Aquatic Specialist Services
Upstream Consulting is a specialist consultancy firm that focuses on ecological assessments and environmental applications, with a particular emphasis on aquatic biodiversity impact assessment and water use licensing. We provide expert advice and solutions to a range of clients including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies.
Debbie Fordham founded Upstream in the beginning of 2022 and her partner, Colin Fordham joined her in 2025. Both scientists have the relevant qualifications and experience in the field. Debbie holds a Master of Science degree, by thesis, which focused on the origin and collapse of a Palmiet wetland in the Western Cape.
Services
- Desktop screening/risk assessments to inform clients of the probability of aquatic constraints on proposed development and discuss legislative requirements.
- Water Use License Applications and Risk Matrix
- Ground truthing, infield identification, and delineation of rivers and wetlands
- Present Ecological State (PES), functional importance assessments and Ecological
- Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) assessments of freshwater ecosystems.
- Evaluating impacts to wetlands from proposed developments.
- Identifying mitigation measures to limit impacts and calculating wetland offsets if required
- Determining Resource Quality Objectives
- Defining buffer zones for wetland, rivers, and estuaries.
- Developing rehabilitation plans for wetlands
