CleanSeaNet detections can be caused by mineral oil but may also indicate other pollutants (e.g. sewage, garbage) or naturally occurring features (e.g. algae blooms, areas of upwelling, etc.). Additionally, not all oil spills detected by CleanSeaNet are illegal (e.g., discharges outside of special areas, with oil content less than 15 parts per million and located more than 50 nautical miles from ...
CSN is the European satellite-based oil spill and vessel detection service that offers assistance to participating States for the following activities: Detection of oil pollution on the sea surface and contributing to the identification of potential polluters. Monitoring accidental pollution during emergencies. Providing support to oil spill surveillance operations and exercises.
CleanSeaNet is the near real time European satellite based oil spill monitoring and vessel detection service, set up and operated by EMSA since April 2007. It analyses satellite images, mainly from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) but also from optical missions, to detect possible oil on the sea surface, identify potential polluters and monitor the spread of oil during maritime emergencies.