An Open Source Approach for Near-Real Time Mapping of Oil Spills along the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

Oil pollution is one of the major critical risks to Egypt’s marine environment due heavy traffic caused by shipping in Suez Canal and exploration production crude oil. Indeed, such frequent oil cases harm ecosystem creates pressure on socio-economic activities within coastal economic zone Egypt. Limited data availability obstacles precise monitoring ability alert agency take any necessary actions. This research explored potentiality developing an open-source model with use open-access Sentinel 1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from European Space Agency operationally monitor at near-real time. As such, early detection quantification volume warning system that supports decision makers clean-up operations prosecution polluter. The developed uses GIS Sentinel-1 SAR robustly detect map spills create a report appropriate spill. examined large amount data, nearly 2000 scenes sensor, cover area study 2014 2020. detected approximately 218 this time frame, about 35% occurring 2017 alone. statistical analysis frequency mapped near entrance city Port Said. known as anchoring for maritime ships travel via Canal, there are also gas nearby. It was found drift direction Said move southwards, which hazard local fishing activities, touristic beaches, ports. scientific practical solution council environmental continuously receive alerts regarding order protect maintain sustainability.