Banggai Consulting is an independent specialist consultancy providing aquatic habitat and life support system design, engineering, and technical advisory services to aquariums, zoos, research institutions, and conservation organisations worldwide.
We bridge the gap between biological requirements, engineering, construction and operations, helping clients deliver safe, reliable and maintainable aquatic facilities that support animal welfare, reduce project and operational risk, and optimise whole-of-life asset performance.
Core Services
[01]
Aquatic Life Support Systems (LSS)
📐 Design and engineering feasibility through construction
💧 Full facility water life cycle planning
📋 Audits, reviews and condition reports
🔍 Inspections, commissioning and training
🔧 Troubleshooting and optimisation
🚀 Modernisation and future-proofing
🗺️ P&ID schematic production
🌱 Water, energy and sustainability assessments
📘 LSS standard operating procedures (SOP) training, development and refinement
[02]
Aquarium Infrastructure Consultancy
🧩 Multidisciplinary design management and coordination
📅 Project management and coordination
📝 Briefs, scopes and technical specifications
📑 Procurement strategy and tender reviews
⚙️ Value engineering and constructability
🤝 Specialist contractor and supplier coordination (LSS, acrylic panels, waterproofing, wet theming and prefabricated aquariums)
🏗️ Integration with conventional construction
🛡️ Preventing scope gaps and risk reduction
Who We Work With
Public Aquariums & Marine Parks
Zoos & Wildlife Parks
Conservation Organisations
Research Facilities
Universities
Education & Training Providers
Government Departments
Developers & Project Proponents
Architects, Engineers & Project Managers
Builders & Contractors
About
Bruce Eernisse | Principal Consultant
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Bachelor of Marine Studies (Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology), UQ
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Bachelor of Business (International Business), QUT
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AALSO Life Support Operator Level 3 and Water Quality Technician Level 2
Bruce is a marine biologist and aquatic LSS specialist with over 20 years of experience in public aquariums, zoos, research, and conservation projects.
Bruce established Banggai Consulting to provide professional, independent services to project stakeholders, from owners to suppliers, bridging the gap between specialist and conventional construction.
Stewardship of Aquatic Animals and Environments
Banggai Consulting is committed to environmentally responsible design and service delivery that supports the welfare of aquatic animals in human care and contributes to conserving wild populations and aquatic ecosystems. We seek to minimise water, energy and material consumption; prevent pollution and manage wastewater responsibly; specify efficient, durable and maintainable systems; and consider environmental impacts throughout the asset life cycle. Our technical advice is guided by applicable environmental requirements, a broad scientific basis and a commitment to continually improving the sustainability and resilience of aquatic facilities and infrastructure.
WHY “BANGGAI”?
The name and logo of Banggai Consulting were inspired by the Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), an exquisite fish endemic to Indonesia’s Banggai Islands, which represents how aquariums can connect animal husbandry, science, education and conservation – using knowledge gained through aquatic animal husbandry to help protect aquatic ecosystems.
Why Banggai Consulting?
✓ Independent advice with no commercial ties to manufacturers, suppliers or contractors.
✓ Transparent delivery backed by clear communication and technical justification.
✓ Evidence-based assessment using measured system performance and facility data.
✓ Scalable delivery through established specialist partners.
✓ Safety, risk and environmental considerations in project delivery and technical advice.
✓ Public liability and professional indemnity insurance coverage.
✓ Services delivered across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East.
Global Reach
Supporting aquatic habitat & LSS projects worldwide
2013
established and based in Australia
21+ countries
global project delivery
59+ projects
new and existing facilities
SEA LIFE Sydney Zoo & WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Merlin Entertainments, Australia | 2023-2026
The Challenge: Sydney Aquarium first opened in 1988, and sections of its ageing infrastructure require refurbishment, modernisation and future-proofing. New habitats and life support systems must also be integrated within a complex, continuously operating landmark facility.
Our Services: LSS design and engineering for new habitats, together with LSS review, modernisation, troubleshooting and optimisation consultancy for existing systems.
The Outcome: Designs and prioritised recommendations support improved aquatic animal welfare, system reliability, operational efficiency and asset planning, while integrating with established supplier and contractor pathways and supporting the parent organisation’s environmental objectives.
Marassi Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Emaar, Kingdom of Bahrain | 2019–2020
The Challenge: Development of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s largest public aquarium and underwater zoo, comprising 45 habitats and approximately 860 m³ of water.
Our Services: LSS design and engineering consultancy, including facility-wide water life cycle planning and coordination with the architectural and building services design.
The Outcome: A coordinated and fully documented LSS design supported flexible procurement and contracting of the specialist aquarium works.
Wild Seas LSS Review at Melbourne Zoo
Zoos Victoria, Australia | 2018
The Challenge: Medication and surgery had provided some relief for persistent eye issues affecting a resident long-nosed fur seal. An LSS assessment was commissioned to identify potential water treatment and operational improvements that could provide additional support.
Our Services: LSS review, troubleshooting and optimisation consultancy, including assessment of treatment processes and operational procedures.
The Outcome: Changes to LSS operating procedures aimed at reducing disinfection by-products were followed by sustained improvement in the seal’s eye health, enabling her to be trained to receive eye drops voluntarily. The assessment and outcomes were published in the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research in 2020 (https://jzar.org/jzar/article/view/525/344).
Cairns Aquarium & Reef Research Centre
Australia | 2015–2017
The Challenge: As Australia’s first major new public aquarium in 17 years, the project involved constructing 70 habitats containing more than 3,000 m³ of water in Cairns, over 1,000 km from major capital cities and logistics hubs.
Our Services: Life support systems and aquarium specialty works, including LSS, prefabricated aquariums, acrylic viewing panels, waterproofing and wet theming, construction phase consultancy.
The Outcome: Specialist aquarium packages were coordinated with conventional construction works, enabling international suppliers and contractors from Italy, China, and the United States to collaborate effectively with local contractors to deliver the completed facility.
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Cylinder Aquarium
Hong Kong | 2016–2017
The Challenge: Deliver a 17-metre-high, 6-metre-diameter cylindrical aquarium within a hotel development, containing 660 m³ of water and housing more than 90 species of sharks, rays and fish.
Our Services: Provided aquarium infrastructure advisory services to the local contractor responsible for delivery, covering life support systems, acrylic viewing panels, waterproofing and wet theming, and coordinating these specialist elements with conventional building services.
The Outcome: International specialist aquarium subcontractor packages were successfully coordinated and integrated with the project’s MEP and structural works.
Selected Projects
These examples include services delivered directly by Banggai Consulting, including through secondments into broader project teams. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our wider project portfolio and the experience most relevant to your project.
Testimonials
“Bruce worked seamlessly with our team and provided direction and responses at all levels across the project team and project stakeholders, from the earliest stages of procurement strategies, supply chain market capability research, through to engagement and review of the works undertaken on site. His experience also later assisted the Client in the crucial phase of commissioning and pre-operational functioning and management of the aquarium's life support systems. Bruce capably fulfilled his role and duties with positive and clear communication.”
Mark Pengilly, Senior Project Manager, FKG Group
“Bruce is one of the few professionals I have worked with able to comfortably walk the dual role of aquarium consultant and contractor. The breadth of his experience in the industry, from marine biology and animal husbandry, to life support systems, acrylic panel technology, the recreation of complex artificial environments, through to aquarium quarantine and operation is both extraordinary and rare. ”
C J Crossley, Crossley Architects
Let's discuss how we can support your facility or next project
Banggai Consulting is a proud corporate member of the following organisations:
