The Two-Day Symposium for Public Prosecutors on Maritime Crimes, organised by the Atlantic Centre in partnership with MAOC(N), the European Union's EnMAR+ project, the Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ), the Portuguese Public Prosecution Service, and CARICOM IMPACS, aims to strengthen the legal and operational capacity of prosecutors to address maritime crime across the Atlantic.
Recognising that maritime security requires a comprehensive response extending beyond detection and interdiction at sea, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between maritime law enforcement and judicial action. In particular, it addresses the importance of integrating prosecutors and legal authorities early in the operational cycle, ensuring that investigations at sea can effectively translate into successful prosecutions.
The programme addresses a range of maritime security challenges, including piracy, drug trafficking, illicit activities at sea and other forms of transnational organised crime. Through expert presentations, practical exchanges and peer-to-peer discussions, participants examine the legal and operational challenges associated with investigating and prosecuting maritime crimes, including evidence collection and preservation at sea, jurisdictional issues, international cooperation and the application of relevant international, regional and national legal frameworks.
The second edition, held on 7–8 October 2026 at the Portuguese Judicial Police Headquarters in Lisbon, brought together approximately 25 representatives from prosecutorial and law enforcement institutions, including participants from Atlantic and Caribbean partner countries. Conducted with interpretation in English, French and Portuguese, the symposium provided a platform for exchanging national experiences, identifying institutional challenges and strengthening cooperation between prosecutors and maritime law enforcement authorities.
A central focus of the discussions was the need to reinforce the connection between operational agencies and prosecution services, particularly in contexts where limited human resources, institutional constraints and the rotation of specialised personnel can affect the development and retention of maritime crime expertise.
By fostering professional networks, promoting the exchange of practical experiences and strengthening cooperation between judicial and operational authorities, the symposium contributes to a more integrated approach to maritime security. Its overarching objective is to ensure that the maritime security cycle does not end with interdiction at sea, but extends effectively into investigation, prosecution and, ultimately, the delivery of justice.
