Richmond-based MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (TSX:MDA) has inked a US$1.7 million deal with the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to detect illegal discharges of oil from oceangoing vessels.
The foundation is funding a pilot project that will use satellite monitoring to detect illegal discharges of oil from vessels in America’s Exclusive Economic Zone – the 200-mile limit granted to all countries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
MDA, whose business includes satellite communications expertise, will work with the Fish and Wildlife Foundation to collect and analyze satellite data on oil discharges from ships within the 200-mile zone.
The 18-month pilot project is designed to promote environmental compliance with U.S. law and curb illegal discharges.
