The Government has formally enacted the Ocean Management Act 2025, now gazetted as Act 41 of 2025, establishing a statutory framework for integrated governance of its ocean territory covering more than 700,000 square kilometres, approximately 99.9 per cent of the nation’s domain. The law represents a significant step in organising sectoral ocean uses under a unified, sustainable framework.

Under the new Act, the Government will establish an Ocean Management Commission, appointed by Cabinet, to steer national ocean policy, approve marine spatial plans, grant development consents and enforce regulatory measures across sectors including fisheries, energy, shipping and tourism.

Complementing the Commission is the Ocean7 Advisory Committee, a cross-sector body tasked with providing evidence-based advice, reviewing the National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Plans, and facilitating public consultation. A Secretariat, hosted by the ministry responsible for the environment, will provide administrative support, manage data and oversee the new Ocean Management Fund.

Key regulatory tools introduced by the Act include National Ocean Policy, Marine Spatial Planning, and zoning of Ocean Management Areas with categories from no-take (tapu) zones to sustainable use and general use zones. The law also sets out procedures for environmental impact assessment, monitoring, dispute resolution and sustainable financing through levies and fees.

The Government says the Act recognises customary rights and traditional knowledge in ocean stewardship, a move designed to align modern governance with Tongan cultural ties to the sea. It follows extensive consultations with communities, ministries, regional partners and international institutions.

Experts note that integrated ocean governance frameworks are increasingly adopted in the Pacific to address overlapping ocean uses and climate pressures, aligning Tonga with regional efforts to sustainably manage vast marine resources.