The seas that connect different parts of the world play a vital role in global trade and commerce. However, they also pose threats from both natural and man-made disasters that can endanger lives and disrupt business. Maritime security aims to protect maritime trade routes and guard against various dangers on the high seas through coordinated international efforts.

Rising Threats in Modern Times

In the post 9/11 era, threats to maritime security have expanded beyond traditional ones such as piracy to include terrorist attacks and smuggling of arms and contraband goods. The Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and other strategic waterways have seen a rise in piracy over the last decade, endangering ships and crews. While international naval coalitions have helped curb piracy off Somalia, it still remains a threat. Risks have also grown due to the illegal trade and transportation of arms, drugs, people and goods that fund terrorist networks and organized crime syndicates. The 2004 Mumbai attacks demonstrated how terrorists can exploit the sea to launch deadly assaults. These modern threats underscore the need for strengthened security cooperation between nations.

Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure

Being surrounded by sea, many countries rely heavily on maritime trade routes for import and export of fuel, goods and raw materials. Any disruption due to accident or attack can severely impact a nation's economy and energy security. Key maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca Strait are crucial for global trade but also vulnerable to conflicts or natural disasters. Coastal nuclear and chemical facilities also need fortified protection from sea-based threats. Maritime agencies work to identify and protect critical infrastructure through robust surveillance, mapping of shipping lanes and securing ports and harbors. This reduces the risks of terrorism, smuggling or accidents disrupting vital resources.

Role of Navies and Coast Guards

National navies and coast guards play the primary role of securing coastlines, territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) against traditional and non-traditional threats. They undertake long-range patrols, deploy ships and aircraft for constant surveillance of sea lanes. Navies are now increasingly focusing on counter-piracy, counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling missions beyond just war-fighting roles. Coast guards have specialized close-shore responsibilities including surveillance of ports and coastal areas, interdiction of illegal immigration and drug trafficking. International cooperation through naval exercises and sharing of maritime domain awareness enhances their collective capability to respond to crises over vast ocean areas.

Combating Piracy at Sea

Maritime Security has been a scourge for centuries but saw resurgence in the 2000s, especially off Somalia's coast in the Gulf of Aden. Pirates would hijack merchant ships for ransom, endangering lives of crews and disrupting trade lanes. The international community responded by establishing Combined Maritime Forces, an around-the-clock naval coalition to eradicate piracy. Navies from dozens of nations conduct of commercial ships, undertake anti-piracy patrols and over the years have managed to capture hundreds of pirates and liberate hundreds of hostages. While successful, the threat persists and navies continue dedicated anti-piracy operations along with rebuilding Somalia's maritime security capacities. Coordination with the shipping industry and use of onboard private security teams have also helped defend against pirate attacks.

Emerging Issues and Gray Zone Threats

New frontier challenges are emerging such as navigation through disputed waters where unilateral actions increase risks of accidental escalation. Coastal erosion and effects of climate change on sea-levels threaten vulnerable island nations and coastal areas with flooding and natural disasters. Illegal fishing depletes marine resources while marine pollution from oil spills or dumping of toxic waste degrades ocean ecosystems. Maritime experts also warn of "gray zone" coercive activities in the form of disguised militia boats challenging claims or harassing ships in disputed areas. Such ambiguities test existing security frameworks and call for innovative multilateral cooperation and confidence building. Progress on UNCLOS also remains vital for settling sovereignty issues peacefully.

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