SECURING OUR MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR THE FUTURE

摘要

The coastal and inland waterways of the United States (U.S.) provide a highway for maritime transportation and commerce that is vital to our national interests. Unfortunately, the very nature of maritime commerce makes our ports and waterways particularly vulnerable to disruptions from manmade and natural causes. The maritime community needs to address this vulnerability while at the same time substantially expanding port capacity to meet future demand and sustain U.S. economic growth. Broader long term growth in the marine transportation infrastructure should also balance commercial needs with other uses of our ocean, coastal, and inland water resources. This article briefly reviews ongoing efforts to enhance marine transportation security and suggests ways in which this effort can be integrated into a larger strategic framework for sustained use and preservation of our ocean and coastal waters.