The availability of timely Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data provides new opportunities for detecting illegally operating vessels.
By matching vessels detected in satellite data with Automatic Identification System (AIS) information it is possible to identify “dark” vessels immediately and actions can be taken to stop suspicious maritime activities.
Every year vessels conducting illegal activities cause severe damages to economies worldwide, including lowering the security of national sea areas.
Virtually all countries along coastlines are facing the threat of illegal fishing, ocean dumping, illegal immigration, unauthorized transshipment, smuggling of people, arms, and drugs.
