Ireland hosts European air surveillance workshop to enhance detection of marine pollution

Ireland, on behalf of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), will host the 8th workshop on the use of surveillance systems for marine pollution detection and assessment, with a focus on aerial surveillance. The three-day workshop, which commences today, will see 50 delegates from 16 countries across Europe meet to discuss and exchange on surveillance operations around marine pollution.

The workshop will cover the enforcement chain for ship-source pollution and explore the

operational and legal aspects of using surveillance systems to detect pollution. It will also analyse how aerial surveillance systems can help identify polluters and support the collection of evidence for prosecutions.

Delegates from EU Member States involved in aerial surveillance, as well as those with legal and enforcement backgrounds, will share knowledge and good practice regarding marine pollution detection and assessment. These regular technical workshops aim to facilitate the exchange of expertise among Member States and strengthen networks among EU experts.

The workshop will include practical tabletop exercises and discussion sessions, as well as a visit to the Irish Air Corps to view both the military and Coast Guard aircraft and surveillance equipment used in Ireland.

“The Irish Coast Guard’s ongoing collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency and its members strengthens our collective ability to prevent, detect and respond to marine pollution. The knowledge generated through these surveillance systems allows us to make informed policy decisions and identify emerging risks which ultimately safeguard our marine environment.

We are delighted to welcome delegates to Dublin with a view to sharing expertise and driving early detection and monitoring which will help keep our seas and coastal communities resilient for future generations.”

Minister of State, Seán Canney

“Aerial surveillance, combined with EMSA’s full scale Integrated Maritime Services, is pivotal to the detection and verification of marine pollution in European waters, and also for the identification of polluters. Considering the recent amendment of the Ship-Source Pollution Directive 2005/35/EC, this workshop provides a valuable and timely forum for experts from across the EU to exchange experiences and best practices on the role of surveillance in the ship source pollution enforcement chain and to identify opportunities for cooperation and information-sharing.

In this context, I would like to thank the Irish Coast Guard for hosting this event in the framework of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU – go raibh míle maith agaibh!”

Executive Director of EMSA, Maja Markovčić Kostelac

This workshop for exchange of experience is organised by EMSA and conducted under the Consultative Technical Group for Marine Pollution Preparedness and Response (CTG MPPR) framework.