AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea mining and Pacific unity: Analysts warn that investor-state dispute risks and “race to the bottom” dynamics around seabed mining could fracture regional solidarity, with Guam and other territories facing pressure as sales advance. Regional disaster readiness: Pacific Island nations, including French Polynesia, coordinated on earthquake, tsunami, volcanic and landslide resilience in Honiara, agreeing on priority actions for stronger seismic networks, better data sharing, and improved monitoring capacity for 2026–2030. Whales and sound in French Polynesia: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly captured spatialized humpback whale songs on expeditions to Hawaii and French Polynesia, aiming to better reflect the underwater world’s acoustic “presence.” Marine conservation spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists showcased wildlife and conservation-focused ocean imagery, underlining the fragility of marine ecosystems. Expedition travel trends: Cruise and expedition operators shared how they design itineraries—balancing discovery with environmental rules—highlighting French Polynesia as a key biodiversity destination.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations, including French Polynesia, met in Honiara to push a coordinated, multi-hazard plan for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, agreeing on priority actions for 2026–2030 to improve seismic data sharing, monitoring coverage, workforce skills and investment in critical infrastructure. Marine Life & Sound: A new push in whale research highlights how recording and decoding underwater “chitchat” could help protect belugas and other species by better understanding how they navigate a noisy, changing ocean. Whale Research in French Polynesia: Sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly says his humpback whale expeditions—using specialized underwater gear—aim to capture the spatial feel of whale songs more accurately, including during trips to French Polynesia. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are showcasing ocean wildlife and conservation impact through striking images, underlining how fragile marine ecosystems are. Expedition Travel Watch: Expedition cruise planning is expanding toward biodiversity-rich regions like French Polynesia, with operators weighing what guests want against environmental rules.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations and partners met in Honiara to push a coordinated, multi-hazard approach to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, with French Polynesia among participants. They flagged gaps in monitoring coverage, real-time data access, and equipment upkeep, then endorsed priority actions for the Oceania Regional Seismic Network—better seismic data sharing, stronger technical links, workforce training, and investment in monitoring infrastructure for 2026–2030. Marine Life & Soundscapes: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly used a 3D hydrophone array on expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia to capture more spatial recordings of humpback whale songs, aiming to better reflect the underwater habitat. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are showcasing ocean wildlife and conservation impact, with images highlighting the beauty—and fragility—of marine ecosystems. Tourism & Environment: Expedition cruise lines are marketing “Grand South Pacific” itineraries that include French Polynesia and nearby island stops, raising the usual question of how environmental rules shape where ships go.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations and partners met in Honiara (Aug. 10–14) to push a coordinated, multi-hazard approach to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, with French Polynesia among the delegations. Early Warning Systems: The group flagged gaps in monitoring coverage, limited technical capacity, equipment upkeep issues and patchy access to real-time geophysical data, then endorsed priority actions for the Oceania Regional Seismic Network. Action Plan Focus: Next steps include better seismic data sharing, stronger system interoperability, workforce training and more investment in monitoring infrastructure for 2026–2030. Marine Life & Sound: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly says he captured new, spatialized humpback whale songs on expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia using specialized hydrophone gear. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are showcasing ocean wildlife and conservation impact, with images highlighting the beauty—and fragility—of marine ecosystems. Expedition Tourism: Silversea announced its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, including calls toward Easter Island and the Marquesas, as expedition cruising continues to grow.

Marine Life & Soundscapes: Field recordist Thomas Rex Beverly has taken humpback whale recordings to a new level, running two expeditions (including French Polynesia) to capture more spatial, high-definition underwater songs than researchers have previously managed. Ocean Conservation Culture: The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists spotlight ocean beauty and fragility, with images tied to wildlife and conservation impact—an angle that resonates for Pacific marine protection efforts. South Pacific Travel Pressure: Silversea’s 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 sets sail, calling at dozens of destinations and moving through the South Pacific toward Easter Island and the Marquesas region—raising the usual questions about tourism footprint in fragile island ecosystems. Energy & Shipping Risk: A US port deal links maritime nuclear readiness to future shipping roles, with a study exploring whether ports could host floating nuclear power and support nuclear-powered commercial ships. Local Sports Spotlight: Guam weightlifter Chloe Santos returns home with gold, a feel-good reminder of Pacific talent—though it’s not directly climate-focused.

Marine Life & Soundscapes: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly has taken new, spatialized recordings of humpback whales during expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia, aiming to better capture the underwater world’s “vast spatial nature” beyond long, research-only recordings. Ocean Conservation & Biodiversity: The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists spotlight marine beauty and fragility, with images that underline urgent marine conservation themes across wildlife and conservation impact. South Pacific Travel Pressure: Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 sets off on a 77-day route calling at 57 destinations, including the Marquesas/Easter Island area, raising the usual question for islands: how to balance luxury expedition tourism with protecting fragile ecosystems. Energy & Climate Risk (Nuclear Shipping): Core Power and the Port of Corpus Christi Authority signed a maritime nuclear readiness study, exploring whether ports could host floating nuclear power and support nuclear-powered commercial ships—an energy shift with major environmental and safety implications for ocean regions.

Marine Life & Soundscapes: Field recordist Thomas Rex Beverly has taken humpback whale listening underwater in Hawaii and then French Polynesia, using specialized hydrophones and 3D spatialized recording gear to capture the “other-worldly” structure of whale songs in a way researchers say hasn’t been done before. Ocean Conservation & Biodiversity: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are sharing striking images that spotlight marine beauty and fragility, from predator-prey feeding scenes to rare ocean species—an eye-catching reminder of why conservation matters. Regional Climate-Relevant Travel: Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 (77 days) is set to move from Australia through the South Pacific toward Easter Island and on to South America, with calls that include the Marquesas region—raising the usual questions for island ecosystems as luxury cruise traffic grows. Energy & Risk Watch: A US port in Corpus Christi is exploring “maritime nuclear readiness” for floating nuclear power and nuclear-powered commercial ship calls, a development worth tracking for long-term environmental and safety planning across Pacific-linked shipping routes.

Marine Life & Soundscapes: Thomas Rex Beverly has taken humpback whale recordings to a new level, diving in Hawaii and then French Polynesia to capture high-definition, spatialized underwater songs using specialized hydrophones and microphones. Marine Conservation: Rapa Nui’s huge marine protected area is set to be governed through an indigenous-led “sea council,” aiming to turn protection on paper into real, long-term stewardship for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Expedition Tourism: Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 is underway, charting a 77-day route from Australia toward Easter Island and beyond, with many stops across the Pacific—raising the spotlight on how remote destinations are experienced and protected. Ocean Awareness: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are showcasing ocean wildlife and conservation themes, with images that underline both beauty and fragility. Nuclear Shipping Watch: A US port authority and Core Power are exploring maritime nuclear readiness, including potential floating nuclear power and nuclear-powered commercial ship calls—an energy and safety question with Pacific relevance.

Marine Protection: A huge ocean reserve around Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is set to expand to about 270,000 square miles, with indigenous leaders holding a voting majority on a new “sea council” to help ensure the protected area is actually managed, not just declared. Ocean Conservation & Wildlife: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are spotlighting the beauty and fragility of marine life, from predator-prey moments to sunfish and sardine-run scenes, with winners due in September. South Pacific Travel & Footprint: Silversea has launched its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, calling at dozens of destinations from Australia’s Kimberley coast toward Pitcairn and Easter Island before reaching Valparaiso in November 2026. Shark Safety & Tourism: A debate is growing over “shark selfies” and finfluencer behavior, as people chase risky footage despite warnings that close contact can lead to bites and that pushy conduct is a known problem on swim-with-wildlife tours.

Marine Protection in Rapa Nui: A huge ocean reserve around Easter Island—over 270,000 square miles—is set to be run with an indigenous-managed “sea council,” aiming to turn protection into real, long-term stewardship for people and biodiversity. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are sharing powerful images that celebrate ocean life while pushing urgent marine conservation messages. South Pacific Travel & Wildlife Exposure: Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 has set sail on a 77-day route from Fremantle to Valparaiso, with calls across the South Pacific including Easter Island—framing the journey around wildlife encounters and remote nature access. Maritime Nuclear Readiness: A US port authority and Core Power are studying how a future maritime nuclear role could work at the Port of Corpus Christi, including floating nuclear power and nuclear-powered commercial ship calls. Shark Tourism Warning: A new discussion targets “shark selfies” and finfluencer behavior, warning that chasing content can increase risky shark encounters.

Indigenous Ocean Protection: A huge area around Easter Island (Rapa Nui)—about 270,000 square miles—is set to become an indigenous-managed ocean reserve, with local leaders holding a voting majority on a “sea council” to help ensure protections are actually enforced, not just announced. Marine Conservation Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are drawing attention to the beauty and fragility of ocean life, with images that also push for stronger marine conservation. South Pacific Expedition Routes: Luxury expedition operator Silversea has launched its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, calling at dozens of destinations and moving from Australia’s Kimberley coast toward Easter Island and on to South America—an itinerary that keeps the region’s wildlife and seascapes in focus. Maritime Nuclear Readiness: Core Power has signed an agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi to study future nuclear power roles for shipping, including floating power plants and nuclear-powered commercial ships—raising new questions about environmental safeguards for ocean operations.

Indigenous Ocean Protection: Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is set to help govern a massive ocean reserve—over 270,000 square miles—through an indigenous-led “sea council,” aiming to turn marine protection into real, long-term management for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Marine Conservation Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are sharing striking ocean wildlife images that also underline how fragile marine ecosystems are and why conservation needs urgent support. Sharks & Human Behavior: A new pushback against “shark selfies” highlights how people chasing viral content can ignore safety guidance, with reports of shark bites rising as more divers try to film themselves. Shipping & Nuclear Ambitions: A US port deal links Core Power with the Port of Corpus Christi to study “maritime nuclear readiness,” including options for floating nuclear power and nuclear-powered commercial ships—an energy-and-environment story with big implications for ocean safety. South Pacific Expedition Travel: Silversea’s 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 departs Fremantle and will call at dozens of destinations, including Easter Island, as luxury expedition travel markets deeper access to remote nature. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is taking Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati, and French Polynesia.

Marine Conservation: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are sharing striking images of fur seals, sunfish and sardine “halos,” with organizers stressing the oceans’ beauty and fragility and the urgent need for marine protection. Indigenous Ocean Governance: A huge area around Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is set to become an indigenous-managed ocean reserve, with a “sea council” giving local residents a voting majority to help turn protection into real, long-term stewardship. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters bordered by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Wildlife Tourism Safety: “Shark selfies” and finfluencer behavior are under fire as incidents of people being bitten rise, with calls for safer, less intrusive wildlife viewing.

Marine Conservation Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists are sharing jaw-dropping ocean wildlife shots—from a fur seal tearing up prey to a sunfish gliding past freedivers—while pushing the message that the sea’s beauty depends on real protection. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is taking Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence in a high-seas area surrounded by French Polynesia and others. Indigenous Ocean Governance: Rapa Nui’s Motu Nui area is set to become part of a huge indigenous-managed ocean reserve, with local leaders helping ensure protections are enforced, not just announced. Regional Environment Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board meeting, aiming to keep smaller territories’ environmental priorities visible in Pacific planning. Wildlife Safety Online: “Shark selfies” are back in the spotlight as divers and influencers risk bites while chasing viral content—raising fresh calls for safer, wildlife-respecting behavior.

Indigenous Ocean Protection: Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is set to help govern a massive indigenous-managed ocean reserve, with a “sea council” giving local residents a voting majority and aiming to turn marine protection into real, long-term stewardship for biodiversity. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an area surrounded by French Polynesia and other Pacific waters. Regional Environment Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Apia, pushing for smaller territories’ environmental challenges to be heard in regional planning. Maritime Nuclear Watch: A US port authority and Core Power signed a deal to study how a future floating nuclear power plant—or nuclear-powered commercial ship calls—could work at the Port of Corpus Christi, raising new questions for Pacific energy and ocean safety debates. Wildlife Safety Online: A new pushback against “shark selfies” highlights how people chasing ocean content are increasingly getting bitten, with calls to put cameras away and follow safety rules.

Maritime Nuclear Readiness: Core Power signed a memorandum with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority to study how a major US export hub could prepare for floating nuclear power plants and for calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships, aiming to boost infrastructure planning and energy resilience. Ocean Protection for Rapa Nui: A huge ocean reserve around Easter Island is set to be indigenous-managed, with a “sea council” giving local residents a voting majority to help turn marine protection into real, long-term stewardship for biodiversity. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Te Ipukarea Society brought Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by French Polynesia and other Pacific borders. Regional Environment Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting for the first time, spotlighting how small territories can shape collective solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks. Wildlife & Safety Online: “Shark selfies” are under fire as more people get hurt while trying to film themselves with sharks, raising concerns about risky behavior by “finfluencers.” SPREP Climate-Biodiversity-Pollution Focus: SPREP’s director general reiterated that Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises,” and that the agency’s work centers on linking climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution impacts to practical support. Ocean Soundscapes in French Polynesia: A nature sound recordist captured humpback whale audio from Hawaii and French Polynesia using a custom 3D hydrophone setup and monitoring headphones, highlighting how ocean research can also raise public awareness.