Dark Vessel Detection Technology from MDA Space Recognized in the G7 Declaration on Maritime Security

At the conclusion of the recent G7 Foreign Minister's meeting in Quebec, Canada, the critical role of Canada's dark vessel detection technology was recognized as crucial to detecting and combatting illegal activities on the high seas. The space-based platform, built by MDA Space for Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), has been increasingly used as part of Canada's global efforts to address increasing levels of crime on the world's oceans, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.  

IUU fishing is a global problem that threatens ocean ecosystems and sustainable fisheries and is estimated to cost countries over $23 billion (USD) every year. 
As a global leader and trusted mission partner, MDA Space has pioneered an advanced approach to maritime intelligence by using its Earth observation and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities. The dark vessel detection platform merges SAR data with best-in-class space-based optical, radiofrequency (RF), radar data, and machine learning, offering unparalleled insights into ocean activity, potential threats, and environmental sustainability.  

The platform enables enforcement agencies, governments, international organizations and commercial partners to detect, track, and respond to dark vessels—ships that disable their transponders to evade detection. 

Global Collaboration and G7 Recognition 
In their recent G7 Declaration, the ministers emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing: 

“We welcome the Canadian-led Dark Vessel Detection System in Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and would see value in replicating the model to support other partners whose fisheries are under threat from IUU fishing. We recognize that data sharing and transparency play a key role in this fight by exposing bad actors and that technological advances can support a robust Monitoring, Control and Surveillance and enforcement landscape.” 

The importance of this type of technology and international cooperation was first highlighted at the 2018 G7 summit, where leaders committed to using Earth observation technologies to strengthen maritime security and sustainable development. MDA Space and DFO first deployed the dark vessel detection platform to support the Government of Ecuador in monitoring IUU fishing around the Galápagos Islands, one of the world's most diverse and protected ocean ecosystems. 
The Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy has reinforced the rapid deployment of the dark vessel detection program across the Pacific, safeguarding marine ecosystems, protecting food security for coastal communities, and ensuring sustainable ocean management. 
MDA Space also collaborates with the not-for-profit organization Global Fishing Watch to offer consistent data and insights in the fight against illegal and unsustainable fishing. Learn more about the partnership by watching our Seeing is Believing video below: 

For more information about maritime domain awareness tools from MDA Space, visit: https://mda.space/dark-vessel