Strengthening Maritime Security in Small Island Developing States through Integrated Maritime Domain Awareness Frameworks
Abstract
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) occupy strategically significant maritime spaces that often exceed their landmass by vast proportions. These states depend heavily on maritime resources for economic survival, food security, and trade connectivity. However, their limited surveillance capacity and institutional weaknesses expose them to piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, environmental crimes, and geopolitical competition. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) has emerged as a critical strategic mechanism to detect, deter, and prevent maritime threats. This study examines how integrated MDA systems can serve as an effective preventive instrument in SIDS. Using qualitative policy analysis and secondary data from international maritime institutions, the study evaluates trends, regional mechanisms, legal frameworks, and operational challenges. Findings indicate that integrated technological platforms, inter-agency coordination, and regional cooperation significantly enhance maritime resilience. The study concludes that sustainable maritime governance in SIDS requires multi-layered integration of surveillance technology, legal compliance, and cooperative security architecture.
Keywords
Maritime Domain Awareness, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Maritime Security, IllegalHow to Cite
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Jothan Miell
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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