Author(s)

J.J. de Melo & P. Santana

Abstract

Portugal has an EEZ of 1.6 million square kilometres. The importance of the EEZ is primarily related to economic activities such as fisheries and tourism, and eventually offshore mining; but also to broader issues such as environment, internal security and geo-strategy. Maritime surveillance is a keystone for the control of the EEZ. The authors discuss strengths and flaws of the Portuguese maritime surveillance scheme, plus opportunities for better management of the EEZ. Maritime surveillance has not been a priority in Portugal, hence available means are insufficient; the responsibilities of a maritime authority are distributed amongst several institutions, relatively low on State hierarchy and with inadequate co-ordination. Although the essential functions of a maritime authority are perf

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