The newly enacted Oceans Act confirms that Vanuatu’s seas and oceans cannot be privately owned by foreigners or expatriates. While land may be legally purchased, ownership does not extend to surrounding marine areas.
The law, passed by Parliament in November last year and now in force, aims to reinforce customary authority over sea access and marine resources. Authorities have launched nationwide awareness campaigns to educate communities, with the first consultations held with chiefs last month to support customary decision-making.
Acting Director of Oceans Tony Tevi said foreign landowners do not automatically have rights over adjacent sea areas. Any individual seeking to restrict or manage access to the sea must first consult traditional leaders, as decisions regarding marine spaces remain under customary authority.
