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| Human Security Implications of Non-Traditional Maritime Security Threats in the Western Indian Ocean | |||||||
| Paper Id :
18005 Submission Date :
2023-08-12 Acceptance Date :
2023-08-22 Publication Date :
2023-08-25
This is an open-access research paper/article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.8346395 For verification of this paper, please visit on
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| Abstract |
The Western Indian Ocean region has emerged as a dynamic maritime space characterized by evolving security challenges that extend beyond traditional state-centric threats. This research study delves into the human security implications of non-traditional maritime security threats in the Western Indian Ocean, shedding light on the multifaceted dimensions. Against the backdrop of increasing transnational crime, environmental degradation, and geopolitical tensions, this research has analysed the diverse range of non-traditional maritime security threats. Additionally, the study also investigates the role of international actors, regional organizations, and legal frameworks in addressing and mitigating these challenges, as well as their effectiveness in promoting human security. Ultimately, this research aims to inform strategies that safeguard human security in the face of evolving maritime challenges in the Western Indian Ocean.
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| Keywords | Human Security , of Non-Traditional Maritime , Security Threats , Western Indian Ocean | ||||||
| Introduction | The Western Indian Ocean region covers a sizeable maritime
area that stretches from the Gulf of Aden in the north to the Mozambique
Channel in the south along the eastern coast of Africa. This region includes
the countries, Kenya, Comoros, Madagascar, France, Mauritius, Mozambique,
Somalia, Seychelles, Tanzania and South Africa. The strategic position,
abundant marine resources, and vital maritime trade routes give this area a
great deal of importance. One of the most important connections between the
Indian Ocean and the rest of the world is the Western Indian Ocean area. It
includes important international maritime channels that support global trade
and transit, such as the congested Suez Canal and the Mozambique Channel. The
Western Indian Ocean is one of the regional seas designated by the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and it encompasses the western half of
the Indian Ocean in a cohesive biogeographic, climatic, and socio-political
zone. With exclusive economic zones (EEZs) encompassing more than 6 million km2
and a total coastline of more than 15,000 km, it has a surface area of around
30 million km2, or 8.1% of the world's ocean surface (UNEP/Nairobi Convention
Secretariat 2009). The Western Indian Ocean region's coastal nations are
significantly dependent on marine resources for both their subsistence and
their economic growth. The region's economy depends heavily on the fishing
industry since it creates jobs, ensures food security, and opens up export prospects.
The economic development of the coastal nations is also significantly
influenced by the shipping and tourism industries. There are a variety of
security problems that might affect the Western Indian Ocean region. The region
has traditionally been affected by conventional security issues such territory
disputes and naval warfare. Threats to marine security that aren't traditional
have become major problems in the Western Indian Ocean in recent years. These
threats are characterised by their transnational nature, asymmetric warfare,
and impact on civilian populations. Non-traditional maritime security threats
in the region include piracy, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,
maritime terrorism, environmental degradation, and smuggling. These challenges
pose significant risks to the human security of coastal communities,
exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and undermining sustainable development
efforts. Combating these challenges necessitates regional and global
cooperation as well as the implementation of effective legal frameworks and
security measures. |
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| Objective of study | The study explores non-traditional security threats in the
Western Indian Ocean region, their impact on human security, and the mechanisms
to counter these threats. |
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| Review of Literature | The Western Indian Ocean area has become a breeding
ground for non-conventional maritime security risks that extend beyond regular
state-centric concerns. Researchers like Bueger and Stockbruegger emphasise the
dynamic character of maritime security concerns, pointing out how regional
stability is disrupted by piracy, maritime terrorism, and environmental
degradation and how these issues need creative solutions. The emergence of
non-traditional maritime threats pose a danger to the security and stability in
the region. Apart from being non-military in nature, these challenges are also
transnational, and neither purely domestic nor totally inter-state.
(Chatterjee) The spread of illicit weapons in the region has created a highly
dangerous scenario that is difficult to govern and control for any one country.
(Biswas) The loss of coral reefs and increased pollution amplify
vulnerabilities in coastal regions, affecting both environmental integrity and
human well-being. According to research Coastal small-scale fisheries account
for more than half of worldwide seafood capture, which provides food security
and economic livelihood for fishermen, families, and communities, and employing
up to three times as many people. (Desai and Shambaugh) Non-Traditional
maritime security threats have a direct impact upon the economic security,
health security, environment security, food security, personal security and
human rights. In order to have a check on the rising challenges of
non-traditional security threats, domestic, regional and international
mechanisms are needed to be enforce so that the impact of these threats on the
human security be reduced and eradicated. |
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| Main Text |
Non-Traditional Maritime Security
Threats in the Western Indian Ocean The Western Indian Ocean region faces a variety of
non-traditional maritime security threats, which go beyond conventional
state-centric security issues. These threats have become important issues
influencing the stability, safety, and socioeconomic growth of the area. Maritime security has been significantly impacted
by piracy in the Western Indian Ocean, notably off the coast of Somalia and the
Gulf of Aden. Piracy has been a persistent threat in the Western Indian Ocean.
Somalia's political unrest, poverty, poor leadership, and the ease with which
guns are accessible are all factors that contribute to piracy. Commercial,
fishing, and recreational boats have all been targeted by pirates who have
taken control of the ships and demanded ransom. This disrupts international
trade, increases the costs of insurance, and poses risks to the safety of
seafarers. Although piracy has decreased in recent years due to counter-piracy
efforts, such as international naval patrols, onboard security measures,
international cooperation and enhanced security measures, it remains a concern
requiring ongoing attention. A serious security risk in the Western Indian Ocean
is posed by the growth of maritime terrorism. Extremist organisations like
Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaida have proven they are capable of carrying out operations
from or at the sea. Ports, offshore platforms, ships, and other crucial
maritime infrastructure are among the targets. A destroyer of US Navy was
attacked by Al-Qaeda with a boat stacked with explosives when it was in the
Port of Aden on 12 October 2000. Maritime terrorism threatens the stability of
coastal states, disrupts maritime trade, jeopardises the safety of seafarers
and undermines regional security. It is necessary to share intelligence,
capacity-building efforts, improve maritime domain awareness, and implement
border control strategies in order to combat maritime terrorism. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
is quite prevalent in the Western Indian Ocean region which threatens the
marine resources and coastal economies. Foreign vessels engage in unauthorised
fishing within national waters, undermining sustainable fisheries management,
underreporting catches, depleting fish stocks, the use of destructive gear and
operating without licenses contribute to overfishing, depletion of fish stocks,
and economic losses for coastal communities. The overall potential yearly loss
to the region's potential income due to IUU fishing of shrimp and tuna was
US$142.8 million between 2015 and 2021. IUU fishing disrupts the balance of
marine ecosystems in the region, which also depletes fish stocks, jeopardises
food security, threatens local fishermen's livelihoods, interferes with
sustainable fisheries management, and threatens to undermine local fishermen's
livelihoods. In order to combat this threat, effective monitoring and
surveillance systems, stronger legal restrictions, international cooperation
and capacity-building initiatives are required. The Western Indian Ocean is used by several
trafficking and smuggling networks as a transit route. Significant security
issues exist in the Western Indian Ocean as a result of smuggling operations,
such as drug trafficking, the smuggling of weaponry, human trafficking, and the
smuggling of contraband products. In order to engage in these illegal
operations, criminal networks take advantage of porous coasts and weak maritime
boundaries, which feeds organised crime and undermines government. Smuggling
and trafficking puts human lives at risk, compromises government, and has
negative socioeconomic effects on both the country of origin and the country of
destination. In order to combat smuggling and trafficking, stronger legal
systems must be put in place, intelligence sharing should be increased, and
collaboration between governments is necessary. Environmental degradation in the Western Indian
Ocean is an issue that is becoming worse and has serious consequences i.e.
having direct human security implications. Oil spills, unlawful disposal of
hazardous waste, destructive fishing methods, and the destruction of coral
reefs are just a few examples of the activities that degrade marine ecosystems,
reduce biodiversity, and impair the way of life for coastal populations. Food
security is put at risk, tourism is affected, and natural catastrophe
vulnerabilities are increased as a result of environmental degradation. Strict
laws, ethical fishing methods, attempts to conserve the ocean, and the
promotion of environmentally friendly policies are all necessary to mitigate
environmental damage. Implication on Human Security There are substantial implications for human
security from the non-traditional marine security risks in the Western Indian
Ocean region. Human security refers to the protection and promotion of the
well-being and rights of individuals, ensuring their freedom from fear and
want. In the Western Indian Ocean, non-traditional maritime security risks have
a substantial influence on a variety of human security-related factors. Unlawful activities such as piracy, IUU fishing,
and smuggling are having a negative upon the economic security. The disruption
of maritime trade by piracy raises expenses for shipping firms, increases the
cost of insurance, and ultimately impacts customers. It discourages
investments, has an impact on tourism, and hinders economic development. The
economic stability of coastal towns is at risk owing to the depletion of fish
populations brought on by illegal fishing methods, which affects local
fishermen's revenue options. Smuggling and trafficking weakens legal economies,
disrupts commerce, and adds to corruption, all of which impede economic
progress and development. According to the estimates by International Maritime
Bureau, maritime piracy causes US$16 billion in economic damages annually as a
result of theft, ransom, delays in transportation, higher costs of insurance,
and anti-piracy measures. Food security in the area is seriously threatened
by the IUU fishing and environmental damage. Coastal communities' food security
is impacted by the depletion of fish populations brought on by destructive
fishing methods and overfishing, which also diminish the availability of
nutrient-dense seafood. This makes poverty and starvation worse in the region.
Food security may be further threatened by environmental deterioration, which
can impair marine ecosystems and interfere with fisheries' natural production.
Examples of this include the destruction of coral reefs and pollution. The health security of the Western Indian Ocean
region is affected by various non-traditional marine security risks. Acts of piracy
and maritime terrorism can result in fatalities, severe bodily harm, severe
psychological harm, and other consequences that have an effect on the health
and well-being of seafarers, coastal communities, and others in impacted areas.
Along with this, marine ecosystems that are polluted or degraded, coastal
waterways can become contaminated. This lowers the quality of the water and
puts populations that depend on marine resources for food and livelihoods at
risk of health problems. The environmental security in the Western Indian
Ocean region is threatened by environmental deterioration brought on by
non-traditional marine security concerns. The natural equilibrium of coastal
environment is impacted when coral reefs are destroyed, pollution is released into
the environment, and overfishing occurs. The well-being and safety of coastal
populations may be put in danger as a result of negative effects such coastal
erosion, habitat loss, and greater vulnerability to natural catastrophes. Non-traditional maritime security threats also have
implications for personal security and human rights. The safety and lives of
sailors, fishing communities, and residents of coastal areas are at stake due
to piracy and maritime terrorism. According to ICC International Maritime
Bureau, between 2018 to 2022, a total of 283 seafarers were taken as
hostages, 13 were injured and 2 were killed due to piracy incidents. People are
the victims of violence, exploitation, and violations of their human rights as
a result of criminal activities related to smuggling, such as drug trafficking
and human trafficking. Effective law enforcement, maritime combat patrols, and
the protection of human rights are necessary for ensuring personal security. Existing Human Security Mechanism The term "human security mechanisms"
refers to a broad variety of programmes, organisations, and methods used to
safeguard and promotes the dignity, welfare, and rights of individuals. Beyond
conventional military concerns, these mechanisms handle a variety of security-related
issues, such as those with an impact on the economy, society, the environment,
and politics. These includes conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping,
humanitarian assistance, human rights protection, development assistance,
environmental sustainability, and more. Human security mechanisms cover a wide
range of risks, such as conflicts, natural catastrophes, poverty, sickness, and
human rights violations, with the goal of creating a secure and free world for
people.
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| Conclusion |
A complex web of non-traditional maritime security threats,
each have a substantial impact on human security, are present in the Western
Indian Ocean region. The economic stability, food security, health, well-being,
environmental sustainability, and personal safety of coastal communities are
threatened by the combination of piracy, illicit fishing, maritime terrorism,
environmental degradation, etc. These threats highlight the necessity of a
multifaceted strategy that incorporates strong capacity-building, close
regional coordination, and strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
Although human security measures already in place have helped addressing
non-traditional maritime security concerns, their efficacy depends on ongoing
dedication, cooperation, and budget allocation. In order to mitigate these
problems and build resilient communities, cooperation among coastal nations,
international organisations, and non-state actors is essential. |
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| References | 1. Harnessing Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges:
Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region.” Strategic Analysis, vol. 39, no.
4, Informa UK Limited, June 2015, pp. 438–52. Crossref,
doi:10.1080/09700161.2015.1047229. |
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