Marine Pollution Monitoring OVERVIEW

Oil spills from vessels, offshore platforms, and pipelines can significantly harm marine and coastal habitats, impacting both the environment and economy. Quick detection and early warning of these spills are crucial for authorities to catch illegal discharges and respond to accidental spills. Satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) are used to monitor wide areas for potential illegal discharges. CleanSeaNet, a European service operated by EMSA, combines SAR and optical data with ship tracking data to identify potential polluters and provide valuable information to authorities. This service has been extended to new areas of European interest through the Copernicus program.