AES designs and implements biodiversity and ecological assessments in aquatic habitats, having implemented past projects in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems. This includes quantitative and standardised Fisheries Independent Surveys (FIS) which can be used to inform fisheries management decision making and the development of Fisheries Management Plans. Combining the FIS with the Catch Assessment Survey data provides a strong basis for engaging with communities and setting the basis for community based management.

AES has a long history of implementing extended field surveys in remote areas in several countries in Southern Africa. AES has implemented most of these field programmes unsupported, undertaking all logistical preparation and providing all equipment which allows them to operate independently. Surveys have been fish and fisheries focused (for example Kabompo, WWF Upper Zambezi Programme, Lake Oguemoué Programme), or ecosystem focused (for example London Mining, Base
Kwale, Base Toliara), depending on client needs.