This comes against the backdrop of growing SADC concern about piracy and other forms of maritime crime and insecurity. African countries were "particularly reliant on the sea and thereby vulnerable". The SADC was expecting increased pirate operations off its east coast.During the 12 months from March 2011 to the end of February 2012, there were 57 pirate attacks in Tanzanian territorial waters. This was "an unprecedented number, but one that is indicative of the relocation of piracy to the SADC ocean".