Traditional and Scientific Approaches in Pacific Maritime Management
In the Pacific region, two major developments are reshaping how ocean spaces are managed: the growing recognition of traditional knowledge in international frameworks and the technical evolution of maritime boundary delimitation.
"free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples and local communities"
As a starting point, the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030) has demonstrated potential for integrating traditional knowledge into ocean science and management. Of the 603 Ocean Decade Actions globally, 40 specifically include traditional knowledge and indigenous participation. However, only a small number incorporate essential elements for meaningful engagement such as co-design and co-management. The implementation plan defines a framework alongside vision, mission, challenges and expected outcomes that emphasize active stakeholder engagement.
In parallel, Pacific Island nations have made significant progress in maritime boundary delimitation through regional cooperation. The Regional Maritime Boundaries Project, hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), has helped formalize 36 out of 48 shared boundaries in the region. This technical work combines modern surveying methods with GIS and remote sensing technologies. The project assists fourteen member countries with technical and legal aspects, including capacity building workshops, field work on basepoint surveys, and updating national legislation.
Additionally, recent international agreements have strengthened the connection between these approaches. The 2023 BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) explicitly recognizes traditional knowledge in several sections, including provisions related to marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, and environmental impact assessments. The Agreement specifies that traditional knowledge must be accessed with free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Article 52 establishes a special fund to support conservation and sustainable use programs by Indigenous Peoples and local communities as holders of traditional knowledge.
Meanwhile, Pacific regional organizations show practical integration of different knowledge systems. The Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) uses both satellite-based vessel monitoring systems and local community surveillance networks to combat illegal fishing. Since 2009, the Pacific VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) has operated under a Service Law Agreement between FFA and WCPFC (Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission) as pressures from distant water fishing nations and overexploitation of tuna stock became evident. The system now monitors over 1,000 registered vessels.
The Pacific Community's technical support exemplifies regional collaboration success. Through initiatives like MACBIO (Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Island Countries), five pilot countries have developed national ocean policies integrating both scientific data and traditional management approaches. This work has produced marine atlases, management plans, and regional toolkits incorporating multiple knowledge systems.
Nevertheless, certain obstacles persist. While many Ocean Decade initiatives reference traditional knowledge, few are led by Indigenous communities. Of the Ocean Decade Actions including traditional knowledge, only two are Indigenous-led, with nineteen including Indigenous communities but not led by them.
Geographic distribution shows dominance by wealthier nations, with most actions coming from North America and Europe.
Similarly, maritime boundary work faces challenges from climate change impacts on baselines and limited enforcement resources. The Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones (2021) addresses these concerns by affirming that maritime zones should remain fixed despite sea-level rise. Enforcement challenges include inadequate resources for port infrastructure, harbors, and communication systems necessary for efficient monitoring.
Looking toward solutions, experiences from bodies like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) offer a lot to heed on. IPBES developed systematic processes for including Indigenous participation through workshops, translation services, and dedicated liaison groups. Their Global Assessment Process (2016-2019) was the first to consider Indigenous and local knowledge on a global scale to balance contextualized knowledge within broader assessments.
The Maritime Boundaries Project shows how technical and traditional approaches can complement each other. While using modern GPS and satellite imagery for baseline surveys, the project also considers traditional marine resource management in boundary discussions. The project design success builds on the community of practice started with Pacific leaders' shared vision of ocean stewardship.
Current initiatives suggest increasing alignment between scientific and traditional knowledge systems in Pacific ocean management. The BBNJ Agreement's provisions for traditional knowledge could influence how maritime boundaries are negotiated and managed. Similarly, Ocean Decade programs are beginning to incorporate traditional knowledge into marine spatial planning and boundary monitoring through projects that emphasize co-design and community engagement.
The evidence from both maritime boundary work and Ocean Decade implementation indicates that successful ocean governance requires integrating multiple knowledge systems. The Pacific region's experience shows how technical precision in boundary delimitation can work alongside traditional understanding of marine ecosystems. As these frameworks continue developing, maintaining this integration remains essential for sustainable ocean management in the Pacific.
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