Fiji’s Parliament has passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, setting a new framework for the use and management of marine areas designated for commercial tourism.
Bill No. 42 of 2025 was passed on 19 August following nationwide public consultations conducted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights.
The Bill provides for the reversion of proprietary ownership of marine areas used for commercial purposes to the relevant iTaukei customary owners.
It also modernises the management of marine spaces used for tourism and provides new arrangements for commercial operators using these areas.
The legislation will repeal the Regulation of Surfing Areas Act 2010 and establish a new framework governing the commercial use of marine areas.
The Bill was gazetted on 01 December 2025 under Gazette Notice No. 91 and referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights for consideration.
The Committee conducted public consultations across Fiji, with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The consultations included urban centres and rural coastal communities, with resource owners, tourism operators, surfers and other stakeholders providing submissions and appearing before the Committee.
Their views and recommendations were considered as part of the Committee’s review of the Bill.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the reform would modernise the management of Fiji’s marine spaces while strengthening the participation of Indigenous communities in the tourism sector.
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation also committed to playing an active role in conservation and development throughout the consultation process.
The Bill will now be presented to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for assent.
Once assented to and published in the Gazette, the Bill will become an Act of Parliament. Its provisions will take effect once a Commencement Notice is published.
Until then, existing laws remain in force, and the Ministry has encouraged stakeholders to continue engaging through established channels.
