Oceans Act No. 45 of 2025.

The Oceans Act No. 45 of 2025 of Vanuatu establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for sustainable ocean governance through the creation and implementation of a national Marine Spatial Plan. It defines national ocean space and jurisdictional zones and establishes key governing bodies, including the Vanuatu National Ocean Council and the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs, to oversee planning and implementation. The Act mandates the development of a Marine Spatial Plan based on scientific evidence, traditional knowledge, national priorities, and international obligations, and requires zoning of ocean space into General Use, Sustainable Use, No-Take, and Tabu areas, along with provisions for Marine Protected Areas. It also clarifies management responsibilities across national, provincial, and traditional authorities and embeds participatory consultation processes. Implementation is supported through ministerial approval, council oversight, gazette publication, periodic review, and enforcement mechanisms including authorised officers, penalties, and regulatory powers, thereby ensuring coordinated, adaptive, and enforceable governance of marine resources and activities.