The ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) is an international sectoral strategy. Its main objectives are to strengthen maritime governance; maritime security and safety; maritime environmental management; optimise the ECOWAS maritime economy; and promote maritime aware¬ness and research. More specifically, the Strategy provides to develop and promote efficient and responsible maritime resource management; define maritime domain ; establish and strengthen governance mechanisms; strengthen regulations and the rule of law; strengthen international cooperation; strengthen surveillance and information networks; protect and defend the ECOWAS maritime domain; prevent and combat piracy and armed robbery at sea; promote and protect the safety of maritime navigation and passage; eliminate maritime transnational organised crime; prevent and combat pollution; manage natural disasters; develop and promote fisheries and aquaculture; prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, un-reported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; prevent illegal tapping and theft of oil; promote marine tourism; develop maritime-related infrastructure; regulate mining and other exploitation of natural resources; create awareness; and conduct maritime research.
2014-08-01