AGP Executive Report

SPREP Climate Priorities in Samoa: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are facing the “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crises—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—despite the region contributing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gases, as the SPREP Executive Board reviewed progress and set next steps. Pacific Climate Push Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push, calling for more climate finance, faster renewable energy and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Deep-Sea Mining Governance Clash: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an international-waters area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Protection via Indigenous-Managed Reserve: A major marine protected area near Easter Island is set to be governed with indigenous leadership, aiming to turn protection “on paper” into real outcomes for biodiversity and ocean health. Whale Soundscapes in French Polynesia: A new 3D spatial audio project captured humpback whale songs in Hawaii and French Polynesia, using a custom hydrophone setup and protective monitoring gear.

Marine Protection Deal: A huge ocean reserve around Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is set to be managed with Indigenous leadership, with a “sea council” giving Rapa Nui a voting majority—aimed at turning protection on paper into real management for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has raised concerns about seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence in a high-seas area surrounded by French Polynesia, Cook Islands and others. SPREP Climate Priorities: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa is focusing on the “triple planetary crises” (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution), with Pacific leaders urging stronger action and resilience support. COP31 Climate Finance: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and stronger Pacific leadership—French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Tech & Wildlife Recording: A new 3D audio project captured humpback whale songs in Hawaii and French Polynesia, using spatial recording gear to bring underwater soundscapes to the public. Tourism & Access: Lindblad Expeditions announced 2028–29 voyages returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, highlighting longer, expert-led exploration.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a U.S. company’s bid for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Governance: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, aiming to keep smaller territories’ environmental concerns front and centre while reviewing priorities, funding and new initiatives. Pacific “Triple Crisis” Pressure: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, calling it a fight for survival. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push for COP31, endorsing more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Life in Focus: A humpback-whale 3D audio project is bringing new ways to hear marine life, while Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 highlights wildlife and the urgency of protecting a warming ocean.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: 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 tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Samoa, with a focus on ensuring smaller territories’ environmental challenges are heard in regional planning. Pacific “Triple Crisis” Pressure: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned that Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, urging stronger support for adaptation and resilient livelihoods. COP31 Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate action drive ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings. Ocean Life & Soundscapes: A new 3D spatial recording project captured humpback whale songs in Hawaii and French Polynesia, using custom hydrophones and protective monitoring gear to bring underwater nature to life. Ocean Conservation Travel: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions announced 2028–29 voyages returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, alongside expanded South Pacific and polar exploration. Wildlife in Focus: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 highlighted ocean wildlife and changing habitats through finalists’ work, including stories of animals adapting to human-altered seascapes. Local Context: At Teahupo’o, Kelly Slater advanced after a strong opening heat at the Tahiti Pro, underscoring how major events keep spotlighting French Polynesia’s natural conditions.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a U.S. company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. SPREP Leadership in the Region: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Samoa, with a focus on ensuring smaller territories’ environmental challenges are heard in regional planning. Triple Planetary Crisis Focus: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face the fight for their lives from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite contributing only 0.01% of global emissions, as the board reviews priorities and funding. COP31 Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing a Pacific Partnership and Pre-COP31 meetings to boost climate finance, renewable energy and the ocean-climate agenda—French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Ocean Life & Sound: A new 3D spatial audio project is capturing humpback whale songs in French Polynesia, using custom hydrophones and spatial recording to bring underwater wildlife to listeners. Tourism & Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions announced 2028–29 voyages returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, while Royal Caribbean expands South Pacific cruise capacity—both raise questions for how nature-rich destinations are managed as demand grows. Ocean Safety Story: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says certified deep-sea exploration can be “safer than flying,” pointing to lessons from the Titan disaster as a new submersible class prepares for dives in French Polynesia.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna made history by chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, with Jean Paul Mailagi pushing for smaller territories’ environmental concerns to be heard. Triple Planetary Crisis Focus: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are facing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks despite contributing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gases, and urged stronger adaptation and resilience work. COP31 Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate action drive ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings. Ocean Life & Sound: A new humpback whale 3D spatial audio project from French Polynesia highlights how better ocean listening can support conservation and awareness. Ocean Conservation Tech: Dr. Sylvia Earle says certified deep-sea exploration can be “safer than flying,” and her “Honu” submersible is set for its first French Polynesia dives later this year. South Pacific Tourism & Travel: Lindblad Expeditions announced 2028–29 voyages returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, plus expanded South Pacific and polar itineraries. Tahiti Pro Surf: Kelly Slater, competing as a wildcard, posted a strong opening heat at Teahupo’o to advance at the Tahiti Pro.

SPREP Leadership in the Pacific: Wallis-et-Futuna has made history by chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug), with Jean Paul Mailagi pushing for smaller territories’ environmental concerns to be heard. Triple Planetary Crisis: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra told members the Pacific is facing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks—despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions—framing it as a “fight for our lives.” COP31 Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific leadership, including the Pacific Resilience Facility as a top funding priority. Ocean Life & Sound: A new humpback whale audio project uses 3D spatial recording in French Polynesia, aiming to bring deeper attention to marine life through immersive sound. Ocean Exploration Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says new certified deep-sea vehicles could make ocean exploration “safer than flying,” with a sub called “Honu” planned for its first dive in French Polynesia later this year. Tahiti Pro Surf: Kelly Slater, competing as a wildcard, posted a strong opening heat at Teahupo’o to advance at the Tahiti Pro.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna made history by chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug), with Jean Paul Mailagi pushing for smaller territories’ environmental concerns to be heard. Triple Planetary Crisis: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as members review priorities and funding. COP31 Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Life & Sound: A new 3D spatial audio project captured humpback whale songs in Hawaii and French Polynesia, using a custom hydrophone setup. Reef Science in French Polynesia: OIST/CRIOBE research on Moorea shows reef fish development shifts with nursery habitat type, driven by thyroid hormones. Ocean Conservation Tech: Dr. Sylvia Earle says her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, aiming to make deep-ocean exploration safer and more accessible. Tourism & Nature Pressure: A French Polynesia travel feature highlights a move to cap visitors at about 280,000 per year to reduce crowding.

SPREP Executive Board in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna makes history by chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug), with a focus on making sure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are heard, and reviewing priorities, funding and partnerships. Triple planetary crisis focus: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face the brunt of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gases, calling it a “fight for our lives” as the region pushes for adaptation and resilience. COP31 climate push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings in the Pacific and priorities including climate finance, renewable energy, the ocean-climate link and amplifying Pacific leadership (French Polynesia attended at envoy level). French Polynesia reef science: New research from Moorea shows coral reef fish development changes with nursery habitat—mangrove mudflats vs sand beaches—driven by habitat-linked hormone shifts, shaping how juveniles rebuild after settlement. Ocean culture & wildlife media: A 3D spatial audio project captured humpback whale songs in Hawaii and French Polynesia, while Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 highlighted ocean wildlife and the urgency of protecting a warming, pressured sea. Invasive species and displacement: A study argues invasive species can force people out of communities, citing cases where cactus and fire ants made farming impossible, including in parts of the Pacific.

Ocean Safety & Innovation: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says modern certified submersibles can be “safer than flying,” and her DOER Marine “Honu” craft is set for its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, carrying three passengers to 1,000m for eight hours. Marine Life & Soundscapes: A new 3D spatial audio project captures humpback whale songs from expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia, using a custom hydrophone array and specialized monitoring gear. Regional Climate Push: SPREP’s DG warns Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—while the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Samoa sets priorities. COP31 Momentum: Forum foreign ministers back stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Reef Science: French Polynesia research shows coral reef fish development can shift based on nursery habitat, with thyroid-hormone-driven metamorphosis changing hormones and energy use between mangrove mudflats and nearby sand. Nature, Tourism & Limits: A travel feature highlights French Polynesia’s move to cap visitor numbers at about 280,000 per year to protect “privacy” and reduce crowding. Digital Resilience: The Manatua submarine internet cable fault near Samoa is degrading services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs needing a specialist cable vessel.

Climate Diplomacy: SPREP chief Sefanaia Nawadra told Pacific leaders that communities face a “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crises—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—despite the region’s tiny 0.01% share of global emissions, as SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting gets underway in Samoa. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, faster renewable energy and louder Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Reef Science (French Polynesia): New research from Moorea shows coral reef fish development can shift based on nursery habitat—mangrove mudflats vs sand beaches—because thyroid hormone signaling and energy use change after settlement. Connectivity Risk (French Polynesia): The Manatua submarine internet cable has a technical fault near Samoa, degrading services for Niue and the Cook Islands first, with a permanent fix needing a specialist repair vessel. Tourism & Nature: Lindblad Expeditions announced 2028–29 voyages returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, while a separate travel ranking highlighted Wales’ best beach—an indirect reminder of how tourism markets chase “nature” even as climate pressures mount.

Climate Threats in the Pacific: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warns Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—despite contributing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gases, as SPREP sets priorities at its Samoa Executive Board meeting. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers back a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, faster renewable energy, and Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Reef Life Under Pressure: New French Polynesia research shows coral reef fish development depends on where larvae settle—mangrove mudflats vs nearby sand—shaping thyroid-hormone-driven metamorphosis and energy use, with implications for how reefs may respond to change. Invasive Species & Displacement: A study argues invasive species should be counted alongside climate and conflict in forced migration discussions, citing impacts in parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia where invasive ants can make farms unworkable. Connectivity Risk: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services across Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia, with repairs needing a specialist cable vessel. Tourism & Crowds: A travel piece highlights French Polynesia’s move to cap visitor numbers around 280,000 per year, linking “privacy” to environmental and cultural limits.

SPREP Warning: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra says Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution intensify—despite the region contributing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, faster renewable energy and Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Life Research (Moorea): New French Polynesia work shows coral reef fish development hinges on nursery habitat—manini surgeonfish rebuild differently on mangrove mudflats versus sand beaches via thyroid hormone-driven shifts in energy use. Coral & Shellfish Impacts: Coverage highlights how climate change is affecting coral reefs and shellfish, underscoring the stakes for reef-dependent ecosystems. Submarine Cable Disruption: The Manatua Consortium reports a fault on the Manatua fibre-optic cable near Samoa, degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands and affecting connectivity linked to French Polynesia landings. Tourism Pressure (Tahiti/Raiatea): A travel piece notes French Polynesia’s move to cap visitor numbers around 280,000 per year, aiming to protect privacy and reduce crowding at UNESCO sites like Marae Taputapuatea.

Maritime Safety & Accountability: Reports say Mark Zuckerberg’s yacht “Launchpad” ignored a call for help from a fuel-stranded boat off Alaska, but his spokesperson disputes it, saying the Coast Guard contact was on a different radio channel and the assist was already underway. Energy Resilience: A new look at the Hormuz and Red Sea chokepoint crisis argues governments and companies are shifting toward electrification and renewables to cut dependence on disrupted oil routes. Wind-Powered Shipping for the Islands: bound4blue says it has installed a 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the French Polynesia lifeline multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands and aiming to cut energy use by about 10% alongside biofuel/e-fuel and electric propulsion options. Connectivity Disruption: The Manatua submarine cable fault near Samoa is degrading internet services, with Niue and the Cook Islands hit most while repairs are being arranged. Reef Science: OIST and CRIOBE research on Moorea shows coral reef fish development changes with nursery habitat type, driven by thyroid hormone signals and energy use. Tourism Pressure Management: A French Polynesia travel feature highlights a cap of about 280,000 visitors per year to preserve privacy and reduce crowding. Regional Climate & Nature Research: A roundup flags ongoing work on climate change impacts on coral reefs and shellfish, plus broader Pacific environmental studies.

Wind-Powered Shipping for the Australs: bound4blue says it has finished installing a 22-metre eSAIL® suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, a first for goelettes, linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands while carrying up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo; the company expects about a 10% energy cut and notes engines can run on biofuel or e-fuel alongside electric propulsion. Internet Lifeline Disruption: the Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded connectivity for Niue and the Cook Islands after an electrical shunt near an undersea repeater; providers have contingency plans while a specialist repair vessel is being lined up. Coral Reef Science: new French Polynesia research finds coral reef fish development can differ by nursery habitat—mangrove mudflats vs nearby sand—driven by thyroid hormone signaling and changes in how larvae rebuild into juveniles. Tourism & Nature Access: a travel piece highlights French Polynesia’s push to cap visitor numbers around 280,000 per year, aiming to preserve privacy and reduce crowding at major sites like Raiatea’s Marae Taputapuatea. Local Culture Meets Climate Research: a roundup also points to broader Pacific work on climate impacts on reefs and shellfish, plus how species may acclimatize across generations. Expedition Travel Returns to Makatea: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions announced its 2028–29 season, including rare access to Makatea, the only uplifted atoll in French Polynesia.

Wind-Powered Lifeline for the Austral Islands: bound4blue says it has installed a 22-metre eSAIL® on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands with up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo; the first wind-assisted system in the region is expected to cut energy use by about 10%, alongside biofuel/e-fuel capable engines and electric propulsion. Reef Science for a Warming Ocean: French Polynesia research on convict surgeonfish (manini) finds that where larvae settle—mangrove mudflats vs sand beaches—steers thyroid-hormone-driven development, changing energy use and gene activity within days, with big implications for how reefs may reorganize under climate stress. Coral & Shellfish Climate Impacts: a related roundup highlights how climate change is reshaping coral reefs and shellfish, reinforcing the need to understand both ecosystem change and species responses. Connectivity Disruption Across the Pacific: the Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs requiring a specialist cable vessel. Tourism Pressure, Managed: a travel feature notes French Polynesia’s plan to cap visitors at about 280,000 a year, aiming for a more private, less crowded experience. Pacific Food Exports: Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia 2026 will bring French Polynesia and other Pacific producers to connect with buyers.