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Our Managing Principal Dr John Thorogood founded frc environmental (then Fisheries Research Consultants) in 1984. Carol Conacher joined the firm as a Principal in 1995. Both John and Carol maintain a 'hands-on' involvement with projects undertaken by the practice.
Our scientific staff are the 'cream of the crop'. Their outstanding academic qualifications, professionalism and commitment to their work, make us the envy of our competitors. Critically, each ecologist and environmental scientist at frc environmental knows good science isn't enough: we need to communicate the significance of results to our clients.
Our administrative staff share the commitment and enthusiasm of our scientists and appreciate their performance is vital to our ability to exceed client expectations. frc environmental has adopted, adapted and invented a range of project and team management systems that enable our scientists to work effectively and efficiently. If our clients are happy, so is our team. 
| Dr John Thorogood
Aquatic Ecologist / Fisheries Biologist John has specialist skills in environmental assessment, management and monitoring; fauna and flora surveys; and ecosystem studies, fisheries science and aspects of aquaculture. John has led or participated in a range of studies for government agencies, and major commercial clients across Australia and internationally. He has lead numerous project design and review missions for AusAID and is an often sought after expert witness in both the P&E and Magistrates Courts.
Whilst John's expertise lies principally in the fields of fish and fisheries, soft sediment, reef ecology and aspects of aquaculture, his broad experience provides an unusual breadth of persepective and understanding.
John was the first Fellow of the Australian Institute of Biology affiliated with an organisation other than an academic or government research institution. |
frc environmental's scientists are recognised experts in their field, and together make us the consultancy of choice when it comes to issues related to coastal, riverine and riparian ecosystems.
| Carol Conacher, B.Sc.
Principal Ecologist Carol has over 25 years professional experience, including periods in research, resource management and consulting. Carol is foremost respected for her knowledge and understanding of wetland ecosystems, the design and provision of cost-effective monitoring designs, and the application of leading edge research techniques to applied science. Since joining frc environmental in 1996, Carol has undertaken numerous assessments of the impacts of infrastructure on wetland vegetation, provided advice and guidance regarding the rehabilitation of wetlands to maximise their ecological value, and worked together with clients, government agencies and key stakeholders to provide the most beneficial outcomes to all parties. | 
| Lauren Thorburn, B.Sc. (Hons I)
Manager, Scientific Services & Senior Ecologist Lauren Thorburn is a scientist with an already impressive track record in both the field and laboratory, and as a project manager. Coming to frc environmental from the EPA’s Coastal Planning Unit, Lauren has a valuable breadth of experience covering both research and management. She has worked throughout Queensland and internationally, and specifically on large infrastructure projects.
Lauren is particularly experienced in both freshwater and estuarine benthic macro-invertebrate identification; aquatic ecosystem health assessment (gaining high distinctions for each module of the AusRivAS accreditation) and the interpretation of sediment and water quality data. Lauren has extensive experience in designing and implementing aquatic ecosystems monitoring programs for the mining industry. |  | Andrew Olds, B.Sc. (Hons I)
Senior Ecologist Andrew joined frc environmental from the Marine and Estuarine Ecology Unit of the University of Queensland and the QPWS. He has worked extensively across coastal and inland eastern Australia and internationally, and has a detailed understanding of regional ecology, riverine and estuarine processes and management of natural systems.
Andrew is experienced in the fields of aquatic environmental assessment and management; monitoring program design and implementation; and aquatic ecological survey. Andrew has extensive field experience including 4WD operation, trapping, netting, boat handling and scientific diving. He also has extensive experience working with indigenous communities and in remote locations. Andrew is currently completing a Ph.D. Within Griffith University’s School of Environment. | 
| Ashley Morton, B.Sc.
Senior Ecologist
Ashley is a scientist with broad range of skills and experience developed with consulting practices both here and in Canada. Ashley has well-developed skills in aquatic ecological assessments, fish science and project management. She has worked extensively within freshwater ecosystems and has a detailed knowledge of ecosystem processes and environmental sensitivities.
Ashley has extensive field experience including backpack, boat and float electrofishing, 4WD operation, fish and aquatic habitat inventories. She has well-developed GIS skills, and has applied these to the mapping of many ecosystem components, especially in areas of fish habitat evaluations. | 
| Simon Walker, B.Sc. (Hons I), Ph.D.
Senior Ecologist Simon has recently completed his PhD in Marine Ecology at the University of Queensland. He has worked in a wide range of habitats within Queensland and internationaly, and is particularly skilled in the fields of experimental design, experimental impact assessment, fisheries science and invertebrate taxonomy and ecology.
Simon has worked for the Marine and Estuarine Ecology Unit at the University of Queensland, the Queensland Museum, the University of the Sunshine Coast, always with a focus on the design and implementation of rigorous experimental and monitoring designs. Simon leads our Science Innovation Group. |  | Kylie McPherson, B.Sc. (Hons I)
Senior Ecologist Kylie has a wealth of experience working on projects across marine, coastal and freshwater environments, from Tasmania to the Torres Strait. She previously managed the University of Queensland’s ‘CoralWatch’ program, and conducted research within the Vision, Touch and Hearing Research Centre at the University of Queensland.
Kylie is an accomplished project manager, field team leader and electrofishing crew leader. | |
| frc environmental's team of ecologists and environmental scientists offer expertise in areas that include: water quality, primary productivity, trophic ecology, nutrient tracing using stable isotopes, freshwater macro-invertebrates, phytoplankton and the macro-benthic invertebrate fauna of estuarine and coastal soft sediments. |
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