Federated States of Micronesia

Within the Federated States of Micronesia, management of marine resources is shared between federal and state governments, although each state has different national legislation (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap). State control is over the territorial sea (12 nautical miles from the baseline), while governmental control is over the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), 12 to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.

Chuuk 

• The Chuuk State PAN Act 2017 aims to ensure that community participation is maximised and recognises traditional ownership and conservation practices; “traditional rights over all reefs, tidelands, and other submerged lands, including their water columns” are recognised (Chuuk State Constitution, Article IV, § 4).
• Chuuk State Protected Areas Network (PAN) Act 2017

Kosrae

• The Kosrae Island Resource Management Authority aims to “.. To protect the environment, human health, welfare and safety and to abate, control and prevent pollution or contamination of air, land and water..” (Kosrae State Protected Area Law).
• Kosrae State Code 19 – (Protected Area Act 2010) - see chapters 3 and 8 

Pohnpei      

• The Pohnpei State Marine Sanctuary and Wildlife Refuge Act 1999 is the main source of law related to MPAs that establishes the marine sanctuaries.
• Pohnpei State Code 26 (Marine Sanctuary and Wildlife Refuge Act 1999) Chapter 5

Yap

• Yap State Constitution recognises traditional rights and ownership of natural resources. Yap fisheries legislation states that “traditionally recognized fishing rights wherever located within the State Fishery Zone and internal waters shall be preserved and respected”
• Yap State Constitution - see article XIII sections 1 and 5
• Yap State Code 18 (Fishery Zone Act 1980) Chapter 2

For further detailed information, visit the legal profile page for Federated States of Micronesia on Reeflex.

Chuuk – Chuuk Conservation Society (CCS) - Facebook page
Pohnpei – Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) - Website
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