Defence E&D Canada, DARTMOUTH, NS: Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) led an international surveillance trial this month off the coast of Nova Scotia. The purpose of the Maritime Sensor Integration Experiment (MARSIE) was to collect data from multiple existing and experimental sensors that could be used to contribute to the surveillance of Canada's coastlines.
The three-week trial, completed today, will provide valuable data for scientists and authorities to evaluate surveillance technologies and improve sensors to ensure effective Canadian marine security.
This was one of the largest surveillance trials ever carried out in Canada. Several departments and agencies with responsibilities for marine security for the Government of Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom were involved in tracking a barrel representing contraband as it traveled from Liverpool, U.K. to Chedabucto Bay, N.S.
“The international and inter-governmental collaboration was absolutely necessary to build a complete maritime security picture,” said Commander Anthony Cond, MARSIE Trials Coordinator. “This collaboration also served as an excellent opportunity for all marine-oriented government departments to work together for a common security cause.”
The Canadian Forces, RCMP, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Department of Transport, Environment Canada, and the Canadian Coast Guard all cooperated as a team to plan this significant trial, which, according to Commander Cond, “has proven to be a tremendous success.”
In the trial, the “contraband” was placed on a container ship that left Liverpool and travelled across the Atlantic Ocean. It was dumped off the coast of Newfoundland where it was collected by a fishing trawler. The trawler then transported the “contraband” to Nova Scotia and handed it off to a smaller, shore-bound craft in Chedabucto Bay. The exercise was carried out three times while being observed by a multitude of land-based surveillance sensors, several marine vessels and patrol aircraft, including an experimental uninhabited aircraft vehicle (UAV).
“The data we have gained from the trial will be applied to our research projects to develop the right technology for the most effective surveillance,” said Dr. Ross Graham, Director General, DRDC Atlantic. “The results of this trial will directly contribute to improved marine security.”
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