AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: An American Samoa environmental group, Fa’asao Amerika Samoa, and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over proposed offshore deep-sea mining near the territory, arguing the assessment doesn’t adequately protect threatened species like whales, sea turtles, and sharks. Local Governance: The American Samoa Legislature has approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, cutting the overall plan by about $9 million and trimming several program and subsidy lines. Coastal Energy Watch: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce is pressing the Port Administration over a solar farm at Pago Pago International Airport, asking for proof of environmental and aviation reviews tied to past contamination and runway safety concerns. Marine Life Conservation: Scientists say a leopard shark filmed off Apolima is the first verifiable record for Samoa, strengthening conservation planning for protected ocean areas. Climate & Resilience: Samoa marked 17 years since the 2009 tsunami with village-level “Tsunami Ready” recognition, spotlighting evacuation planning and community coordination. Regional Policy: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is urging faster green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests.

Seabed Mining Fight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an Insular Affairs meeting to renew American Samoa’s opposition to deep-sea mining, warning the rush could harm ocean heritage and calling for federal agencies to listen to indigenous voices. Local Governance & Energy: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about a Pago Pago International Airport solar farm, asking for proof of environmental reviews tied to past contamination and for aviation safety checks like FAA review plus glare and glare-impact analysis. Legal Action on the Ocean: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii filed suit against the U.S. government over proposed seabed mining leases near American Samoa, challenging claims that the plan won’t likely affect threatened and endangered marine species. Marine Life & Conservation: Scientists reported the first verifiable record of an endangered leopard shark in Samoa waters from filmed footage, a win for conservation planning in newly protected areas. Climate & Flood Readiness: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly all U.S. areas, including territories, to help communities prepare for river flooding. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed maintenance on American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Public Health: CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, including building the first lead surveillance baseline after testing more than 500 young children.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental groups and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over proposed offshore deep-sea mining near the territory, challenging whether the risks to threatened and endangered marine species were properly assessed ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Public Info: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, share science and documents, and host weekly updates—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Policy Pushback: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in American Samoa’s waters, tying the issue to ocean stewardship and disaster preparedness lessons from the 2009 tsunami anniversary. Coastal Energy Scrutiny: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about a solar project at Pago Pago International Airport, asking for proof of environmental remediation, aviation safety reviews, and glare/glint analysis near runway approaches. Marine Life Discovery: A globally endangered leopard shark was filmed off Samoa for the first verifiable record of the species in Samoa’s waters, supporting conservation planning for protected ocean areas. Flood Risk Tools: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to cover nearly 100% of U.S. residents, including U.S. territories, to help communities prepare for river flooding. Health & Safety: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead poisoning prevention work, including building the first local lead surveillance baseline after testing more than 500 young children.

Seabed Mining Pressure Near Guam: China’s U.S. trade truce over critical minerals hasn’t changed a U.S. plan to lease seabed areas near the Northern Mariana Islands, with one zone about 47 miles from Guam—raising fresh concerns for the wider Pacific. Local Opposition to Deep-Sea Mining: American Samoa’s governor and lawmakers are pushing back hard: the Legislature backed a resolution opposing an offshore lease sale, and Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata told federal agencies that Samoans must be heard and that deep-sea mining should be rejected. Legal Fight Over Environmental Review: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, challenging claims that the activity won’t harm threatened and endangered marine species. Public Education Push: The American Samoa government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to share science, documents, and updates on deep-sea minerals, with weekly additions and interactive learning—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction for now. Marine Conservation Win: A globally endangered leopard shark was filmed off Samoa, providing the first verifiable record for the country and supporting smarter marine protection planning. Health & Safety: American Samoa highlighted progress preventing lead poisoning among young children at a CDC meeting, including building a lead surveillance baseline. Disaster Readiness: Samoa marked the 2009 tsunami anniversary by recognizing villages for strengthening community preparedness.

Seabed Mining Pressure Near Guam: China’s U.S. trade truce eased rare-earth worries, but the U.S. still plans to lease seabed areas near the Northern Mariana Islands—about 47 miles from Guam—keeping regional deep-sea mining concerns in the spotlight. American Samoa Legal Fight: An American Samoa environmental group is suing the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, arguing federal reviews didn’t adequately assess risks to threatened species and culturally important marine life ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Opposition in Congress: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an Insular Affairs meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in Samoan waters, tying the issue to the need for indigenous input and stronger protections. Energy Resilience Opportunity: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering planning and technical help for coastal and Pacific island communities. Marine Life Update: A leopard shark filmed off Samoa is reported as the first verifiable record for the country, a win for conservation planning. Flood Readiness Tool: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help communities track river flooding impacts.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa environmental group Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea minerals plans, arguing the assessment didn’t adequately weigh risks to threatened species and sacred marine life ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Information Push: The American Samoa government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to share science, documents, videos, and updates on deep-sea minerals, with weekly additions and interactive learning for residents. Community Climate & Energy Support: Hawaiʻi State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, offering technical help for coastal, remote, and island communities to build more reliable, resilient energy systems. Flood Readiness: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help forecast where river flooding may spread. Marine Life & Harvest Rights: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged faster green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff repaired American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners.

Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: Deep Sea Minerals Corp. says NOAA is expanding mapping near American Samoa, including a new expedition aboard the Okeanos Explorer after earlier ROV and seafloor mapping—work that could shape future seabed critical-mineral decisions. Legal Pushback: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans, arguing the assessment hasn’t adequately evaluated risks to threatened species tied to sacred Samoan wildlife. Local Voices & Oversight: The American Samoa Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and the Fono backed a resolution opposing an offshore lease sale, while the governor says American Samoans must be involved in federal decisions. Public Education Tool: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process, with weekly updates and interactive learning. Coastal Safety & Health: NOAA’s flood mapping tool expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S., and CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work for young children. Marine Life & Climate Signals: A leopard shark filmed off Apolima is described as Samoa’s first verifiable record, and NOAA/USGS updates continue monitoring volcanic activity and regional hazards.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii have sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near American Samoa, challenging claims that the lease would not harm threatened and endangered marine species—species many Samoans view as sacred, including whales, sea turtles, and sharks. Local Voice on Federal Decisions: The American Samoa Democratic Party backed the Fono’s resolution opposing the proposed offshore lease sale, urging federal decision-makers to protect ocean resources, the environment, and local way of life. Public Education Push: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov to share science, documents, and updates on deep-sea minerals, with weekly additions and interactive learning—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Marine Life & Culture: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is calling for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Disaster Preparedness: Seventeen years after the 2009 tsunami, Samoa recognized 17 villages for strengthening tsunami readiness, with a focus on village-level warnings and evacuation planning. Flood Risk Tools: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help communities prepare for river flooding. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed maintenance on American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners.

Ocean Governance & Shipping Tolls: A new scramble over international waters is emerging as conflicts and chokepoints like the Bab el Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz raise the prospect of fees and tighter control over sea routes. Public Health & Lead Safety: CDC spotlighted American Samoa’s lead poisoning prevention push, including testing of 500+ young children and building the first local surveillance baseline in seven months. Local Voice on Offshore Leasing: The American Samoa Democratic Party praised the Fono’s resolution opposing a proposed offshore lease sale, calling for stronger protection of ocean resources and local way of life. Flood Risk Info for Everyone: NOAA expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to nearly 100% of the U.S., improving neighborhood-scale river flood forecasts for territories and Hawaii. Sea Turtle Harvest Review: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews tied to restoring traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring Update: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and ran K-12 outreach with emergency partners. Deep-Sea Mining Education & Opposition: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and decision steps, while leaders continue pushing for safeguards and more time for science.

Offshore Leasing Push Meets Local Pushback: The American Samoa Democratic Party backed a Fono resolution opposing a proposed offshore lease sale, saying it must protect ocean resources, the marine ecosystem, and local way of life. Sea Turtle Protections for Cultural Harvests: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is urging federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring in the Spotlight: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed repairs and servicing of American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with emergency partners, following unrest at Ta‘u in 2022. Deep-Sea Mining Information Drive: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process, while the governor reiterated the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Flood Risk Tools Expand: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help communities plan for river and stream flooding. Regional Climate Advocacy at UNGA: Pacific leaders highlighted climate threats at the UN General Assembly, with calls for stronger climate finance and action on sea-level rise.

Earthquake Update: A strong, shallow Magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threat for Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, or the U.S. West Coast. Local Ocean Governance: American Samoa Democrats praised a Fono resolution opposing a proposed offshore lease sale, saying it protects ocean resources, the environment, and local way of life. Flood Preparedness: NOAA’s Flood Inundation Mapping tool expanded to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., giving more detailed river-flood impact maps for emergency planning. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council urged federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews tied to cultural harvest needs in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed maintenance on American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with emergency partners. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to inform residents about deep-sea minerals, while leaders continue opposing commercial extraction; the governor stressed unresolved risks to fisheries and the marine environment. Regional Climate Voice: Pacific leaders are set to push climate and ocean priorities at the UN General Assembly.

NOAA Flood Risk Updates: NOAA’s National Weather Service expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., adding neighborhood-scale river and stream flood maps for territories and Hawaii—meant to help emergency managers and the public act faster. Sea Turtle Protection & Culture: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is urging federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, framing it as a step toward restoring traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring in American Samoa: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed repairs and servicing of American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and ran K-12 outreach with local emergency partners, maintaining yearly collaboration since the 2022 Ta‘ū unrest. Deep-Sea Mining Information Push: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process, while the governor reiterated the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Invasive Species Lesson from Samoa: A report highlights how introducing a flatworm to control invasive snails in Samoa also harmed native land snails, underscoring the ecosystem ripple effects of “biocontrol.”

Sea Turtle Status Review: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is urging U.S. agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, aiming to support restoration of traditional cultural harvests while clarifying whether populations should be downlisted or delisted. Volcano Monitoring Update: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff recently repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with emergency partners, following earlier Taʻū unrest in 2022. Deep-Sea Mining Info Push: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to share science, documents, and educational tools on deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates and interactive learning—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Deep-Sea Mining Politics: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula says American Samoans must be involved in federal decisions, as Pacific leaders and local governments press for safeguards, transparency, and more time to assess impacts. Climate & Ocean Research: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) to track how the ocean is changing and what it means for marine ecosystems. UN Climate Voice: Pacific leaders are set to push climate and ocean priorities at UN General Assembly, warning sea-level rise is a present reality.

Deep-Sea Minerals Transparency: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain proposed offshore deep-sea minerals, risks, and remaining questions, with weekly updates and interactive learning; the governor reiterated the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” Local Voice in Federal Decisions: Leaders are pushing for American Samoa’s seat at the table as federal processes move fast, while Pacific neighbors and advocates warn of insufficient time and information. Volcano Monitoring in the Territory: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with emergency partners after past Ta‘u unrest. Biodiversity Fallout from Invasives: A Samoa flatworm used to curb invasive snails ended up harming native snails too, highlighting how one fix can trigger wider ecological damage. Ocean Research for Climate Answers: CSIRO is leading a major Pacific voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that affects marine ecosystems. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders highlighted sea-level rise and climate threats at the UN General Assembly, calling for urgent climate finance and stronger ocean priorities. AI Safety Push (Non-Environment, Still in the Mix): Multiple U.S. attorneys general urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI agents escaping tests and acting online.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain proposed offshore deep-sea minerals, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and a clear note that the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Local Voice in Federal Decisions: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula says American Samoans must be involved in federal choices on deep-sea mining to demand safeguards and good science. Regional Pushback: Pacific leaders and officials at the UN General Assembly stressed climate and ocean threats, while American Samoa and others reject seabed mining without answers on impacts to fisheries and ecosystems. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach after past unrest at Ta‘u and Ofu-Olosega. Ocean Climate Research: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that affects marine life. Flood Preparedness: NOAA expanded its flood mapping tool to nearly all of the U.S., improving neighborhood-scale river flood information for emergency planning. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged faster green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support cultural harvest.

Volcano Safety: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory teams just completed repairs and servicing of American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and ran K-12 outreach with local emergency partners, underscoring that all five inhabited islands are volcanic and that monitoring has been maintained annually since the 2022 Ta‘u unrest. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated public education hub on deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process—while reiterating the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Local Voice in Federal Decisions: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula stressed that American Samoans must be involved in federal choices on offshore mining to ask hard questions and demand safeguards. Pacific Climate Push: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to warn that sea-level rise is already here, calling for urgent climate finance and stronger ocean-focused action. Biodiversity Warning: A Samoa invasive-species fix—introducing a New Guinea flatworm to target giant African snails—also harmed native snails, showing how one “solution” can trigger wider ecological damage. Sea Turtle Policy: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged faster green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvest.