The Kingdom of Tonga has made a significant advancement in ocean governance with the recent Royal Assent of the Ocean Management Act 2025, now officially designated as Act 41 of 2025. This landmark legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for managing over 700,000 square kilometers of the nation’s ocean domain, an area that comprises an astounding 99.9 percent of Tonga’s national territory.
The Act creates three pivotal bodies to oversee ocean governance: an Ocean Management Commission, which will be appointed by the Cabinet, is tasked with providing oversight, direction, and stewardship. This Commission holds the authority to approve policies and plans, grant necessary consents and authorizations, issue orders, and coordinate efforts across various ministries.
Supporting the Commission is an Advisory Committee known as Ocean7. This group will function as a cross-sectoral coordination and advisory entity, offering evidence-based guidance, reviewing the National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Plans, and facilitating public consultations to ensure community involvement in decision-making.
To support these efforts, a Secretariat provided by the Ministry responsible for the environment will manage data and information, oversee the Ocean Management Fund, and ensure consistent implementation of the Act’s provisions.
Key innovations introduced by the Act include a National Ocean Policy, Marine Spatial Planning, and the establishment of Ocean Management Areas. These areas will include various zones designated for purposes such as habitat protection, sustainable use, and no-take regions, among others. Additionally, the law encompasses environmental and regulatory impact assessments, development consent processes, monitoring capabilities, and mechanisms for dispute resolution, all supported by an Ocean Management Fund financed through levies and fees.
Notably, the Act recognizes customary rights and traditional knowledge, while also providing for ecosystem valuation and benefit-sharing. This holistic approach aspires to integrate diverse sectors including fisheries, energy, mining, shipping, tourism, and environmental protection, reinforcing Tonga’s cultural heritage tied to the ocean.
The government emphasized that the Ocean Management Act was developed through extensive community consultations alongside ministries, Ocean7 members, regional partners, and international organizations. This collaborative effort positions Tonga as a leader in integrated ocean governance, marking the beginning of a promising new chapter in how the nation manages its crucial ocean resources.
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