In Sydney, Australia, from 1 to 9 December, representatives of 24 Pacific Island countries and territories will be meeting for the 23rd Pacific Maritime Boundaries Working Session. Delegations from Fiji included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, and the Solicitor-General’s Office.
Together in unity, one can see how these Pacific countries manage a vast amount of the world’s maritime borders. These countries collectively manage over 30% of the world’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), sharing a total of 48 maritime boundaries. Among these, 12 boundaries, however, remain under negotiation.
Making strong and fast progress over the recent years, Fiji has now finalised maritime boundary agreements with Tuvalu as well as the Solomon Islands. In 2025, Fiji completed three major extended continental shelf submissions for the North Fiji Basin, the South Fiji Basin, and the Melanesian Borderlands Plateau, receiving moral support through collaboration with the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
However, regardless of this factor, diplomatic negotiations remain ongoing with Vanuatu and the Kingdom of Tonga regarding their shared maritime boundaries.
This push emerged from a broader commitment made by Pacific Island leaders during their summit in 2021. In such a summit, one could recall how they have pledged to complete all outstanding perimeters by 2025. Most recently, the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in the Solomon Islands in September 2025 reaffirmed that pledge.
Going beyond maps, treaties, pacts, and pledges, the consequences of finalising these borders come with greater results. Clearing out maritime lines helps countries prove their ownership, allowing them to better manage fish resources, protect the economy and environment, and oversee deep-sea mineral rights, which is very important for a region at risk of rising sea levels due to climate change.
The Pacific island nations are reiterating a regional strategy at the 23rd Working Session: turning large, shared oceans into legally protected marine domains. This is a fundamental step toward long-term ocean governance, sustainable development, and resilience for future generations.
One can also see how the Commonwealth continues to support Pacific nations, reinforcing maritime governance, sustainable development, and regional cooperation for long-term ocean security.
