Illegal immigration by sea has become a major headachein recent years. In fact, EU member states detected more than48,000 cases in 2007 alone (source: Frontex annual report).It is difficult to monitor – and is dangerous, often ending intragedy. Other criminal activities, such as drug smuggling andterrorism, are also harder to police at sea. In short, controllingblue borders is a complex and costly challenge.Until now, border agencies have relied on ships, planes orhelicopters to patrol and protect coastlines. But this approachis not completely reliable – and is a drain on vital resourcessuch as money and manpower. That’s why the EU is seeking amore effective response to the challenge.