AGP Executive Report

Marine Policy Clash: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of Papahānaumokuākea, the Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll marine national monuments to commercial fishing, triggering backlash from conservation and Native Hawaiian groups and vows of legal action from Earthjustice. Biosecurity & Forestry: Hawaiʻi’s DLNR and the U.S. Forest Service deployed SPLAT® Verb, a beetle repellent, on ʻōhiʻa trees in Kōkeʻe State Park to slow Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death spread by discouraging the ambrosia beetles that carry the fungus. Wildlife Monitoring (Marianas): Volunteers across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian completed the annual fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count, recording 269 bats and highlighting the species’ role as a pollinator and seed disperser. Regional Science & Funding: UH Hilo was named a core member of a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM), aiming to scale aquaculture research with environmental forecasting and real-world marine demonstrations. Coast Guard Capability: The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter, Jeffrey Palazzo, with Guam homeporting set to expand. Ocean Science in Palau: The Palau Atmospheric Observatory marked 10 years of measurements supporting global stratosphere and air-chemistry research. Health & Equity (Pacific): In New Zealand, cardiac scientists say they’re being blocked from objecting to proposed diabetes treatment funding changes that would remove ethnicity-based eligibility criteria.

Marine Protection vs Fishing Access: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument and zones within Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll; Earthjustice and conservation groups warn it could harm endangered species habitat and say the move will be challenged in court. Local Conservation Monitoring: Volunteers and partners completed the annual Fanihi Count across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, recording 269 Mariana fruit bats and highlighting the species’ threatened status and its role as a key pollinator and seed disperser. Aquaculture Research Funding: The University of Hawaiʻi was named a core member of a new $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM), with UH researchers leading work tied to tech, forecasting, and marine demonstrations. Pacific Media & Influence: A new CNA report examines how China is shaping Pacific island media narratives amid newsroom pressure and online audience shifts. CNMI Tech & Governance: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds joined the White House signing on monument fishing access, stressing the need for local engagement and stewardship around Mariana Trench waters. Health & Equity Policy: In New Zealand, cardiac scientists say they’re blocked from objecting to proposed diabetes treatment funding changes that would remove ethnicity-based eligibility criteria.

Marine Protection vs Fishing: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments—Papahānaumokuākea (including Mau and Ho‘omalu zones), the Mariana Trench monument (Islands Unit), and Rose Atoll—sparking immediate backlash from conservation groups and vows of legal action over risks to endangered species habitat. Local Governance: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds backed the move as a path for local voice and stewardship, while emphasizing fishing should stay limited to U.S.-flagged vessels and align with federal protections. Climate & Weather Watch: U.S. forecasters say El Niño has formed and could drive extreme conditions and push 2027 toward record heat, with Pacific islands facing heightened storm and rainfall swings. Ocean Science Funding: Guam’s marine research and reef conservation programs face possible shutdowns under proposed NOAA cuts for FY2027, raising alarms for climate resilience work. Biodiversity Monitoring: Volunteers completed the annual fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, recording 269 bats and underscoring ongoing recovery efforts. Aquaculture Research: UH Hilo was named a core member of a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM), aiming to scale seafood innovation with forecasting and real-world marine demonstrations.

Mariana Conservation: Volunteers and partners completed the annual Fanihi Count across Guam, Saipan and Tinian, tallying 269 Mariana fruit bats (241 Guam, 24 Saipan, 4 Tinian) to track recovery of the threatened, island-endemic pollinator. Ocean Policy & Fisheries: President Trump signed a proclamation partially reopening protected Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including portions of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument near CNMI, drawing sharp criticism from conservation groups and raising concerns about bycatch impacts. Climate Watch: U.S. weather officials warn El Niño has formed and could rival the costly 1997–98 event, with Pacific islands facing heightened risks for extreme weather. Regional Peacebuilding: A Pacific Security College paper urges turning the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace into a legally binding regional peace and security treaty, proposing a “Rarotonga II” pathway. Health & Equity (Regional): New Zealand cardiology specialists dispute proposed diabetes funding changes, arguing targeting Māori and Pasifika improves health outcomes when resources are limited. Research & Food Systems: UH researchers join a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) to expand seafood research and markets, with Pacific stewardship and fishpond expertise in the mix. Disability Inclusion: The Pacific Islands Forum highlights Pacific leadership after Samoa and Palau representatives won UN disability rights seats, and calls for stronger international support for disability inclusion. Maritime Capability: The U.S. Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter, homeporting in Guam, boosting regional search-and-rescue and maritime security capacity.

Marianas Ocean Science: Ocean Exploration Trust begins a two-week seabed mapping expedition around the Mariana Islands, using Nautilus and live streaming to expand knowledge of deep-sea habitats and geology as seabed mining interest grows. CNMI Disaster Response & Power: Guam says it’s nearing the end of Super Typhoon Sinlaku emergency spending, with nearly $10M likely to return to the treasury—while Tinian residents face only a $7 fee as FEMA and U.S. military cover power costs. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Legal experts warn “bare bones” U.S. rules may not be ready for deep-sea mining as lease sales are planned for American Samoa and later CNMI. Pacific Energy Resilience: Pacific communities and the Philippines turn to community-owned solar as fuel shocks expose dependence on imported fossil fuels, including new training and installations in Fiji. Climate & Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society reroutes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia due to El Niño forecasts, aiming to keep the Moananuiākea voyage safe. Governance & Tech Funding: The NMI Settlement Fund notifies retirees that the 25% pension benefit will stop after July 31, 2026.

El Niño Watch for the Pacific: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will reroute the Moananuiākea Voyage after forecasts warn of a 90% chance of El Niño developing by August, with potential for more extreme weather. Ocean Science in the Marianas: Ocean Exploration Trust begins a two-week seafloor mapping expedition around the Mariana Islands using Nautilus and live-streamed tools to improve deep-ocean knowledge for future decisions. Investigative Journalism Boost: UNODC and the Pacific Islands News Association launch J-PACT to fund and train reporters on anti-corruption and transparency across the region. CNMI Typhoon Recovery Food Aid: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, USDA disaster nutrition assistance has been approved for CNMI households, with benefits expected after local rollout steps. Energy Resilience in the Region: New Zealand switched on a 5.3MW rooftop solar array at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, aiming to cut emissions and strengthen power resilience during supply shocks. Nuclear Waste Warning: Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart spotlights spent-fuel storage limits and the lack of a permanent disposal plan.

Ocean Mapping in the Marianas: Ocean Exploration Trust is launching a two-week seabed mapping expedition around the Mariana Islands, using E/V Nautilus and NOAA-supported tech to study deep habitats, biodiversity, geology, and potential critical minerals, with live streaming on NautilusLive.org. CNMI Typhoon Recovery, Food Aid: Nearly two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, CNMI disaster food assistance was approved by USDA, including enhanced benefits for existing Nutrition Assistance Programme recipients and a separate Disaster Nutrition Assistance Programme for affected households, though distribution depends on local procedures. Saipan Relief Mission Wrap-Up: The U.S. Army Reserve’s 9th Mission Support Command has ended a months-long recovery operation in CNMI, supporting sheltering, repairs, and delivery of food, water, and medical supplies. Marianas Energy Resilience Context: A separate energy-resilience story highlights a major rooftop solar switch-on in New Zealand, underscoring the broader push for cleaner, steadier power as regional energy stress continues. Local Education Leadership: Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho ends his tenure, citing accreditation and funding milestones as he prepares to pursue a governor bid. Community After Sinlaku: Hundreds gathered in Garapan for “Rise Up,” honoring first responders and relief partners with food, music, and cultural displays. Pension Funding Warning: CNMI retirees were notified that a 25% pension benefit will stop after July 31, 2026 due to budget shortfalls.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Power Metals: New reporting spotlights the Clarion-Clipperton Zone’s apple-sized polymetallic nodules—rich in battery metals—and the environmental plus geopolitical stakes as mining moves closer. CNMI Typhoon Recovery: Disaster food aid for CNMI households was approved nearly two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with up to about $40M in nutrition assistance, though distribution depends on local procedures. Tinian Electricity Relief: FEMA and the U.S. military are covering Tinian generation and fuel costs temporarily, so residents see only a basic customer fee (about $7) until around July 10. Ocean & Climate Governance: UN climate talks in Bonn face criticism over visa delays and shrinking civic space, while Pacific leaders push stronger climate action as tuna and ocean conditions shift. Pacific Fisheries Tech: A Pacific Community study says drifting fish-aggregating devices are being underestimated, and highlights how added wave buoys can improve tracking. Regional Policy & Oversight: Experts warn U.S. deep-sea mining rules may be outdated and weaken environmental review and public input. Trade Tech in the Pacific: A UN/ADB report finds AI use in trade procedures is far lower in Pacific Rim states than in East Asia, even as AI speeds customs checks elsewhere. Tuna Adaptation Planning: Pacific countries are rolling out an advanced warning system to prepare for climate-driven tuna redistribution beyond national waters.

Tinian Power Relief: FEMA and U.S. military generators are covering Tinian’s electricity generation and fuel for now, so residents’ bills show only the basic $7 customer service fee until around July 10. Fisheries Tech & Ocean Data: A Pacific Community study says drifting fish-aggregating devices in the Western and Central Pacific have been underestimated, with many satellite buoys found unattached and recycled into local uses. Underwater Fishing Monitoring: CatchCam Technologies is pushing underwater monitoring for small-scale fisheries to help fishers make better decisions based on what’s happening below the surface. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: Experts warn U.S. deep-sea mining regulations are outdated and may weaken environmental review as the government moves toward seabed leasing. Pacific Climate for Tuna: Pacific nations are rolling out an Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven tuna shifts beyond national waters, aiming to protect food security and livelihoods. Digital Security in the Pacific: Legal experts in Fiji are finalizing a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses across Pacific countries. World Oceans Day: Pacific leaders marked World Oceans Day by renewing calls for stronger marine protection as reefs, fisheries, and sea levels face mounting climate pressure.

CNMI Power Recovery: CNMI Homeland Security Special Assistant Clement Bermudes says recovery is moving into a stronger phase after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with about 99% of Saipan primary power lines re-energized and generation capacity restored to 34.7 megawatts (still ongoing distribution repairs and reconnections). Marianas Utilities Thanks: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David M. Apatang hosted an appreciation dinner for Guam Power Authority and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. crews who helped restore CNMI power. Regional Ocean Governance: World Oceans Day coverage highlights the BBNJ ocean biodiversity treaty entering into force in January 2026, with support from the Global Environment Facility to help countries ratify and implement it. Pacific Cybercrime Law: Pacific nations in Fiji are finalizing a regional cybercrime legislation handbook to strengthen digital border protection and legal responses. Earthquake & Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, Pacific emergency agencies issued tsunami advisories across many islands including CNMI, while New Zealand said there’s no tsunami threat there. Renewables for Schools: An all-female solar installation team helped bring 24/7 power to a remote Fijian primary school, aiming to boost women’s leadership in technical trades.

CNMI Recovery Update: CNMI Homeland Security Special Assistant Clement Bermudes says power restoration is in a stronger phase after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with about 99% of Saipan primary power lines re-energized and generation capacity back at 34.7 megawatts (still ongoing distribution repairs and reconnections). Marianas Utilities Thanks: Gov. David M. Apatang and Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero hosted an appreciation dinner for Guam Power Authority and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. crews supporting CNMI power recovery. Regional Cybersecurity: Pacific legal experts in Fiji are finalizing a regional cybercrime legislation handbook to help countries strengthen laws and defenses against growing digital threats. Pacific Quake Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami monitoring is active across the Pacific; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to it, but advisories include CNMI and Guam. Energy & Fuel Security: Australia and New Zealand pledged practical support for Pacific supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs, including continued advocacy for stable energy supplies. Biotech/Vaccine R&D: Soligenix says CEPI has opened a call for Bundibugyo virus vaccine development, building on its thermostable vaccine platform work with University of Hawaiʻi researchers. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A new report highlights how seabed minerals are becoming tied to U.S.-China power competition, with U.S. territories including the Northern Mariana Islands flagged in deep-sea mining plans. Workforce Policy (CNMI): Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds backs H.R. 8931 to ease CW-1 “touchback” impacts by treating certain earlier CW-1 entrants as long-term workers eligible for a three-year CW visa.

Pacific Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami monitoring across the western Pacific, with advisories that include the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam; scientists and emergency agencies are watching coastal waters while officials stress local preparedness. Regional Energy & Security: Australia and New Zealand pledged practical support for Pacific supply-chain disruptions and rising fuel costs, while deepening defence and trade cooperation under a renewed trans-Tasman partnership. Deep-Sea Minerals Race: A new look at seabed mining shows how U.S. and China are competing for strategic minerals tied to clean energy and electronics, with U.S. territory waters in the Mariana region flagged for potential leases. Ocean Science for the Marianas: The research vessel E/V Nautilus is returning to Mariana waters with new sonar mapping and eight local participants joining missions, including work around the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. Local Workforce Reform: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds discussed H.R. 8931 aimed at easing CW-1 touchback requirements, as the islands continue recovering from major typhoons. Tech Governance in Finance: Finnate’s AI automation platform was listed on Singapore’s MAS PathFin.ai hub after an independent review, signaling growing demand for safer, regulated AI deployment.

Typhoon Science & Preparedness: NWS officials say Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s bigger wind field—not just peak intensity—drove widespread Marianas impacts, with key wind readings captured at Saipan and Tinian before stations went offline, and peak landfall winds never directly measured. Ocean Research: The E/V Nautilus expedition returns to Mariana waters starting June 10, using a newly installed Kongsberg EM304 sonar to map deeper habitats (to 11,000m) and bringing CNMI participants from the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. Local Recovery Logistics: USACE is running residential debris removal on Tinian, asking residents to sort debris by category along public right-of-way and warning against dumping again once roads are cleared. Workforce Policy: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds pushes H.R. 8931 to reform CW-1 touchback requirements, aiming to keep priority workers in place while the Commonwealth recovers from Sinlaku. Public Health Training: Fiji’s GX Foundation and Fiji National University sign an MoU to expand public health training, workshops, and joint research—focused on vector-borne disease prevention and disaster preparedness. Regional Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) gains support for a Palau-based mandate as it transitions away from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Food Safety for Fisheries: Pacific fisheries authorities train on new EU freezer-vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449) that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc.

Ocean Science & Mapping: The research vessel Nautilus is returning to Mariana waters for a 2026 season with two back-to-back missions near the Marianas, adding eight local participants (UOG, CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument) and using a newly installed Kongsberg EM304 sonar system to map deeper and over a wider area. Regional Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is taking shape in Palau, with officials stressing independence and coordination as it transitions away from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Typhoon Preparedness & Recovery: Guam and CNMI emergency leaders met for Typhoon Preparedness Month briefings, sharing infrastructure restoration metrics and reinforcing cross-territorial logistics after Super Typhoon Yutu. Disaster Cleanup (Tinian): USACE is running residential debris removal on Tinian, with residents asked to sort debris by category and keep roadways clear. Food Safety for EU Seafood: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. CNMI Energy Policy: A CNMI lawmaker is pushing for a nuclear power study amid energy security concerns. Public Health Training (Fiji): GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to expand public health and youth development through workshops, research, and training.

Typhoon Science & Preparedness: National Weather Service officials say Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s huge wind field—not just peak intensity—drove Marianas impacts, with strongest readings reported from Tinian and Saipan before stations went offline, and peak landfall winds never directly measured. Disaster Recovery Logistics (CNMI): USACE, CNMI HSEM and FEMA continue residential debris removal on Tinian; residents must sort debris by category and avoid blocking roads, hydrants, and utility meters. Ocean Exploration (Marianas): The research vessel E/V Nautilus returns to Mariana waters for 2026 missions, including local participants from Guam and CNMI and a new sonar system expected to more than double mapping coverage. Regional Ocean Governance: A new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its Palau base as it transitions from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Fisheries & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries authorities train to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Deep-Sea Mining Policy (Guam): Guam’s governor signed a law banning deep-sea mining in Guam and nearshore waters, with daily fines and restrictions on port use without full community consultation.

Deep-Sea Science for the Marianas: The Ocean Exploration Trust says its E/V Nautilus expedition season returns to Mariana waters, with two back-to-back missions and eight local participants from Guam and CNMI, including UOG and CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife team members; the June 10–24 mapping run will use a new sonar system to more than double survey coverage. Ocean Governance in Palau: As the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) transitions, Palau is pushing for the office to stay in Koror and warns it must be independent enough to coordinate the Pacific’s fast-growing ocean policy needs. Marianas Recovery Logistics: USACE is running residential debris removal on Tinian, with residents asked to sort vegetative debris, appliances, construction materials, sheet metal, electronics, and household hazardous waste; regular trash won’t be collected. Fisheries & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, tightening cold-chain requirements to protect against histamine-related poisoning. Energy & Infrastructure Contracting: A U.S. Army Corps/HDR power-HDR JV won a $249M architect-engineer contract with work including Guam and Tinian, supporting electrical projects through 2031. Weather & Community Alerts: Saipan’s National Weather Service meteorologists Brandon and Landon Aydlett reflect on how residents use storm warnings and how they’ve returned after Typhoon Sinlaku to study flooding and wind impacts.