Book excerpt: Two thirds of the world population lies within 60 kilometres of the sea. Much of the well-being of our planet is dependent on the sea, as the bulk of international trade passes across oceans and through ports, while the sea is a rich source of protein and contains profound wealth in terms of energy and natural sources. Inevitably, economic stability and development are therefore closely linked to maritime security. This volume contains a selection of papers presented at an international conference on ?Maritime Security in Southern African Waters? in Stellenbosch on 22-23 July 2008.