Asia/Pacific News
Australia Tests Satellite Oil Spill Detection System
The Australian government says it is trying out a satellite system to detect oil spills from orbit, saying the method will allow for quicker reaction.
Currently, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) depends on reports from other vessels, airplanes, or members of the public to spot spills.
"By the time a spill is reported, the oil may have already spread to sensitive areas and the chances of catching the polluter are poor," said Jamie Storrie, acting general for the Marine Environment Division of the AMSA.
The Satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SSAR) system can monitor Australia's waters around the clock regardless of weather.
AMSA receives data from the satellite within 60 minutes, and Norwegian company Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) analyses the data, focusing particularly on waters with heavy ship movements or offshore oil and gas projects.
Once the trial is completed, AMSA will decide whether to implement the system permanently.
Earlier this year, an anti-whaling group said a Japanese fuelling tank spilled fuel in Australia's Antarctic waters.
