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Satellite-based Earth Observation is changing how we protect our oceans. Using radar and optical data, satellites can detect oil spills across vast marine areas in near real-time, day or night, in any weather [1][2]. Automated systems quickly identify slicks and assess their size and spread, offering critical insights to operators, regulators, and environmental teams.
A recent example involved a leaking shipwreck off the Scottish coast, where satellite monitoring revealed ongoing oil discharge threatening a protected marine zone [3][4]. Viridien used data from Sentinel-1 satellites to identify oil slicks from the shipwreck, approximately 65km east of Montrose [3]. Using their automated SeaScope system, they were able to identify a further 78 slick detections as far back as 2014 using archived Sentinel-1 data [3]. Furthermore, they were able to show the shipwreck was actively leaking oil! (Between 2022-2024, shown below) [3]
Above shows the temporal variability of oil slicks from the Montrose Bank shipwreck observed between 2022-2024, these ranged between less than 1km to approximately 8km long! (© Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2023)
Early detection and active monitoring of oil spills like this can help prevent harm to local ecosystems and the wider environment. Once again, earth observation and geospatial data has been used to help prevent further harm, proving essential for modern, efficient, and responsible ocean management.
References
- European Space Agency. Introducing the Sentinel-1 mission. ESA. https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-1/Introducing_Sentinel-1
- Baghdady, S. M. and Abdelsalam, A. A. Ten years of oil pollution detection in the Eastern Mediterranean shipping lanes opposite the Egyptian coast using remote sensing techniques. Scientific Reports, 14, 18057, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67983-x
- Viridien. Uncovering Hidden Hazards: Leveraging Earth Observation to Protect Marine Ecosystems. Viridien, 7 February 2025. https://www.viridiengroup.com/company/blog/uncovering-hidden-hazards-leveraging-earth-observation-protect-marine-ecosystems
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Firth of Forth Banks Complex Nature Conservation MPA. JNCC. https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/firth-of-forth-banks-complex-mpa/