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Frequently Asked Questions
Nuku'alofa, Tonga / Papeete, French Polynesia
12 June 2026
Public consultation opens on model legislation in Tonga and French Polynesia exploring new approaches to protecting whales and the ocean systems they sustain.
Why is Moananui Sanctuary Trust releasing model legislation?
The Trust is not seeking to legislate on behalf of governments.
The model frameworks have been developed to stimulate public discussion and provide a starting point for communities, governments, legal experts, Indigenous leaders and policymakers to explore new approaches to whale protection and ocean stewardship.
Many significant legal and policy innovations begin as public discussion documents. These models are intended to invite dialogue, feedback and improvement.
Are these government bills?
No.
The documents are independent consultation frameworks and discussion drafts. They do not represent government policy and have no legal status unless adopted through formal governmental
Is this an attempt to tell Tonga or French Polynesia what laws they should have?
No.
The purpose of the consultation is precisely the opposite.
The frameworks are intended to create space for local communities, leaders and stakeholders to determine whether any aspects of the proposals are relevant, useful or appropriate within their own cultural, legal and political contexts.
Are you saying whales are people?
No.
The consultation documents do not suggest that whales are human beings.
Rather, they explore whether whales, as highly intelligent, ecologically important living beings, should have certain interests recognised and protected through legal mechanisms.
Many legal systems already recognise non-human entities such as trusts, corporations, rivers and ecosystems as legal entities for specific purposes.
Is this an Indigenous concept?
The legal mechanisms being explored are contemporary legal tools.
However, the values informing the discussion draw inspiration from Indigenous understandings of relationship, reciprocity, guardianship and responsibility towards and with the natural world.
The intention is not to translate Indigenous knowledge into law, but to explore how contemporary legal systems might better reflect those principles.
Will this stop development or economic activity?
The consultation is not about stopping development.
It is about exploring how economic activity and environmental stewardship can coexist in ways that support healthy ecosystems, resilient communities and long-term prosperity.
Healthy whale populations contribute to thriving marine ecosystems, sustainable tourism and broader ocean health.
Why focus on whales?
Whales are among the most culturally significant and ecologically important species in the Pacific.
They connect ecosystems across vast distances, contribute to ocean health and hold deep meaning for many Pacific communities.
They also provide a powerful starting point for broader conversations about humanity's relationship with the ocean and our responsibilities to future generations.
How can people participate?
Members of the public can review the consultation documents and submit feedback through the consultation portal at moananuisanctuary.org.
Submissions take only a few minutes, and all perspectives are welcome.
Individuals are also encouraged to share the proposals within their communities and engage with local leaders, councillors, elected representatives and government officials about the issues they raise. Public support and community voices are often critical in shaping future policy discussions and conservation initiatives.
Whether through formal submissions, community conversations or engagement with decision-makers, everyone has a role to play in helping shape the future of ocean stewardship.