Abimannan Kannathasan
Jeddah
Summary
Marine biology specialist with 13+ years of experience in conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for marine, coastal, and terrestrial projects. Led multidisciplinary teams since 2014 for complex commercial and governmental projects, including seawater intake and outfall pipelines, desalination plants, and coastal protection. Focuses on ecological evaluations and ensuring national and international regulatory compliance.
- Holds certifications as a JNCC Marine Mammal Observer, PADI Open Water Diver, and ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Management Systems Professional.
- Established protocols for sampling and monitoring sites, providing real-time data gathering support for client needs and regulatory compliance.
- Expert in oceanographic data collection for water, sediment, and soil samples, specializing in trace metals, nutrients, and seabed characterization.
- Proficient in coastal environment restoration, including mangrove protection and coral reef upkeep. Experienced in wildlife protection laws and identifying economically valuable seaweed species for biofertilizer production.
- Skilled in leading daily operations, managing project timetables, and adhering to regulatory norms and quality standards. Provides technical training to field and laboratory staff to cultivate a culture of environmental accountability.
- Proficient in preparing scientific reports, Conservation and Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs), and conservation strategies while offering strategic recommendations for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Marine Biologist
Leaf Global Environmental Services (LGES)
01.2024 - Current
- Key Project: Excavation, seawater intake and outfall pipeline, KAUST Utility Expansion project, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Carried out environmental monitoring to implement CEMP/EIA recommendations, ensuring compliance with NCEC regulations
- Executed comprehensive surveys using diving and underwater drop-down cameras to collect data on seagrass, coral reefs, and other benthic habitats
- Analysed seawater and sediment samples to evaluate the effects of coastal dredging, ensuring compliance with NCEC environmental guidelines, and conducted benthic infauna analysis to assess habitat loss
- Monitored air quality and noise pollution during construction operations to ensure compliance with NCEC environmental standards
- Implemented dust control and management plans for onshore activities to minimize environmental impact
- Measured underwater noise and vibration during offshore construction using a hydrophone and observed marine mammals and sea turtles in the 300 and 500 m mitigation zone
- Implementing JNCC forms for documentation and mitigation strategies to minimize impacts
- Providing training to operational teams fostering a culture of environmental accountability and promoting sustainable practices throughout the project
- Prepared detailed monthly environmental monitoring reports based on CEMP/EIA recommendations to ensure compliance with NCEC regulations
Marine Biologist
Greengroves Company for Environmental Services
06.2021 - 11.2023
- Key projects include Saudi Aramco's sustainable seaweed farm, microalgae cultivation for biofuel production, and artificial reef monitoring
- Analysed benthic infauna samples and identified reef fish species from artificial reef array samples, preparing detailed reports to assess reef ecosystem health and biodiversity
- Identified potential seaweed species (Kappaphycus, Ulva, Caulerpa and Sargassum) for large-scale biofertilizer production
- Built a land-based seaweed seed production hatchery for a large-scale seaweed farm and optimized water quality to produce Kappaphycus, Ulva, Caulerpa, and Sargassum seeds
- Implemented quarantine strategies to optimize algae growth for biofuel and fertilizer production
- Identified and evaluated microalgae species, including Chlorella, Spirulina, Dunaliella, Tetraselmis, and Asteromonas, for biofuel production and their potential for long-term carbon sequestration
- Study examined macroalgae and microalgae for wastewater treatment for nutrient and trace metal removal
- Evaluated microalgae in 35 ppt natural saltwater to 400 ppt brine water to find the ideal salinity
- Extracted and analysed carotenoids, pigments, and biochemical composition of cultivated seaweed species to assess key components
- Analysed a comprehensive market study on seaweed, focusing on economic data across multiple sectors, including biofertilizer production, animal feed, biomedical applications, and cosmetics
- Prepared detailed reports on seaweed species selection, optimal growing conditions, cultivation techniques, monitoring protocols, and biomass estimation, including biochemical composition analysis
Senior Marine Ecologist
INDOMER Coastal Hydraulics (P) Ltd.
02.2019 - 03.2021
- Qualified as Functional Area Expert (FAE) in Ecology and Biodiversity by Quality Council of India (QCI) and National Accreditation Board
- Ensured accurate ecological data via selected sampling sites and compliance with environmental rules for impact assessments and monitoring
- Managed field survey sites, ensuring detailed and accurate site descriptions
- Led interdisciplinary teams in conducting EIAs and EMPs for varied ecosystems, ensuring compliance with legislation and collecting high-quality data on marine, coastal, and terrestrial settings
- Directed ecological data gathering focused on impact assessments, mitigation, and ecological restoration across diverse ecosystems
- Conducted pioneering research on salt tolerance of marine fish, focusing on impact of brine water and industrial effluent toxicity
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at safeguarding delicate ecosystems such as seagrasses, mangroves, and marine mammals
- Designed and implemented effective conservation processes for planning, implementing, and monitoring environmental projects and protected IUCN-listed species to comply with wildlife protection legislation.
- Designed and implemented a nursery for mangrove species Avicennia and Rhizophora, with a focus on restoration and protection of these critical coastal ecosystems.
- Prepared detailed EIA reports that met regulatory standards and client needs, offering expert advice on environmental policies, EIA processes, and mitigation strategies.
Marine Ecologist
INDOMER Coastal Hydraulics (P) Ltd.
11.2014 - 02.2019
- Qualified Functional Area Associate (FAA) in Ecology and Biodiversity, certified by the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)
- Significant experience in evaluating terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems, contributing to comprehensive ecological assessments for various environmental projects
- Developed customized protocols for sampling and monitoring locations for real-time data collection, ensuring alignment with both client needs and regulatory compliance requirements
- Expertise in collecting and analyzing environmental samples (water, sediment, soil) for nutrients, trace metals, and sediment distribution according to APHA and USEPA guidelines
- Experienced in monitoring air quality (PM10, PM2.5, trace metals, CO₂, SO₂, NOx), as well as noise and vibration levels
- Skilled in collecting, taxonomic classification, identifying biological samples (phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates) and analyzing ecological data using PRIMER statistical software
- Led conservation efforts for marine species such as sea turtles and marine mammals, and conducted surveys on terrestrial flora and fauna, including birds and reptiles
- Skilled in preparing detailed scientific reports and providing strategic recommendations on conservation and mitigation efforts
- Maintained and operated laboratory instruments (ICP-OES, flame photometers, spectrophotometers) and field equipment’s (samplers for water, sediment, plankton)
Education
Ph.D. - Marine Biology
Annamalai University
Tamil Nadu, India09-2013
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) - Marine Biology and Oceanography
Annamalai University
Tamil Nadu, India08-2010
Master of Science - Marine Biology and Oceanography
Annamalai University
Tamil Nadu, India05-2008
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Jamal Mohamed College
Tamil Nadu, India05-2006
Skills
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental Management Plans
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Marine and Terrestrial Surveys
- Statistical data interpretation
- Water quality monitoring
- Environmental sampling
- Marine Mammal Observation
- Technical report writing
- Biological sampling methods
- Water Quality Analysis
- Marine ecosystem restoration
- Statistical data analysis
- Underwater research techniques
- Marine species identification
Certification
- Monitoring of Sea Turtle in the Nesting Ground and Conservation - 2024
- JNCC Marine Mammal Observer - 2023
- Reef Fish Identification Program for IORS Region - 2021
- PADI Open Water Diver - 2021
- Quality Management System and Internal Audit ISO/IEC 17025:2005 - 2016
Ksaid
2566406787
Additional Information
EIA and EMP Studies for Major Infrastructure Projects
Desalination plants
- 100 MLD Desalination Plant for Pan India Infra-Projects Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
- 5 MLD Desalination Plant for Grasim Industries, Odisha
- 70 MLD Desalination Plant for DSDPL, Gujarat
- Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Andhra Pradesh
- Desalination Plant for MRPL, Mangalore, Karnataka
- Desalination Plant at Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
- Lakshadweep union territory
Port Project
- Dredging and Disposal for Relocation of GMR Barge Mounted Powerplant, Kakinada Port
- Kamarajar Port Expansion, Chennai
- Proposed New Port at Bhavnagar, Gujarat
- Mandvi Port Development, Kachchh for Gujarat Maritime Board
- Kakinada SEZ Port, Andhra Pradesh
- Proposed Jetty Terminal at Lakhpat, Kutch, Gujarat
- Ramco Captive Coal Trestle Jetty, Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu Maritime Board
- Gujarat Maritime Board
- Odisha Maritime Board
- Pondicherry Maritime Board
Pipeline Projects
- Effluent Outfall at GMR SEZ, Kakinada
- Laying of Marine Disposal Pipeline for Hetero Infrastructure SEZ, Andhra Pradesh
- Replacement of Offshore Pipelines (SPMS) and Associated Infrastructure for IOCL, Gujarat
- SPM, Jetty, Desalination Plant, Shore Facilities, and Effluent Discharge at COMACOE
- Desalination Plant at Mangalore, Karnataka
- Tata Steel SEZ, Gopalpur, Odisha
- VKPCPR
- Disposal of Treated Industrial Effluent at Divis Laboratories, Andhra Pradesh
Power Plant project
- Proposed Nuclear Power Plant, NPL, Andhra Pradesh
- Captive Solar Salt Works in Jodiya Taluka, Jamnagar
- 4000 MW Ultra Mega Power Project, Gujarat
- Development of 4400 MW Solar Park in CRZ Areas, Gujarat
- Adani power plant and Windmill
- Tata Power plant, Gujarat
Timeline
Marine Biologist
Leaf Global Environmental Services (LGES)
01.2024 - Current
Marine Biologist
Greengroves Company for Environmental Services
06.2021 - 11.2023
Senior Marine Ecologist
INDOMER Coastal Hydraulics (P) Ltd.
02.2019 - 03.2021
Marine Ecologist
INDOMER Coastal Hydraulics (P) Ltd.
11.2014 - 02.2019
- Monitoring of Sea Turtle in the Nesting Ground and Conservation - 2024
- JNCC Marine Mammal Observer - 2023
- Reef Fish Identification Program for IORS Region - 2021
- PADI Open Water Diver - 2021
- Quality Management System and Internal Audit ISO/IEC 17025:2005 - 2016
Ph.D. - Marine Biology
Annamalai University
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) - Marine Biology and Oceanography
Annamalai University
Master of Science - Marine Biology and Oceanography
Annamalai University
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Jamal Mohamed College
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