The Remote Observation of Watercraft on Roads system is an AI-powered initiative developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to address the spread of aquatic invasive species across international borders. The system uses remote camera systems deployed at select land border entry points to automatically detect and identify watercraft being transported on vehicles. By capturing imagery of incoming vehicles and using machine learning to flag images containing watercraft, the system helps quantify the movement of watercraft into Canada and the potential risk of invasive species hitchhiking on boats and trailers.
This pilot system is currently in development and is designed to enhance understanding of the "stowaway pathway" – the process by which invasive species attach to watercraft and related equipment during transport between water bodies. The system will be used by Government of Canada employees involved in aquatic invasive species management and border monitoring.
The system does not involve collection of personal information about individuals. It focuses exclusively on detecting the presence of watercraft in border crossing imagery, supporting Canada's efforts to prevent the unintentional spread of aquatic invasive species across ecosystems.
