Marape’s Stand on Illegal Fishing: A Turning Point for PNG’s Maritime Sovereignty?

PNG’s maritime domain is a critical component of its national security, yet persistent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens both economic sovereignty and environmental sustainability. In my recent chapter on Blue Security in the Indo-Pacific, I outlined how PNG’s maritime security challenges are intrinsically linked to broader regional stability, requiring cooperation with both Pacific partners and external stakeholders. Prime Minister James Marape’s recent warning against illegal fishing and the U.S. Coast Guard’s reaffirmation of operational independence highlight the complexities of balancing national sovereignty with regional maritime governance.

Marape’s firm stance against illegal fishing is a necessary step in asserting PNG’s control over its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which spans over 2.4 million square kilometers. Foreign fishing vessels, particularly those operating without proper licenses, contribute to the depletion of fish stocks, undermining the livelihoods of local fishing communities. In the past, PNG’s National Fisheries Authority has partnered with regional and international bodies, including the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), to curb these illicit activities. However, Marape’s recent comments signal a more aggressive approach, suggesting that PNG may take unilateral enforcement actions if necessary.

The backdrop of these statements is the growing presence of international security actors in the Pacific. The U.S. Coast Guard, which conducts maritime patrols in PNG waters under agreements such as the Shiprider program, recently clarified its operational independence amid Marape’s warnings. The Post-Courier article underscores a crucial point: while PNG asserts its rights to crack down on IUU fishing, it must also navigate the sensitivities of working with external partners like the U.S. The U.S. Coast Guard has emphasized that its operations are conducted within legal frameworks agreed upon with Pacific Island states, reinforcing the principle of shared responsibility in maritime security.

Screenshot of the news article on the Post Courier webpage.

This dynamic brings to the fore an important theme in Blue Security in PNG: the tension between external assistance and national sovereignty. While PNG benefits from intelligence sharing, aerial surveillance, and enforcement support from the U.S., Australia, and other partners, it must also ensure that such collaborations do not compromise its ability to exercise sovereign control over its maritime resources. The challenge lies in maintaining a strategic balance—welcoming cooperation while ensuring that PNG remains the primary enforcer of its own laws.

The strategic implications of PNG’s maritime security extend beyond fisheries management. As China, the U.S., and Australia deepen their engagement in Pacific maritime affairs, PNG’s stance on blue security becomes a focal point in broader regional competition. Illegal fishing is not just an economic issue; it has geopolitical ramifications. By taking a tougher stance, Marape is reinforcing PNG’s role as an active player in shaping Pacific security, rather than being a passive recipient of external security interventions.

Regional mechanisms such as the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement (NTSA) and the FFA-led monitoring systems offer frameworks for cooperation. However, Marape’s threat signals a potential shift towards more direct enforcement measures, possibly including the deployment of PNG’s own maritime security assets. This raises the question of whether PNG will seek greater investment in its naval and aerial surveillance capabilities or continue relying on external actors.

Ultimately, Marape’s message reflects PNG’s growing assertiveness in defending its maritime domain. However, as highlighted in my Blue Security chapter, effective maritime governance requires both national determination and regional solidarity. Strengthening PNG’s capacity for independent enforcement while enhancing cooperative mechanisms with partners like the U.S. Coast Guard will be key to ensuring that PNG’s waters are protected from illegal exploitation.

As the Pacific’s maritime landscape evolves, PNG’s approach to blue security will serve as a litmus test for how small island states assert their sovereignty while engaging in strategic partnerships. The balance between enforcement, cooperation, and sovereignty will define PNG’s maritime security trajectory in the years to come.