AIS-based Mobile Satellite Service expands opportunities for affordable global ocean observing and monitoring

We live in an ever-changing environment where there is a vital need for persistent monitoring of human activities; whether it is for security, safety, economic or environmental purposes. Our oceans are no exception and may even be the region of our globe that is most at risk. Unbeknownst to many, there is limited visibility and awareness of maritime activity beyond 40-50 nautical miles from our coastline. Shore-based technologies have limited range, space-based radar and other sensors have limited coverage, and marine patrol and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) assets are too costly to deploy over a wide area. Nevertheless, the ability to know the who, what and when of any transiting vessel near our coastline or in the open ocean is a critical piece of intelligence - whether it is to counter piracy, prevent illegal drug smuggling, reduce response time for search and rescue operations, combat illegal fishing, monitor marine protected areas (MPAs), etc.