**GAO-05-394**                      Published: Apr 15, 2005. Publicly Released: May 17, 2005.                  

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## Highlights

Sharing information with nonfederal officials is an important tool in federal efforts to secure the nation's ports against a potential terrorist attack. The Coast Guard has lead responsibility in coordinating maritime information sharing efforts. The Coast Guard has established area maritime security committees--forums that involve federal and nonfederal officials who identify and address risks in a port. The Coast Guard and other agencies have sought to further enhance information sharing and port security operations by establishing interagency operational centers--command centers that tie together the efforts of federal and nonfederal participants. GAO was asked to review the efforts to see what impact the committees and interagency operational centers have had on improving information sharing and to identify any barriers that have hindered information sharing.

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## Topics

Homeland Security

Coast Guard personnelCounterterrorismCritical infrastructureHarborsHomeland securityInteragency relationsIntergovernmental relationsMaritime securityPhysical securityPort securityInformation sharingStakeholder consultations