Exploring the Turbulent Waters from Sea to Shoreline: Maritime Piracy, Resource Conflict and the Future of Coastal Economies

• Author(s): Jimmy, U.J., Imikan ; Imikan, A., ; Udofia, U.O. ; Maduafor, T.C. ; Maxwell Igomah; Osogi, M. A.
• Paper ID: 1709123
• Page: 794-802
• Published Date: 18-06-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 12 June-2025

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate link between maritime piracy, resource conflict and the future of coastal economies. The maritime domain has long served as a critical conduit for global trade, resource extraction, and wealth accumulation. From the sea to the shoreline, diverse economic activities have generated enormous financial transaction to investors and local inhabitant particularly fishermen and sea farers, and container shipping dealers. However, it is also a battleground where maritime piracy, resource conflicts, and the exploitation of coastal resources increasingly threaten the stability of coastal economies. This study seeks to explore the interconnected barriers faced by coastal regions, examining the impact of maritime piracy and resource conflicts on the future sustainability of these economies. It critically assesses the economic, social, and geopolitical implications of piracy, highlighting its effects on shipping routes, regional security, and local livelihoods. Furthermore, the paper delves into resource conflict implications, particularly over offshore oil business deals, gas exploration and maritime fishing rights as well as their role in fueling tensions both within and between nations. The study adopts narratives and literature analysis in order to presents a comprehensive outcome of the situation. Findings shown that the emergence of piracy is an expression of dissatisfaction of the inhabitants who are marginalized, deprived and push aside from the tables of proceeds sharing. In the paper, it was found out that piracy is becoming a common phenomenon in the global coastline particularly the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Guinea, Strait of Malacca and Niger Delta. The outbreak of maritime piracy has weaken the economic muscles of coastal settlements, and to a larger extent, many investors have relocated from conflict-ridden Niger Delta resulting to economic sabotage. The results also shown that too many influential hands are pushing the region to a standstill in a bid to completely get rid of the abundance wealth of the region. After an indepth analysis of maritime piracy and resource conflicts, the study explores potential solutions for mitigating these challenges, basically focusing on international cooperation, enhanced security measures, livelihood diversification and equity-based resource management as an antidote to foster resilience of coastal economies in the face of these turbulent waters.

Keywords

Turbulent waters, Maritime Piracy, Resource Conflict, Future, Coastal Economies

Citations

IRE Journals:
Jimmy, U.J., Imikan , Imikan, A., , Udofia, U.O. , Maduafor, T.C. , Maxwell Igomah; Osogi, M. A. "Exploring the Turbulent Waters from Sea to Shoreline: Maritime Piracy, Resource Conflict and the Future of Coastal Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 12 2025 Page 794-802

IEEE:
Jimmy, U.J., Imikan , Imikan, A., , Udofia, U.O. , Maduafor, T.C. , Maxwell Igomah; Osogi, M. A. "Exploring the Turbulent Waters from Sea to Shoreline: Maritime Piracy, Resource Conflict and the Future of Coastal Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(12)