Protecting Papua New Guinea's Maritime Sovereignty: Challenges and Pathways

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Maritime sovereignty is a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) national security framework, as highlighted in the Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko’s recent social media post. His emphasis on strengthening maritime governance aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of “Blue Security,” a concept explored in my chapter in Blue Security in the Indo-Pacific. This term underscores the unique challenges PNG faces as an archipelagic state with a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering 3.12 million square kilometers. From illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing to transnational crimes, PNG’s maritime domain demands urgent attention.

A screenshot of my chapter on the Taylor and Francis Group website.

In the chapter, I emphasized PNG's legislative progress, including the Maritime Zones Act (2015) and amendments to the Fisheries Management Act (2015). These instruments incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provisions, which are critical to asserting PNG’s maritime sovereignty. The Foreign Minister’s post reiterates the importance of using such frameworks to assert control over the country’s maritime boundaries and resources, ensuring compliance and enforcement.

PNG’s EEZ is not just a resource reservoir but a strategic asset. As outlined in my chapter, the case of Budi Budi Island—where a fisherman stumbled upon $50 million worth of cocaine—illustrates the vulnerabilities of this expansive maritime space. Minister Tkatchenko’s call to enhance maritime surveillance reflects the need for modern technology, such as satellite systems and drones, to monitor illegal activities within PNG’s EEZ effectively.

Collaboration with regional partners is essential for PNG’s maritime security. My chapter highlighted initiatives like the Pacific Maritime Security Program and bilateral agreements with Australia and the United States. Minister Tkatchenko’s engagement with these nations strengthens PNG’s capacity to protect its EEZ through Guardian-class patrol boats and aerial surveillance. These partnerships underscore the interconnected nature of maritime sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific region.

Despite legislative and policy advancements, PNG’s capacity to monitor its maritime domain remains inadequate. My research pointed to gaps in maritime domain awareness, which include insufficient aerial surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. The Foreign Minister’s emphasis on modernizing PNG’s surveillance capabilities highlights the need to address these gaps comprehensively, leveraging both domestic and international resources.

Maritime sovereignty is not only about security but also environmental stewardship. PNG’s National Marine Spill Contingency Plan and related policies underscore the need for sustainable resource management and pollution mitigation. The Minister’s recognition of these challenges reflects the broader “Blue Security” framework, which ties sovereignty to ecological responsibility, ensuring PNG’s marine resources are preserved for future generations.

My chapter stressed the importance of a whole-of-nation approach to maritime security, which is echoed in the Minister’s post. The absence of a National Security Agency and an updated publicly available National Security Policy remains a critical gap. Minister Tkatchenko’s leadership could catalyze efforts to formalize these frameworks, ensuring that PNG’s maritime sovereignty agenda aligns with broader security policies.

Minister Tkatchenko’s recent statements reflect a pivotal moment for PNG’s maritime sovereignty. His focus on reinforcing legislation, modernizing surveillance, and fostering regional partnerships aligns with the recommendations in my chapter. As PNG navigates the complexities of Blue Security, a cohesive and integrated approach is vital. Maritime sovereignty is not just a national priority; it is a regional imperative that requires collective action, strategic foresight, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

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