Maritime Information Sharing Panel Discussion

Abstract

Our goal must be to achieve ?[a]n effective understanding of anything in the maritime environment that can effect the safety, security, economy, or environment of the United States,? the definition of ?maritime domain awareness? in the National Strategy for Maritime Security. Achieving awareness will require that maritime activities and actors become more transparent, that what is seen is properly understood, and that this visibility and understanding be shared as widely as possible among members of the maritime community. Maritime Domain Awareness is a process that collects, fuses, and analyzes data about activities in, and the conditions of, the maritime environment and then disseminates the data gathered and analysis results to decision-makers. Maritime Domain Awareness is the key to maritime security. Our current awareness capabilities fall far short of where we could be?and should be?given available technologies and a reasonable willingness to work together. Keywords: maritime activities; maritime domain awareness; maritime security; National Strategy for Maritime Security; United States