Monitoring the Seas: Decline in Detected Pollution in the North and Baltic Seas
Introduction
In 2024, surveillance aircraft operated by the German Havariekommando detected fewer cases of environmental pollution, such as oil spills, in the North and Baltic Seas. This decline represents a positive trend, as pollution levels have been steadily decreasing over the past several years.
Key Findings
The Havariekommando, a joint organization of the German federal government and coastal states, reported that on average, a pollution incident was detected every 11 flight hours in 2024. This is an improvement compared to 2023, when a pollution incident was detected every 7.7 flight hours.
Reasons for the Decline in Pollution
According to the Havariekommando, several factors have contributed to the overall reduction in marine pollution:
- Continuous Surveillance: The consistent monitoring of the seas for nearly 40 years has acted as a deterrent to potential polluters.
- Increased Enforcement: The Havariekommando has been able to identify potential polluters in one out of every four cases of pollution detected.
Types of Pollution Detected
In 2024, the sensors on the Havariekommando’s aircraft detected a total of 101 incidents of pollution. Of these, 25 were oil spills, while the remaining 76 were other forms of water pollution, such as drilling water.
Spatial Distribution of Pollution
The 407 surveillance flights conducted by the Havariekommando identified 43 oil spills in the North and Baltic Seas. The majority of these spills occurred in the North Sea (33) compared to the Baltic Sea (10).
Severity of Pollution
According to the Havariekommando, most of the pollution incidents detected were relatively minor and did not require any containment or cleanup measures. However, the aircraft also discovered 58 cases of pollution outside German waters, which were reported to the relevant authorities.
Aerial Surveillance Program
The aerial surveillance program has been operating since 1986. The Havariekommando collaborates with the German Navy’s Marinefliegergeschwader 3 "Graf Zeppelin" in Nordholz, Lower Saxony. The squadron operates two specially equipped Dornier Do 228 sensor aircraft that are flown and maintained by German Navy personnel.
Deterrent Effect
"The extensive aerial surveillance flights serve as a strong deterrent to shipping companies that engage in illegal activities. Those who pollute the seas will not remain undetected," stated Robby Renner, head of the Havariekommando.
Goal of Surveillance
The primary objective of the aerial surveillance program is to detect marine pollution early on and to identify the responsible parties. By doing so, the Havariekommando aims to prevent environmental damage and hold polluters accountable.
