Improving Maritime Surveillance Across Lemesos Bay: The Irsai Project*

The IRSAI project presents a specialized multiagent system for oil pollution detection, monitoring, and response in Lemesos (Limassol) Bay, Cyprus. This paper introduces an integrated solution that combines aerial surveillance, autonomous surface operations, and predictive modeling to address increasing pollution incidents associated with maritime traffic growth. IRSAI integrates three key technological innovations that operate both independently and in coordination: (1) SkyBot, an AI-enhanced drone platform utilizing computer vision algorithms for automated vessel tracking and oil slick detection; (2) SeaBot, an agile USV capable of autonomous navigation, precise water sampling, and in-situ oil detection; and (3) an Origin and Destination Forecaster that employs real-time oceanographic data and the MEDSLIK hydrodynamic model to predict pollutant trajectories and potential sources. The system's modular architecture enables rapid response to pollution events while minimizing human resource requirements. Field validation in Lemesos Bay demonstrates the system's effectiveness in detecting, tracking, and responding to marine pollution incidents with higher spatial resolution and temporal frequency than traditional monitoring methods. While designed specifically for Mediterranean coastal environments, IRSAI's approach demonstrates broader applications in maritime security, environmental protection, and emergency response scenarios.