success in the harsh surf zone environment at scales from micro ripples on the seabed to an entire continental shelf region.

Being part of the revolution in oceanography and biology over the last two decades, ASR specializes in utilization of highly technical measurement equipment, including modern acoustic sensors. The company provides field measurements services in the following environments and conditions:

• Rivers, beaches, estuaries and continental shelf
• Waves /currents / tide / wind
• Temperature / nutrients
• Underwater video and diving
• Bathymetry
• Sediments
• Ecological surveys
• Multi-disciplinary environmental parameters
• Beach profiles
• River surveys and bed degradation studies
• Water quality
• Estuarine salinity intrusion
• Integrated coastal zone investigations
• Surf zone measurements
• Sand mining-related investigations

Underwater video studies

Underwater video studies allow you see what's down there. Our divers record the ecology, and most of our researchers and consultants spend their recreational time in the sea - surfers, windsurfers and divers - in New Zealand and around the world. We believe that these pure experiences of the sea lead to advanced, well-balanced scientific, cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Laboratory studies

ASR’s physical laboratory allows repetitive tests of complex wave breaking processes, surfing reefs and beach dynamics to be undertaken. The laboratory has technical measuring instruments, a wave maker, a variable floor and a 9m x 5m 3D wave tank.

While designed for basic research, proof of technology and a "think tank", ASR also encourages visitors and schools to use the laboratory for educational purposes.

Ecological and physical process studies

ASR amalgamates ecological and physical process studies to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the state of aquatic environments. The company has experience in coastal, estuarine and freshwater ecological studies, impact studies, patterns and processes, biological monitoring and baseline studies.

ASR offers the following ecology and biology services:

• Biological monitoring
• Biological patterns and processes
• Baseline surveys
• Underwater video and diver surveys
• Larval dispersal
• Ecological surveys and assessment
• Up/downwelling
• Fish aggregating devices
• Water quality
• Aquaculture
• Marine protected areas
• Research-based technical investigations

Ecosystems

An understanding of the structure of ecosystems, the organisms within these systems and the interactions between them and their non-living setting is vital for the assessment of any aquatic development. ASR incorporates ecological perspectives into all types of marine, estuarine and freshwater developments and investigations, whether for the purpose of assessing and/or monitoring impacts, predicting potential impacts or creating new habitat. This expertise in marine ecology includes the incorporation of new habitat into coastal structures, to enhance environmental and amenity values.

Numerical modelling software

ASR runs its own highly sophisticated numerical modelling software, supplemented by selected other models from around the world. Its 3DD Suite of Numerical Models is recognized worldwide and is the chosen software for many of ASR’s international clients who have purchased the modelling suite for their own use.

ASR’s numerical modelling software is founded in pure research and has been developed over 30 years. It offers more capabilities than other software, has a full suite of programs, and has been proven against data many times.

Coastal engineering services

ASR has been actively innovating in the discipline of coastal construction and is now leading in ways to accurately construct multi-purpose surfing reefs.

ASR undertakes the environmental studies, shape designs, engineering design and the engineering construction management. In this way, it is uniquely able to translate the multi-purpose reef designs into practice. With the company’s knowledge of all aspects, it can blend the multi-faceted requirements to not only make world-class shapes but also to ensure that these shapes can be built precisely in the sea.