The Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025 is set to shape the future of marine tourism in Fiji by focusing solely on commercial tourism and climate-related projects, while expressly excluding fishing activities from its scope. This significant legislative change was highlighted by Salaseini Daunabuna, the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, during her address at the Third Fiji Tourism Convention in Nadi.
Daunabuna explained that the Bill is designed to replace the Regulation of Surfing Areas Act and aims to establish a new operational framework for marine areas designated for commercial tourism use. Notably, the Bill includes provisions allowing for the transfer of ownership of State-held marine areas to recognized customary marine owners, provided they navigate through an official application and approval process.
Crucially, the Bill delineates commercial tourism activities as those recognized within the tourism sector, with the permanent secretary noting that further regulations are currently being developed to clarify the specific activities encompassed. Fishing activities, as currently defined by law, will remain outside the purview of this legislation, and any potential modifications to include these activities would necessitate separate policy discussions.
Currently, the Bill is under review by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, and public consultations are anticipated, signaling an opportunity for community engagement and input on this impactful legislation. The shift towards a more structured management of marine resources could facilitate sustainable tourism development while respecting customary marine rights, presenting a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s tourism sector.