Information sharing aids coastal surveillance efforts

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) officials said information sharing has proven beneficial to coastal surveillance initiatives.

Officials said the Integrated Maritime Domain Enterprise – Coastal Surveillance System (IMDE-CSS) has evolved beyond the initial information-gathering requirement into an information-sharing capability, allowing for integration on several technological and operational fronts, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE).

Proponents of the information sharing endeavor said when different agencies working in the same area of responsibility have access to the same data, their ability to coordinate operations significantly increases. When responding to distress calls, interdicting and processing criminal activity would be faster and consume fewer resources.

“Because both the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operate in the maritime domain, a clear opportunity exists for more efficient collaboration between the organizations,” Shawn McDonald, S&T IMDE
program manager, said. “Where they have mostly relied on their own exclusive information systems, the next level of information sharing will allow them to synchronize resources for planning and response as well as securely share sensor data across their respective networks.”

Officials said the IMDE concept has also fared well with Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) as an initial testbed.

Several technical demonstrations have laid the groundwork for connecting system owners.