Wildlife Surveys, Population Monitoring & Environmental Intelligence Across Vanuatu and the Pacific

Abyss Vanuatu Ocean Institute (AVOI) delivers industry-leading species abundance surveys, biodiversity monitoring and ecological assessments throughout Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands. By combining advanced drone technology, scientific diving, trail cameras, harp trapping, acoustic monitoring, environmental DNA (eDNA), citizen science and data analytics, we provide accurate, scientifically defensible information on wildlife populations, ecosystem health and environmental change.

Our team of highly skilled ecologists, marine biologists, researchers, data scientists, scientific divers and drone pilots is among the most experienced environmental monitoring teams in the Pacific. We work with governments, universities, colleges, NGOs, conservation organisations, industry and local communities to deliver environmental intelligence that supports conservation, climate resilience, natural resource management and sustainable development.

Advanced Wildlife Monitoring Technologies

No single survey method can effectively detect every species. That's why AVOI integrates multiple monitoring techniques to maximise detection rates and improve population estimates across marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems.

Our capabilities include:

Thermal Drone Surveys
Wildlife Drone Monitoring
Scientific & Commercial Diving Surveys
Remote Trail Camera Networks
Harp Trapping Programs
Song Meter Acoustic Monitoring
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Surveys
Citizen Science Programs
GIS Mapping & Spatial Analysis
Artificial Intelligence Assisted Detection
Species Abundance & Occupancy Modelling

Drone Surveys for Wildlife & Biodiversity Monitoring

Our fleet of DJI M30T thermal drones, DJI 4TD platforms and autonomous Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) systems allows us to efficiently survey large areas while minimising disturbance to wildlife.

Drone surveys are highly effective for monitoring:

Hawksbill Turtle Nesting Activity
Green Turtle Populations
Flying Fox Colonies
Coastal Birds & Seabirds
Coconut Crabs
Arboreal Wildlife
Feral Dogs
Feral Cats
Rabbits
Invasive Species

Thermal drones provide accurate wildlife detection, population estimates, habitat utilisation data and long-term monitoring capabilities, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access environments.

Marine Surveys & Scientific Diving

AVOI's scientific and commercial diving teams undertake underwater biodiversity assessments and species abundance surveys across coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass habitats and marine protected areas.

Our marine monitoring programs include reef fish surveys, coral health assessments, Crown-of-Thorns Starfish monitoring, sea cucumber assessments, giant clam surveys, habitat condition monitoring and artificial reef assessments.

Trail Cameras, Harp Traps & Acoustic Monitoring

Remote trail cameras provide 24-hour monitoring of wildlife activity and are particularly effective for detecting feral cats, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, nesting turtles, coconut crabs and threatened species.

Song Meter acoustic recorders and harp trapping programs support monitoring of bats, flying foxes, birds and frogs, generating critical information on species diversity, abundance and ecosystem health.

Combined, these technologies provide powerful, non-invasive monitoring solutions that significantly improve biodiversity detection and ecological understanding.

Citizen Science & Community Monitoring

Through the Vanuatu Ocean Ranger Program, local communities play an important role in biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Citizen science programs support turtle monitoring, wildlife observations, invasive species detection and environmental reporting, helping expand survey coverage while building local environmental leadership.

Species Abundance Modelling & Data Analysis

Collecting data is only the beginning. AVOI transforms field observations into actionable environmental intelligence using advanced statistical analysis, GIS mapping and ecological modelling.

Our team can estimate:

Species Abundance
Population Density
Occupancy Rates
Detection Probability
Habitat Utilisation
Biodiversity Trends
Ecosystem Health Indicators

These insights help governments, NGOs, researchers and environmental managers make informed decisions based on robust scientific evidence.

Supporting Conservation, Climate Resilience & Sustainable Development

Accurate biodiversity data is essential for effective conservation, climate resilience planning, environmental impact assessment and sustainable resource management. Whether monitoring sea turtles, flying foxes, reef fish, invasive species or entire ecosystems, AVOI provides one of the most comprehensive wildlife survey and species abundance monitoring services available in Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands.

By combining science, technology, community participation and local knowledge, we help protect biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience and support the sustainable management of Vanuatu's extraordinary natural environment.