Marine Science: French Polynesia researchers report that convict surgeonfish (manini) rebuild differently in different nursery habitats, with thyroid hormones steering the switch from drifting larvae to reef juveniles—showing the habitat itself can reshape development. Coral & Shellfish Climate Impacts: A related body of work highlights how climate change is affecting coral reefs and shellfish, pointing to shifting survival and growth under warming and ocean chemistry stress. Renewable Shipping for Remote Islands: bound4blue says it has completed installation of a 22-metre suction sail (eSAIL®) on the wind-propelled multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, expected to cut energy use by about 10% while serving Tahiti–Austral Islands routes with up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo. Digital Resilience: The Manatua submarine cable consortium confirms a technical fault near Samoa degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs needing a specialist cable vessel. Tourism & Pressure: A new travel feature argues French Polynesia’s “privacy” comes from deliberate visitor caps, aiming to limit crowding across its many islands. Surf Culture: Kelly Slater, competing as a wildcard, won his opening heat at Teahupo’o with a strong 16.23 total, setting up the next round.