Redrawing the map of the Pacific

The marine areas of the Pacific Island States are vastly greater than their land areas. For these States the ocean is their key resource, providing for their peoples' livelihoods and economic development, and integral to their society and culture. At a time when exploitation of seabed mineral deposits is becoming a reality, the sustainability of their fisheries and marine biodiversity is under pressure, and their maritime entitlements may be at risk due to sea-level rise, Pacific Island States are seeking to more effectively manage their ocean resources. Establishing their maritime zones with greater certainty provides the foundation for this. A successful partnership between the Australian Government, regional and international organisations and academia has assisted the Pacific Island States to establish their maritime zones and boundaries consistently with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This article outlines the outcomes of this project, identifies some of the factors that have contributed to its success and discusses some challenges for the future. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.