The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is trialing the use of satellites to detect oil spills in Australian waters. Satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SSAR) can identify potential oil spills directly from orbit. These satellite sensors can monitor day and night, can see through cloud, rain, fog and other weather. It is one of the most effective and reliable ways of spotting oil spills and the ships that cause them. AMSA’s Acting Marine Environment Division General Manager Jamie Storrie said AMSA currently relies on other vessels, airlines or the public to report any oil spill or marine pollution. “By the time a spill is reported, the oil may have already spread to sensitive areas and the chances of catching the polluter are poor,” Mr. Storrie said.