BY LORETTA B MANELE
Solomon Islands is advancing the Maritime Security Strategy (SI MSS) 2024-2027 with regional collaboration and national commitment says the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS).
According to a statement from the ministry, this initiative is aligned with the Solomon Islands National Strategy 2025–2028 and the National Development Strategy 2016–2035.
MPNSCS stated that the comprehensive strategy is designed to secure the country’s vast maritime domain of approximately 1.6 million square kilometers; addressing critical challenges such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, transnational crimes, environmental hazards, and geopolitical risks.
The ministry said a recent “Maritime Security Information Sharing Session” was held at the New Zealand High Commission Conference Room in Honiara on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 and was attended by leaders from the government, academia, and international partners who shared updates and insights that are shaping the national approach.
This Security Strategy as stated emphasizes a whole-of-society approach by engaging government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and communities to ensure broad-based perspectives and cooperation in protecting maritime interests.
In relation, it is comprised of five strategic priorities which are as follows;
-Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement through expanded Ship rider Agreements and enhanced powers to tackle IUU fishing and maritime crime.
-Building stronger maritime surveillance capabilities.
-Enhancing environmental protection including the establishment of a Marine Pollution Response Unit and expanding Marine Protected Areas.
-Improving regional integration by connecting the Solomon Islands’ systems with regional entities such as the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
-Utilizing smarter tools and coordination for better prevention, detection, and response to maritime threats.
Anthony Kivolyn, MPNSCS Deputy Secretary, detailing New Zealand’s experience in developing its Maritime Security Strategy, highlighted the importance of strategic vision, stakeholder engagement, prioritization, and a clear roadmap for implementation.
MPNSCS pointed out that these insights are informing Solomon Islands’ efforts to develop a robust and practical framework.
Rebecca Williams, New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner, spoke about New Zealand recently going through a refresh of it’s Maritime Security Strategy and how the Information Sharing Sessions was to share some of the lessons learnt through this process.
“As the New Zealand Maritime Security Strategy is a whole of government strategy, there was a complex interagency process needed to bring everyone together under a common vision and purpose, this took time. It is important to have the strategy in place to guide how agency’s work together and to secure the investments needed to manage our maritime domain,” she said.
Williams noted that like Solomon Islands, New Zealand has a very large maritime domain and limited resources with which to detect and manage threats.
She said they are now working on bringing the strategy to life and are happy to share information on the systems and tools New Zealand uses for maritime domain awareness.
Karen Galokale, MPNSCS Permanent Secretary, emphasized on national commitment whilst noting that the Solomon Islands Maritime Security Strategy (SI MSS) aligns with broader national development goals and reinforces the government’s resolve to protect maritime sovereignty while supporting sustainable economic opportunities through effective governance of maritime resources.
Meanwhile, Dr. Transform Aqorau, Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University, underscored the existential importance of maritime security for the nation and the ambitious target of a 30% reduction in IUU fishing and achieving high levels of EEZ surveillance by 2027.
He stressed that maritime security is not optional for the Solomon Islands given its vast ocean territory hence stronger coordination, legal reforms, and regional partnerships are essential for success.
The Ministry of Police noted that the strategy is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2025, marking a significant step towards securing Solomon Islands’ vast maritime domain and reinforcing national and regional maritime security cooperation.
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