A SooToday reader spotted a red aircraft, bearing the word 'surveillance' on it, flying over the St. Marys River Friday afternoon.
The aircraft in question belongs to Transport Canada.
A senior media advisor with Transport Canada tells SooToday that the aircraft was on its way to conduct pollution patrol.
"The aircraft is responsible for conducting routine pollution surveillance over all waters under Canadian jurisdiction, including the Great Lakes," the Transport Canada spokesperson said.
As it turns out, there are just four Transport Canada aircraft that service all of Canada as part of its National Aerial Surveillance Program:
- A Dash-8 aircraft in Moncton, NB
- A Dash-8 aircraft in Vancouver, BC
- A Dash-7 aircraft in Ottawa, ON, which moves to Iqaluit, Nunavut to do northern surveillance during the Arctic shipping season (July to October)
- Aircraft from Provincial Airlines Limited used in Newfoundland and Labrador
According to the Transport Canada website:
The National Aerial Surveillance Program watches ships in Canadian waters to help prevent pollution.
Aerial surveillance is the best way to detect oil spills. Surveillance through this program reduces oil pollution at sea because ships are aware they’re being watched. Evidence gathered by our aircraft is also used to issue fines and prosecute polluters under Canadian and international law.
We monitor shipping activities, ice conditions and marine security, as well as pollution. We also provide information to other federal departments and agencies to help them run programs related to:
- security
- keeping waterways safe and accessible
- protecting the environment