The Kingdom of Tonga has announced the Royal Assent of the Ocean Management Act 2025, now gazetted as Act 41 of 2025, establishing a statutory framework for integrated ocean governance across more than 700,000 square kilometres of national ocean domain.
The government said 99.9 percent of Tonga’s national domain is ocean, underscoring the scale and importance of the new law.
The Act establishes three bodies to oversee ocean governance. An Ocean Management Commission, appointed by Cabinet, will provide overall oversight, direction and stewardship, with powers to approve policies and plans, grant consents and authorisations, issue orders, coordinate across ministries and take enforcement action.
An Advisory Committee, known as Ocean7, will serve as a cross-sectoral coordination and advisory mechanism, providing participatory, evidence-based guidance, reviewing the National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Plans, and promoting public consultation.
A Secretariat, provided by the ministry responsible for the environment, will support the Commission and Advisory Committee, manage data and information, administer the Ocean Management Fund and ensure continuity of implementation.
The Act also introduces key policy and regulatory tools, including a National Ocean Policy, Marine Spatial Planning and the designation of Ocean Management Areas, with zoning for tapu or no-take areas, habitat protection, limited use, sustainable use, unique reserves and general use zones.
Other measures include development consents and permitting, environmental and regulatory impact assessments, monitoring and enforcement powers, dispute resolution processes, and sustainable financing through an Ocean Management Fund supported by levies, fees and charges.
The government said the law also provides for ecosystem valuation and benefit-sharing and formally recognises customary rights and traditional knowledge.
Together, the new institutions and tools are intended to align fisheries, energy, mining, shipping, tourism, communications, research, defence, environmental protection and other emerging sectors under a single framework, while safeguarding cultural ties to the ocean.
The government said the Act was developed through extensive consultations with communities, ministries, Ocean7 members, regional partners and international institutions, and strengthens Tonga’s leadership in integrated ocean governance.
“A new chapter for Tonga’s ocean governance begins.” the Tongan government said.
