Maritime domain awareness (MDA) is vital to combating illegal fishing and fisheries-related conflict, achieving maritime security, and developing the blue economy. Unfortunately, many Indian Ocean coastal states have low capacity to achieve MDA. They often have few law enforcement vessels capable of patrolling their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and lack effective navies, coast guards, or air force resources capable of ensuring maritime rule of law.
This brief highlights five state-based solutions, developed with delegates during the Caught Red-Handed workshops, to increase maritime domain awareness and decrease illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean. IORIS initiated by EU CRIMARIO and used by the two regional centres (RCOC and RMIFC) is part of the solutions.