Government of Vanuatu Passes Historic Ocean Act, Returning Coastal Stewardship to Communities and Strengthening National Prosperity

Port Vila, Vanuatu — 13 November — The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu has passed the Ocean Act, a landmark piece of legislation that formally restores authority over coastal waters to traditional leaders and the communities who depend on ocean resources most. This act lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth, food security, and long-term national prosperity.

The Ocean Act calls for the development of a national roadmap for Vanuatu’s ocean, ensuring every citizen has a voice in how marine resources are managed. It also aligns with regional and global sustainable ocean management goals, opening pathways to international finance, partnerships, and investment.

Developed in close consultation with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and other relevant stakeholders, the Act marks a major step forward in strengthening kastom-based stewardship. The passage of the Ocean Act formally empowers national, provincial, and traditional authorities to manage their ocean spaces.

“I urge all chiefs to uphold our traditional governance system and to teach customary governance to our children so they will know our cultural ways of preserving important areas according to customary rules. I call on all chiefs to take responsibility to ensure that the people of all islands of the Republic of Vanuatu understand and embrace our customary way of life, said Chief Paul Robert Ravun, President of Malvatumarui.

“The Ocean Act will benefit everyone,” said Toney Tevi, Director of the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs. “Our ocean is central to our culture, livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and national development. This Act will help boost Vanuatu’s economy, including opportunities for sustainable fisheries, and tourism to continue to grow on the foundation of a healthy ocean.”

The Act establishes the Vanuatu National Ocean Council (NOC), which will oversee the development and implementation of the Marine Spatial Plan. The NOC is responsible for guaranteeing that decisions reflect both national priorities and community voices, with representation from the newly established Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs.

“With the Ocean Act, Vanuatu reinforces its place as a regional leader in ocean governance and climate resilience,” said Honorable Jack Norris Kalmet, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and Maritime Affairs for Vanuatu. “This Act strengthens our ability to manage our ocean for the prosperity of our nation.”

The Ocean Act demonstrates the spirit of unity within the Government line agencies to achieve a common vision for the nation and beyond.

It also establishes a framework for sustainable ocean management and economic growth through the development of Vanuatu's Marine Spatial Plan. 

The Marine Spatial Plan is a national, area-based plan that supports economic, cultural, and ecological goals by establishing zones for activities such as fisheries, tourism, and other economic uses, while formally recognizing Tabu areas and expanding protected areas to restore and replenish marine resources. 

The Ocean Act builds upon scientific datasets collected during the 2023 Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Nationwide Coral Reef Study and the 2025 National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition, providing a robust foundation for sustainable ocean planning and management. 

As part of the partnership with Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, the Government will now begin updating the Marine Spatial Plan to reflect the mandates and opportunities created by this new legislative framework. 

The Act requires the Marine Spatial Plan to be developed through a consultative and inclusive process. In 2026, the Government of Vanuatu will conduct consultations with communities, chiefs, local leaders, and stakeholders across all provinces to ensure that the Marine Spatial Plan reflects local needs, customary governance, and national aspirations.

About Blue Prosperity Vanuatu

Blue Prosperity Vanuatu is a partnership between the Government of Vanuatu and the Waitt Institute to support sustainable ocean management through science, policy, and community collaboration. The program works to grow Vanuatu’s Blue Economy opportunities, sustainably manage fisheries, and safeguard the ocean and its resources to benefit the people of Vanuatu.

Media Contact:

Toney Tevi

Director of Oceans and Maritime Affairs

Government of Vanuatu

ttevi2025@gmail.com 

Ellian Bangtor

Communications Coordinator

Blue Prosperity Vanuatu

ebangtor@blueprosperityvanuatu.org