Using National Aerial Surveillance program
Tranpost Canada issued a press release to announce that new funding by the Government aims to increase the number of flights to monitor and detect pollution from ships in Canada’s waters. The Government of Canada is now approximately doubling funding for the program, to $47.6M over the next five years. This funding allows for significantly more flight hours to detect pollution.
The National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) is one of the main pillars of the Government of Canada’s Pollution Prevention Program and is the government’s primary tool for detecting ship-source pollution
Three aircraft strategically placed across the country are staffed with highly trained professionals from both Transport Canada and Environment Canada. These aircraft monitor shipping activities while acting as a deterrent to potential polluters.
The team uses sophisticated state-of-the-art remote sensing equipment to observe, analyze, record and report marine pollution and other sea-based activities. The sensors on the aircraft were specifically designed to detect oil and have proven to be very effective as spills as small as a litre of oil can be found on the ocean surface.
In the Arctic, enforcement occurs through aerial surveillance, reports from government ships, and reporting through the long-range identification and tracking system, which automatically transmits the identities and positions of vessels to authorities. Larger ships that intend to enter Canada’s northern waters must report their position under theNorthern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zones Regulations (NORDREG).
Transport Canada may recommend prosecuting marine polluters based on evidence gathered by the aircrew as part of their duties to help enforce domestic and international laws. Transport Canada investigations have led to numerous successful prosecutions against marine polluters over the years, with some cases resulting in significant financial penalties.
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Find information about Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program by clicking here
