Integrated maritime surveillance (IMS) for the Grand Banks

June 1997 will see the launch of a new approach to surveillance of the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Work on a demonstration system off Canada's east coast began in March 1996. This collaborative project is the result of more than a decade of research and development. The demonstration system will provide continuous, all-weather surveillance of aircraft, surface vessels, icebergs and environmental conditions in the Grand Banks region to beyond the 200 mile limit. A shore based HF surface wave radar is the key sensor in the new system. This is the only technology that can provide continuous, cost effective, over-the-horizon surveillance at such long ranges. Re-using existing systems is a key element in the development strategy. These potentially include reports from Coast Guard and Fisheries patrol vessels, patrol aircraft, automatic dependent surveillance (ADS) reports from Coast Guard and fishing vessels and imaging satellite data, Surface wave radar provides the backbone picture by detecting and tracking all targets in the region but inputs from the other systems are essential in classifying and identifying the targets. Evaluation of the east coast system will include operation under extreme weather and sea state conditions, surveillance and management support to the east coast fisheries, enhanced visibility of tanker and support traffic to and from the Hibernia and Terra Nova oilfields, detection and tracking of icebergs and enhanced support for search and rescue and drug interdiction operations.