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Initiative #169

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Dark Vessel Detection Platform

Listed in the registry Pilot Original language : English

About the initiative

Description of the initiative

Utilizes AI and machine learning to detect vessels in satellite imagery, predict movements, and flag potential IUU fishing globally.Automatically cross-references detected vessels with AIS and VMS data to identify unregistered or "dark" vessels. Supports international IUU fishing monitoring; new AI-driven features enable vessel identification from electro-optical imagery. Governance: Managed by DFO’s International Fisheries Enforcement team; technical oversight by MDA Space; coordinated with CSA and other OGDs. Guardrails: All data use complies with commercial licensing terms and GC privacy requirements; sharing restricted

AI family

Perception and Understanding

Bucket rationale Not translated

Analyse automatisée d’images et de signaux pour détecter et suivre—perception/surveillance.

Lifecycle

  1. Ideation

    Stage status : Completed

    June 1, 2025

  2. Assessment

    Stage status : Completed

  3. Approved

    Stage status : Completed

  4. Development

    Stage status : Completed

  5. Pilot

    Stage status : In progress

  6. Production

    Stage status : Upcoming

  7. Archived

    Stage status : Upcoming

Schedule for this initiative

  • Completed
  • In progress
  • Planned
  • Not applicable
  • Today
2025 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2026 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
  1. Ideation

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Contacts

Requester
Bartley, Matt
Sector contact
Bédard, Mathieu
Subject matter expert
Wheeler, Sean

Data and tools

Sector
Programs Sector
Region
National Capital Region
Submitted on
June 1, 2025

Government priorities and declaration

Prime Minister's mandate commitment
Protecting Canadian sovereignty and keeping Canadians safe by strengthening the Canadian Armed Forces, securing our borders, and reinforcing law enforcement.