Oil spill monitoring in the Italian waters: COSMO-SkyMed role and contribution

The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity and with a large number of endemic species, provides sustenance for millions of people living along its coasts. Due to its position it also represents the natural route between major oil production areas and oil consumers. Its preservation passes also through satellite technologies which are ever and ever playing an increasing role in environmental monitoring. Italy, recognizing its contribution, has decided to invest in this sector with the satellite Mission COSMO-SkyMed. Its frequent revisiting time, day and night and all weather acquisition capability, makes it an essential part together with aerial and naval component of the National Contingency Plan (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Review in Maritime Transport. Available at http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/rmt2015_en.pdf ) to contrast marine oil pollution. © 2016, Springer International Publishing AG.