In our latest edition of Professional Spotlight, we turn our attention to completewaters, a dynamic company led by Blake and Jess Spittle. With a focus on underwater exploration and services, completewaters has carved a niche for itself in the marine industry through their innovative use of BioBase technology. From ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) imaging to fish habitat projects, seachests & propeller imaging, and sonar-driven habitat mapping, completewaters has emerged as a trailblazer in underwater operations.
The genesis of completewaters can be traced back to a water conference where Blake and Jess were captivated by an underwater ROV. Inspired by this encounter, they embarked on their journey after relocating from New Zealand to Canada. Beginning with a single ROV to test the market, they have since expanded their fleet to include multiple ROVs and even a USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle).
Unexpectedly, completewaters discovered their forte in the environmental sector, particularly in fish habitat installation and monitoring associated with marine construction projects. Their groundbreaking approach to inspecting intakes, rudders, and propellers using ROVs eliminates the need for human divers, allowing uninterrupted ship operations. This not only saves valuable time for the ships but also reduces downtime, leading to significant cost savings. Given the bustling ferry and cargo ship activity in Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes, completewaters found a sweet spot at the intersection of the shipping and environmental industries.
As ferry and cargo ship activity increased in Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes, so did the demand for marine construction projects, including terminal developments. These projects often include restoration work in non-impacted areas of the lake. The underwater photos and videos captured by completewaters throughout the construction process became an integral part of the aquatic biologists’ reports assessing the impact on fish habitats. The transformation from a barren sandy bottom to a thriving ecosystem teeming with fish was vividly showcased through high-definition visuals, impressing biologists and affirming the success of restoration efforts. The recent addition of the Side-Scan feature to their arsenal has added a new level of excitement to this type of monitoring.
When asked about their decision to adopt BioBase, completewaters cited the simplicity and accessibility of the technology. They found it to be an easy entry point into the industry, with the fish finder being straightforward to mount and collect data. Running this data through BioBase yielded remarkable accuracy and multiple output deliverables, all from a single trip. The ability to provide comprehensive data outputs with cost-effective efficiency greatly appeals to the environmental industry, especially for projects with tight budgets.
completewaters has leveraged BioBase compatibility to expand their reach beyond Lake Ontario. With over 444 municipalities in Ontario, most of which are rural areas, they can now employ their USV equipped with a BioBase-compatible depth finder to measure small inland waters. This innovative approach has gained popularity, primarily due to the enhanced health and safety measures it offers. By eliminating the need for personnel to manually check sediment levels and inspect water quality on small inland waters, completewaters has proven their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of their employees.
The impact of completewaters on their local community cannot be overstated. Fishermen in the area have approached Blake and Jess on numerous occasions, expressing their astonishment at the improved habitat conditions and the abundance of fish in areas that were previously barren. Over a span of three years, Blake and Jess witnessed firsthand the transformation from a lifeless sandy bottom to the establishment of man-made reefs and tree wads, culminating in a flourishing habitat teeming with fish.
In conclusion, completewaters exemplifies the power of innovation and the remarkable outcomes that can be achieved through the integration of BioBase technology in the underwater services industry. Their dedication to environmental preservation and commitment to excellence have not only yielded tangible benefits for their clients but have also left an indelible mark on their community. As they continue to pioneer new frontiers, we eagerly anticipate the future accomplishments of completewaters and their unwavering pursuit of underwater exploration and conservation.
For more information on completewaters visit their website here completewaters website. For more information about BioBase or other professionals using BioBase like Andrew Skibo, PhD CLM, Amaruq Environmental or Professional Spotlight – LakeTech – Eli Kersh visit our website at www.biobasemaps.com
