Preventing migrant smuggling by sea requires states to balance their obligations in international law with their legitimate interests in protecting state sovereignty ＿＿（56）＿＿ violation by organized crime groups. But law enforcement efforts ＿＿（57）＿＿ are not adequate to prevent migrant smuggling by sea; the Migrant Smuggling Protocol stresses that prevention efforts must address root causes that lead a person into the hands of ＿＿（58）＿＿ in the first place. Suggestions are also made to raise awareness of those who influence political and policy decisions, so policies put in place protect state sovereignty, uphold international obligations, and are not ＿＿（59）＿＿ to exploitation by smugglers. Also emphasized is the responsibility of coastal states of departure to intercept smuggling vessels before they embark on ＿＿（60）＿＿ journeys. Beyond this, comprehensive data collection, analysis and research are suggested to strengthen evidence‐based responses.