The accident of the Prestige Tanker off the north-west coast of Spain in 2002, provided a new evidence of the dramatic ecological impact of accidental pollution. During this kind of emergency the coordination of activities aimed at identifying the pollution, forecasting the pollution movement and planning of remediation actions is a key element.

Besides accidental pollution caused by ships in distress, different types of routine ship operations lead to deliberate discharges of oil in the sea. Illicit discharges are the greatest source of marine pollution from ships, and the one which poses an long-term threat to the marine and coastal environment. Reliable monitoring methodologies and continuously updated comprehensive information are key elements to create effective contingency planning. This requires a firm technical foundation for Civil Protection and the mitigation of social and economical impacts from man- made risks.

The JRC has been asked by DG ENV to technically support them in this area. Specifically the JRC will secure is role as a neutral, European Commission laboratory in order to complement the role of DG ENV, and to stimulate action by the Member States. The action will focus on fostering the operational use of satellite observations both in support to Member States activities against illicit oil pollution and for emergency management in case of accidental pollution.