The Olbiil Era Kell (OEK), Palau’s National Congress, today passed the Ocean Stewardship and Marine Sovereignty Act of 2025, a landmark bill aimed at strengthening the nation’s capacity to safeguard its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and ensure the sustainable use of its marine resources.
The legislation, approved unanimously by both the Senate and the House of Delegates, establishes a comprehensive framework for monitoring, enforcement, and sustainable management of Palau’s ocean territory, which spans more than 600,000 square kilometers.
Under the new Act, the government will:
- Create a National Ocean Surveillance Agency (NOSA) to coordinate maritime patrols and satellite monitoring;
- Implement stricter penalties for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing;
- Expand marine protected areas and introduce a “Blue Prosperity Certification” for responsible fisheries;
- Partner with regional and international allies to improve maritime security and environmental data-sharing.
Senate President Isobel Tmetuchl praised the bill as “a defining moment for Palau’s environmental leadership,” noting that “our ocean is our lifeblood, and this legislation ensures it will sustain future generations.”
House Speaker Kione Sakuma added that the Act “strikes a balance between conservation and livelihood,” emphasizing the importance of empowering local communities and traditional leaders in resource management.
The bill now moves to the Office of the President for signature and is expected to come into effect early next year, marking a new era in Palau’s stewardship of its marine heritage.
First published by Tia Belau.
