The terrorist attacks of 9/11 prompted changes in U.S. Intelligence Community business practices. Integrating intelligence for improved Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) was deemed vital.
Our quality of life and economic well-being are critically dependent on secure maritime commerce. As an example, 90% of international trade and the majority of the world’s energy supplies move by sea. Prolonged disruption of seaborne commerce would severely impact the U.S. and global economies.
The oceans are the largest ungoverned areas in the world. Terrorists, pirates, and smugglers exploit this vast environment to conduct attacks and transport illicit materials to and from shore.
We Exist To Prevent Gaps & Seams in the Maritime Domain
In January 2009, NMIO was established by the Director of National Intelligence to coordinate maritime intelligence integration, information sharing, and advance national-level MDA. NMIO is now designated as the National Intelligence Manager for Maritime.