The Maritime Powers Bill 2026 has been passed by Parliament, introducing a comprehensive legal framework for the exercise of maritime enforcement powers in Fiji.

The legislation consolidates and modernises powers available to authorised officers when dealing with vessels, people and goods in Fiji’s maritime zones, including powers relating to boarding, searching, detention and movement.

Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua had told Parliament that Fiji needed a modern and unified legal framework to strengthen operations at sea, particularly as criminal networks increasingly exploit maritime routes.

During debate on the Bill, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone covers more than 1.2 million square kilometres and raising concerns about transnational crime moving through Pacific maritime routes.

The Bill is intended to provide a clearer legal basis for enforcing Fiji’s maritime laws and meeting its international obligations.