Fiji’s lawmakers have repealed a 2010 law that opened all surfing breaks to public access, despite opposition criticism that the replacement legislation is “flawed”.
The move comes after the Fijian parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas (CUMA) Bill 2025 last Thursday. The legislation received 27 votes in favour, seven abstentions, and 21 MPs did not vote.
The legislation grants customary owners greater rights over the commercial use of marine areas.
Fiji’s coalition government has long signalled it would repeal the Bainimarama-era Regulation of Surfing Areas Act, arguing that customary owners should be compensated for the commercial use of their marine areas.
Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, who is also the Tourism Minister, said during the parliamentary debate that the new law offers certainty for investors and fairness for customary owners.
He said the legislation does not undermine investor confidence, as critics have argued.
“We cannot create a framework that recognises customary interest on one hand, but on the other hand, makes the underlying tourism business commercially unviable. When the business fails, no one benefits,” he said.
“So, the [CUMA] Bill is about sustainable commercial partnerships, not just compensation.”
