Coastal and marine ecosystems, such as shellfish reefs and kelp forests, are in serious decline. Addressing this challenge requires a collaborative approach among organisations, communities, and local industries across Australia and beyond.
Previously managing restoration projects across multiple states in the environmental NGO space, Cardium’s Founder Ben Cleveland, saw a need for experienced consultants and practitioners that could assist local community groups, environmental organisations and government to navigate the challenges of aquatic restoration, enabling them to deliver meaningful outcomes across our coastal landscape.
In 2023, Cardium Marine was born.
Based on the Mornington Peninsula, we leverage our expertise in ecological restoration, on-water field and research logistics, and environmental management to support and amplify the efforts of organisations working to conserve, restore and sustainably manage coastal and marine ecosystems across Victoria and beyond.
We believe that collaboration is key to success. We work closely with our clients to understand their challenges and goals, and develop solutions that are tailored to their unique needs.
We offer tailored solutions to help you achieve your conservation and on-water goals. Whether you need short-term field support for a specific project or ongoing assistance with your conservation efforts, Cardium Marine can provide a range of services across field and desk based services.
Ben is a passionate ecological restoration practitioner and consultant with over 15 years of experience across the environmental, research, aquaculture, not-for-profit and eco-tourism sectors. With a diverse skill set that includes restoration ecology, research and monitoring, field operations and logistics coupled with project management, grant writing, and science communication, Ben provides all-rounder support to your organisation or project.
Spending hundreds of hours above and below the surface, and appearing in news and television media, his dedication to the marine environment evident in his efforts to strengthen community connections to local waters.
He has played a key role in developing shellfish restoration in Port Phillip Bay and across Australia, from initial trials to scale up and community engagement programs.
Ben has over 25 years of on-water vessel experience, including 15 years of commercial operations with organisations such as the Victorian Fisheries Authority, The University of Melbourne and multiple environmental non-government organisations (NGO's). This extensive background ensures that he prioritises safety and successful project delivery.
Qualifications include:
Throughout his career, Ben has successfully developed and secured over $3 million in funding for aquatic habitat restoration projects through collaboration with various stakeholders, including state and federal governments and philanthropic organisations. He has a strong understanding of Victorian environmental legislation and permitting processes, which has been instrumental in his funding success.
Ben has built a diverse network within the restoration, aquaculture, and research sectors, providing valuable expertise in the adaptive management of marine ecological restoration projects, and technical advice to government panels, including Australian Senate inquiries.
Clark A. and Cleveland B.J. (2020) Habitat Histories: The Saltwater River. OzFish Unlimited, Ballina, NSW. Prepared for the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Victoria. (In final printing)
David S. Francis, Benjamin J. Cleveland, Paul L. Jones, Giovanni M. Turchini, Jessica A. Conlan. (2019) Effects of PUFA-enriched Artemia on the early growth and fatty acid composition of Murray cod larvae. Journal of Aquaculture, Vol 513. 734362
Gillies C.L., Fitzsimmons J.A., Branigan S., Hale L., Hancock B., Creighton C., Alleway H., Bishop M.J., Brown S., Chamberlain D., Cleveland B., Crawford C., Crawford M., Diggles B., Ford J.R., Hamer P., Hart A., Johnston E., Mcdonald T., McLeod I., Pinner B., Russel K. and Winstanley R. (2015) Scaling-up marine restoration efforts in Australia. Ecological Management and Restoration. Vol 16 No.2 pp. 84-85.
Turchini G.M., Hermon K., Cleveland B.J., Emery J.A., Rankin T. & Francis D.S. (2013) Seven fish oil substitutes in rainbow trout whole production cycle: effects on performances and fatty acid metabolism. Journal of Aquaculture Nutrition. Vol 19 pp. 82-94.
Cleveland, B.J., Francis, D.S. & Turchini, G.M.(2012) Echium Oil Provides No Benefit over Linseed Oil for (n-3) Long-Chain PUFA Biosynthesis in Rainbow Trout. Journal of Nutrition, Vol 142 pp. 1449-1455.
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