Team

Aaron Jenkin

Director / Principal Scientist

Aaron has over 20 years of experience in aquatic sciences, ecology, and aquaculture, along with nearly two decades in natural resource management (NRM) consulting. He has led, managed, and provided technical input across a broad range of marine, estuarine, and freshwater projects. These include desktop and due diligence assessments, impact and risk assessments, targeted fauna surveys, threatened species salvage and translocations, and the development of species-specific, project, and environmental management plans. Aaron has also conducted water quality assessments, aquatic surveys, and translocations for various species, including Commonwealth and state-listed species such as the dwarf galaxias, Australian mudfish, and Australian grayling. He is skilled in a variety of field sampling methods and is adept at developing management strategies to protect species and their habitats.

With extensive experience in managing large-scale projects and field teams, Aaron has built a network of trusted affiliates and partners, allowing him to create ‘best for project’ teams. He excels at crafting technically sound and practical management strategies to help authorities minimise risk and enhance environmental protection. His project management expertise extends to water treatment, discharge, and irrigation projects, providing him with a deep understanding of the environmental, legislative, and business challenges associated with these types of projects.

Connor Donnelly

Aquatic Ecologist

Connor is an aquatic ecologist with six years of experience in aquatic ecosystem consulting, landscape, and waterway management. He holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, majoring in Animal Sciences, and joined Aquatica Environmental in early 2022.

During his career, Connor has gained technical expertise as both an assisting and lead field ecologist, conducting surveys across a broad spectrum of aquatic biota, including fish, macroinvertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. He has contributed to diverse projects, including habitat and species surveys, fauna salvage, targeted and threatened species surveys, water quality monitoring, contamination assessments, and eDNA sampling.

Driven by a genuine passion for the aquatic environment, continuous learning, and achieving project outcomes that benefit both the environment and clients, Connor brings a hands-on approach and practical experience that make him a valuable member of our team.

Jacob Shaw

Field Ecologist

Jacob is a field ecologist in his second year with Aquatica Environmental, bringing extensive experience and knowledge in both environmental and public health concepts. With a background as a Medical Scientist, he has particular expertise in pathogen and disease management. His studies in environmental health and his experience as a field ecologist have given him a strong foundation in legislation, compliance, aquatic biota sampling, and water quality testing.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) and is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Practice.

His practical experience includes scientific data collection, processing, testing, and presenting results to various stakeholders, making him an invaluable member of the Aquatica Environmental team.