Andre Olson
Andre Olson
Director / Aquatic Ecologist
Effective conservation begins with knowledge and passion. With wonder and curiosity for aquatic biology, Andre quickly grew a natural understanding on rehabilitation and restoration in aquatic ecological areas.
With a clear vision for the future Andre founded Dragonfly Environmental in the year 2000 with only 3 staff members and a tenacious spirit, to an efficient, enthusiastic and passionate team of more than 60 staff members today.
Andre has carried out extensive terrestrial and aquatic ecological restoration, maintenance and monitoring and designing and constructing functional ecosystems (particularly wetlands) from scratch. Created the world’s largest ever saltmarsh re-creation, undertaken in Penrhyn Estuary, Botany Bay.
Andre now guides the company’s team with his extensive knowledge and experience – both natural and constructed.
Qualifications
B. Sc. (Aquatic Science) Majoring in Aquatic Biology & Aquatic Botany.
Conservation and Land Management – Natural Area Restoration Bush Regeneration II.
Technical Skills
- Extensive fieldwork, including monitoring and statistical analysis.
- Habitat creation and restoration specialising in aquatic flora and fauna.
- All aspects of Wetland, Riparian and Saltmarsh restoration, design, creation, planting and maintenance.
- Planting for ecological and landscape outcomes, specialising in Endangered Ecological Communities and areas with Threatened Fauna.
- Plant identification, wetland & aquatic habitat assessment.
- ID and management of aquatic pests (e.g. noxious weeds, mosquitoes).