CleanSeaNet is a European satellite-based oil spill and vessel detection service which offers assistance to participating States for the following activities:

    1) Identifying and tracing oil pollution on the sea surface;
    2) Monitoring accidental pollution during emergencies;
    3) Contributing to the identification of polluters.

The CleanSeaNet service is based on the regular ordering of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images, providing night and day worldwide coverage of maritime areas independent of fog and cloud cover. Data from these satellites is processed into images and analysed for oil spill, vessel detection and meteorological variables. The information retrieved includes among others: spill location, spill area and length, confidence level of the detection and supporting information on the potential source of the spill (i.e. detection of vessels and oil and gas installations). Optical satellite images can also be acquired upon request, depending on the situation and user’s needs.

Stakeholder Forum: CleanSeaNet User Group

CleanSeaNet imagery and vessel detection products are shared under the EMSA-FX SLA as part of the support to Eurosur Fusion Services.

The Copernicus Maritime Surveillance (CMS) Service provides Earth Observation products (satellite images and value adding products) to support a better understanding and improved monitoring of activities at sea, within a wide range of operational functions such as maritime safety and security, fisheries control, customs, law enforcement, marine environment pollution monitoring, and others. Implemented by EMSA, it is a Security Service of the EU’s Copernicus Programme.

Recognising that human activity at sea is intrinsically dynamic, the Copernicus Maritime Surveillance Service aims to provide timely, relevant, and targeted satellite-based information to member states and EU bodies. Data from earth observation satellites is combined with a wide range of other data, both from EMSA systems as well as from external sources. This includes vessel identification and position information, behaviour patterns, and intelligence from users. The fusion of data provides a more complete overview of activities at sea, enabling a more in-depth analysis than any one data source alone. By offering increased access to earth observation data, Copernicus reinforces and enhances existing EMSA services and opens the possibility of setting up new services too.

The CMS service provides support to interested Member State administrations and European bodies exercising functions in the maritime domain. The functions currently delivered by the CMS service include:
■ fisheries control,
■ maritime safety,
■ maritime security,
■ customs,
■ law enforcement,
■ marine pollution monitoring, and
■ international cooperation.

Stakeholder Forum: Copernicus Maritime Surveillance (CMS) User Group.

EFCA use CMS to acquire satellite imagery in relation to fisheries control activities.

The RPAS services have been developed for maritime surveillance operations, such as:
1) Maritime pollution detection and emissions monitoring;
2) Detection of illegal fishing, anti-drug trafficking and illegal immigration;
3) Support to marine pollution response operations
4) Support to search and rescue operations.

There is a broad portfolio of RPAS types available ranging from large size aircraft with “long endurance” that have a comprehensive set of sensor capabilities to small more agile quadcopters. For activities far from shore, satellite communication capability is available providing beyond radio line of sight (BRLOS) operations. All can operate during day and night.

Moreover some RPAS can support directly Search and Rescue Operations by deploying a life raft.

VTOL RPAS are used to measure ship borne emissions, participate in pollution response operations and are available to assist in Search and Rescue operations.

It should be highlighted that the RPAS (platform and sensor payload) is multi-purpose in nature and can be used for a range of parallel surveillance activities.

Stakeholder Forum: RPAS User Group

EMSA carries out such operations on behalf of Member States but also at the request of and in cooperation with EFCA for fisheries monitoring and Frontex for border control.