Sentinel - Autonomous Underwater Pollution Monitoring System
Project Sentinel leverages the SEAEXPLORER X2, an advanced autonomous underwater glider platform, to monitor and detect marine pollution in real time. Designed by ALSEAMAR-ALCEN, these gliders operate continuously for months, navigating shipping lanes to sample and identify pollutants such as oil, chemicals, and substances leading to dead zones. Equipped with advanced sensors for detecting a variety of marine contaminants, the gliders transmit instant alerts to authorities via satellite or coastal links when pollution is detected. This makes response efforts more timely and effective. With traditional surveillance limited by vast ocean coverage and high operation costs, Project Sentinel stands out by providing a cost-effective and comprehensive solution to illegal discharges. The autonomous nature allows for operation in challenging conditions, offering a robust system to support ocean conservation and regulatory enforcement.
The Problem
Thousands of vessels illegally discharge oily waste, chemicals, and contaminated water every year into our oceans, far from public view.
While dramatic tanker spills make headlines, these routine illegal releases collectively cause more damage to marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and ocean health.
Bilge Dumping
Lighthouse Reports' investigation uncovered 330 potential illegal bilge-water dumps in European waters between July 2020 and December 2021, with 271 near EU coasts. SkyTruth estimates nearly 3,000 vessels dump oil waste annually in European waters, yet only 1.5% of potential spills are checked within 3 hours.
Regulators’ Blind Spot
Even when suspicious discharges are reported, authorities struggle to identify and prosecute the vessels responsible. Satellite sensors see only surface films; effective satellite detection frequency is far lower than the theoretical 3–5-day revisit; and patrol boats are dispatched only after data have sat in a multi-hour processing queue.
Vast Ocean Coverage
Traditional surveillance methods can only monitor a small fraction of our oceans, leaving numerous areas vulnerable to illegal dumping activities.
Limited Detection Windows
Illegal dumping often occurs at night or in poor weather, making detection through conventional methods nearly impossible.
Evidence Collection
Maritime pollutants disperse quickly, making it difficult to gather legally admissible evidence linking specific vessels to dumping incidents.
Real-Time Response
Current monitoring systems often detect incidents too late, after pollutants have dispersed and caused environmental damage.
Cost-Effective Monitoring
Patrol vessels and aircraft surveillance are expensive to maintain and operate continuously, limiting comprehensive coverage.
Data Integration
Complex coordination between different monitoring systems, vessel tracking, and jurisdictions hinders effective enforcement