In September 2025, French Polynesia demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding the ocean by adopting a decree that established marine protected areas across its entire Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as regulated fishing zones around its islands.
The Fenua Steps Up its Commitment to a Sustainable Ocean
Already a pioneer in marine conservation, French Polynesia has taken a historical new step forward. In September 2025, the local government adopted a decree creating marine protected areas across its entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—one of the largest in the world—as well as regulated fishing zones around the Society, Marquesas, Austral and Gambier Islands.
In line with the United Nations Ocean Conference (Nice, France, June 2025), this decision contributes to the Fenua’s broader strategy for the protection, understanding and sustainable management of its marine ecosystems.
Among its key provisions, the text enforces a total ban on seabed mining and the eradication of drifting fish aggregating devices. The decree also designates a fully protected marine reserve of about 220,000 km² in the western part of the Society Archipelago, reserved for scientific research and conservation efforts.
This decree also establishes a marine park of roughly 677,500 km2 around the Gambier Islands, in which only traditional practices, ecotourism and scientific research are permitted.
Beyond legislation, French Polynesia aims to make marine protection a collective endeavor.
Guardians of the Ocean: Polynesia Leads the Way
A participatory governance model has been set up involving local authorities, experts, sea workers, and island communities. This system ensures that any decisions and efforts made are defined by and for Polynesians, in line with the reality of the local territory.
With the French government supporting the monitoring and protection of the designated zones, French Polynesia can also tap into regional and international funds to implement its local marine conservation commitments.
With this decision, French Polynesia reaffirms its role as a guardian of the ocean—a vital part of its heritage, passed down through generations and now better safeguarded for future generations.
