Maritime security is being neglected. Indicate the major challenges and suggest solutions in the context of Law of the Sea.

Major Challenges to Maritime Security

Maritime security challenges are broadly categorized into traditional and non-traditional threats.

Traditional Threats

• Piracy: Despite a decline in Somali piracy, incidents persist in the Gulf of Guinea and the Strait of Malacca. Piracy disrupts trade, endangers seafarers, and increases insurance costs.
• Maritime Terrorism: The 2008 Mumbai attacks demonstrated the potential for maritime terrorism. Terrorist groups can exploit vulnerabilities in port security and shipping lanes.
• Smuggling of Arms and Narcotics: The sea provides a convenient route for illicit trafficking, fueling instability and organized crime.
• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing depletes fish stocks, undermines sustainable fisheries management, and can lead to conflicts.

Non-Traditional Threats

• Climate Change: Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification pose significant threats to coastal communities and maritime infrastructure.
• Sea-Level Rise & Coastal Erosion: Threatens port infrastructure and low-lying island nations.
• Maritime Boundary Disputes: Disputes over maritime boundaries, such as those in the South China Sea, can escalate into conflicts.
• Cyber Threats: Cyberattacks targeting port systems, shipping companies, and maritime infrastructure can disrupt operations and compromise security.
• Resource Exploitation: Competition for seabed resources, including minerals and hydrocarbons, can lead to tensions and environmental damage.
• Human Trafficking & Migrant Smuggling: The sea routes are often used by criminal networks for human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Solutions within the Law of the Sea Framework

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, provides the legal framework for all ocean-related activities. Addressing maritime security challenges requires a comprehensive approach based on UNCLOS principles.

Strengthening International Cooperation

• Information Sharing: Enhanced information sharing among nations is crucial for detecting and responding to maritime threats. Initiatives like the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) in Singapore play a vital role.
• Joint Patrols and Exercises: Conducting joint patrols and exercises with regional partners enhances interoperability and demonstrates commitment to maritime security. India actively participates in exercises like MILAN and exercises with QUAD nations.
• Capacity Building: Providing training and equipment to developing countries strengthens their ability to patrol their waters and combat maritime crime. India has been actively involved in capacity building initiatives with countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

Leveraging Technology

• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Investing in MDA technologies, such as satellite surveillance, radar systems, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking, improves situational awareness.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML can be used to analyze vast amounts of maritime data, identify patterns, and predict potential threats.
• Unmanned Systems: Deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) enhances surveillance capabilities and reduces risks to personnel.

Enhancing Legal Frameworks

• Ratification of Conventions: Ensuring universal ratification of relevant international conventions, such as the International Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against ships and persons on board ships (SUA Convention), strengthens the legal basis for combating maritime crime.
• Strengthening Port Security: Implementing robust port security measures, in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, prevents the use of ports for illicit activities.
• Addressing IUU Fishing: Enforcing regulations to combat IUU fishing, including port state control measures and sanctions, protects marine resources and promotes sustainable fisheries.

Addressing Emerging Threats

• Cybersecurity: Developing cybersecurity protocols and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to protect maritime infrastructure from cyberattacks.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Investing in coastal protection measures and developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on maritime infrastructure.

Challenge	LOS Framework Relevance	Proposed Solution
Piracy	UNCLOS Article 101 (Definition of Piracy)	Joint patrols, capacity building, prosecution of pirates.
IUU Fishing	UNCLOS Article 63 (Conservation and Management of Living Resources)	Port State Control, sanctions, international cooperation.
Maritime Terrorism	SUA Convention	Enhanced port security, intelligence sharing, legal frameworks.