Drones used to monitor pollution in Bosphorus Strait

From March drones will be deployed in the area to monitor vessel emissions, providing a more efficient way of ensuring compliance with regulations.

Mustafa Tahmaz, head of the municipality’s environment pollution control department, said: “When needed, we conduct an inspection via helicopter within the context of a program. Starting in March we will also conduct inspections using drones.”

Around 55,000 vessels pass through the strait each year and, according to reports, the city imposed fines on 90 ships last year totally TL2.8m (€850,000).

When pollution is detected the inspection teams photograph and video the area together with taking samples.

The samples are analysed and if a ship is found to be causing pollution above accepted levels for its size and type, then a penalty is imposed.

The IMA joins a growing list of agencies said to be using drones to monitor regulatory compliance.