AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Pushback: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to stop plans to auction huge seabed areas around American Samoa for critical minerals, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service must better protect habitats and endangered species under federal law. NOAA Ocean Mapping: NOAA says it will run two deepwater missions around American Samoa this summer and fall aboard the Okeanos Explorer, using remotely operated vehicles and streaming operations online while making collected data public. Stormwater Funding for Water Quality: The U.S. EPA awarded DPW $800,000 to build American Samoa’s first territory-wide stormwater asset inventory, GIS mapping, and planning tools to improve resilience and water quality. Clean Water Act Training: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour USEPA Region 9 training on Clean Water Act permits and compliance, with inspections of ASPA wastewater facilities, StarKist Samoa, and the shipyard. Biodiversity Warning from Samoa’s Past: A report revisits how a predatory flatworm released in the 1990s to control giant African snails spread and helped drive native land snails toward extinction. Public Health & Mosquito Control: DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging residents to eliminate standing water—especially after recent flooding. Ocean Care Awareness: A regional “Ocean care” push is ramping up with more education and action.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. Interior Department has proposed selling deep-sea mining leases in federal waters near the Northern Mariana Islands, with a December 16 auction and leases aimed at critical minerals for batteries, electronics, and defense. American Samoa Response: The move follows earlier federal steps to lease seabed near American Samoa, and local voices are urging a firm “No” unless strong, enforceable protections and real answers on jobs and environmental risk are guaranteed. NOAA Mapping Missions: NOAA says it will run two summer-fall expeditions aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map and characterize deep waters around American Samoa, with daily live streaming of ROV operations and public data meant to inform future decisions. Church Call for Caution: Pacific bishops are urging prudence on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full scientific certainty should not be used to rush ahead. Water Quality Training: AS-EPA and USEPA Region 9 delivered Clean Water Act training for local regulators and major permit holders, plus inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Local Fire: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials are still assessing damage and investigating the cause. Fisheries Capacity: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened scholarships to build local marine science and fisheries management capacity in U.S. Pacific territories.

Deep-Sea Mapping for Critical Minerals: NOAA says it will run two summer-to-fall expeditions aboard the Okeanos Explorer to map and characterize deep waters around American Samoa, using ROVs, sensors, and daily live streams, with all data planned for public release to support future marine planning. Critical Minerals Push vs Local “No”: An op-ed argues American Samoa should keep a firm “No” to any BOEM lease sale, warning that a territorial stance can’t stop federal action but can shape how the territory engages, demands protections, and insists on science and enforceable safeguards. Lease Sale Momentum in the Pacific: The Trump administration is moving toward a proposed offshore critical minerals lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, with a Proposed Leasing Notice and an Environmental Assessment tied to Outer Continental Shelf development. Religious and Public Caution on Deep-Sea Mining: Pacific bishops urge prudence, saying lack of complete certainty can’t justify proceeding when serious or irreversible harm is possible. Clean Water Compliance Support: AS-EPA hosted USEPA Region 9 training on Clean Water Act permits (401 certification, mixing zones, TMDLs, effluent limits) and joined inspections of wastewater facilities and operations. Local Fire Damage: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials are still assessing damage and investigating the cause. Climate Scholarship for Pacific Youth: A Samoan student received a University of Waikato climate scholarship to return home and tackle climate impacts. Fisheries Monitoring and EEZ Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and maritime security at WCPFC, including coordination with regional partners and American Samoa on EEZ boundary issues. Community Capacity Boost: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program was approved, adding three members to expand workforce and community opportunity in American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Bishops of the Pacific urge “prudence” on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full certainty can’t justify serious or irreversible harm—especially as the U.S. moves toward leasing seabed areas near American Samoa. Local Policy & Water Quality: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9, plus inspections of ASPA wastewater facilities, StarKist Samoa, and the shipyard—aimed at strengthening permits and compliance. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting is underway in Samoa, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing and SPREP Director General stressing the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Fisheries Monitoring: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session, including regional cooperation against illegal fishing and trafficking. American Samoa Fire: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; damage and cause are still unconfirmed, with community support pouring in. Climate Education: A Samoan student received a University of Waikato Tower Climate Change Scholarship, planning to return home to tackle climate impacts.

Climate Scholarship: A Samoan student, Lagi Talalupe (19), is one of three recipients of the 2026 Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato, planning to return home to help tackle climate impacts in Pacific Island communities. Local Fire & Safety: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna on Aug. 13; officials say the cause and full damage assessment are still pending, while community support continues and the store had been reopened after prior environmental health corrective steps. Water Quality Training: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9, covering permits and compliance topics like Section 401 certification, mixing zones, TMDLs, and industrial effluent limits, plus follow-up inspections of ASPA and StarKist facilities. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Pacific and global voices are intensifying opposition to deep-sea mining—African countries back a precautionary pause at the ISA, bishops urge prudence over irreversible harm, and American Samoa-linked concerns grow as the U.S. moves toward seabed lease decisions. Fisheries Monitoring: Samoa is urging stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at WCPFC, coordinating regional efforts against illegal fishing and trafficking, and highlighting the need for better data to keep fisheries sustainable. SPREP Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa, focusing on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks. Scholarships for Fisheries Skills: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened applications for U.S. Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarships for 2027–2028, supporting local students to manage fisheries and related resources.

Deep-Sea Mining Push in the Spotlight: Pacific leaders and faith groups are urging caution as the U.S. moves toward seabed mining leases near American Samoa, with bishops warning that lack of full certainty can’t justify proceeding without due care, and local voices calling for stronger protections for fisheries and workers. Local Water Protection Training: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9, bringing together ASPA and StarKist Samoa to strengthen compliance on permits, mixing zones, TMDLs, and industrial effluent rules, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities. Fisheries Monitoring & EEZ Security: Samoa is using the WCPFC scientific session in Apia to push better fish stock monitoring and maritime security, including cooperation to tackle illegal fishing and coordinate EEZ boundary issues. SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the 5th SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, focusing on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks across small island territories. Fire Damage in Tafuna: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials are still assessing damage and investigating the cause. Community Capacity Boost: EPIC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program was approved for three members to expand workforce and education support across American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Near American Samoa: Pacific church leaders are urging “prudence” on commercial deep-sea mining, warning that serious or irreversible harm can’t be treated as acceptable just because science isn’t fully certain. The concern is growing as the U.S. prepares lease steps that could affect millions of acres near American Samoa, with Indigenous and environmental voices framing it as both an ecological and moral issue. Local Environment & Water Compliance: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9, covering permits and key requirements like Section 401 certification, mixing zones, and TMDLs, while federal teams also inspected ASPA wastewater facilities and StarKist Samoa. Fisheries Monitoring & EEZ Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ protection at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia, including cooperation to tackle illegal fishing and trafficking, and coordination on maritime security with regional partners including American Samoa. Community Impact—Tafuna Fire: A major fire destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials say the cause and full damage assessment are still pending, with no confirmed injuries reported. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s PM invited Japan to join a Pre-COP31 leaders’ event focused on climate change, resilience, and climate finance, as Pacific leaders keep climate high on the agenda. Ocean Policy Backlash: A roundup highlights major U.S. ocean conservation rollbacks, including moves that would reopen protected waters to commercial fishing, raising alarms for marine life and biodiversity.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Pacific Backlash: Bishops of the Pacific urged “prudence” on deep-sea mining, saying serious or irreversible harm can’t be rushed through without due care, as the U.S. prepares lease steps that include areas near American Samoa. American Samoa Critical Minerals Debate: Local voices are pushing back on Trump’s critical minerals direction, stressing that “saying no” can still mean engaging federal processes—while demanding guaranteed jobs, revenue, and enforceable environmental protections before any seabed deal. Local Water Protection Training: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9 for ASPA and StarKist, covering permits and compliance tools like Section 401 certification, mixing zones, and TMDLs, plus facility inspections. Fisheries Monitoring & EEZ Security: Samoa is calling for stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia, including joint efforts against illegal fishing and trafficking, and coordination on EEZ boundaries with regional partners including American Samoa. Fire Damage in Tafuna: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna on Aug. 13; officials say the cause and full damage assessment are still pending, with community support pouring in. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa, with leaders emphasizing action on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks.

Deep-sea mining backlash: Pacific leaders and faith groups are urging caution as the U.S. moves toward leasing and auctioning large seabed areas near American Samoa, with critics warning that “no consultations” and the lack of certainty shouldn’t justify possible serious harm to marine life and food security. Ocean protections rolled back: A new report highlights how the Trump administration has weakened marine conservation, including moves that reopen parts of major Pacific protected waters to commercial fishing—raising alarms for endangered species and fragile ecosystems. Local water compliance push: AS-EPA and USEPA Region 9 ran a six-hour Clean Water Act training in Tafuna, covering permits, mixing zones, TMDLs, and effluent limits, and included inspections of wastewater facilities and operations. Fisheries monitoring and security: Samoa is calling for stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ protection at the WCPFC, linking sustainable tuna management with efforts to curb illegal fishing and trafficking. Fire in Tafuna: A major blaze destroyed the Manu’a Store building in Tafuna; officials are still assessing damage and confirming the cause, while the community and firefighters are praised for preventing wider spread. SPREP leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Apia, focusing on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks across the Pacific. Scholarships for marine capacity: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened applications for 2027–2028 scholarships to train local students in biology and marine sciences tied to fisheries management. Tsunami readiness support: The U.S. continues backing Samoa’s tsunami warning upgrades, including new tools, staff training, and community “Tsunami Ready” efforts. Health-safety governance concern: A DOH official told lawmakers that some businesses are being pushed to reopen after violations, pointing to interference by political leaders and directors.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna’s Jean Paul Mailagi is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug), aiming to keep smaller territories’ environmental concerns front and center as the region tackles climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks. Clean Water Act Training in American Samoa: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour USEPA Region 9 training with ASPA and StarKist on federal permits for discharges into U.S. waters, covering Section 401 certification, mixing zones, TMDLs, and effluent limits—plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities, StarKist, and the shipyard. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Pacific bishops urged prudence on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of “complete scientific certainty” can’t justify proceeding without due care; meanwhile, Indigenous and environmental voices continue opposing mining near American Samoa. Fisheries Monitoring and EEZ Security: Samoa is pushing stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ security at the WCPFC scientific session in Apia, coordinating regional efforts against illegal fishing and trafficking and working on EEZ boundary issues with partners including American Samoa. Ocean Protections Under Threat: A U.S. move to reopen commercial fishing in major Pacific marine monuments—including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa—has drawn sharp condemnation from conservation groups and Indigenous communities. Local Governance Pressure on Health Orders: A DOH official told lawmakers that some restaurant and business reopenings after health-safety violations were ordered by senators, faipule, or directors, raising concerns about interference with enforcement. Deep-Sea Mining Auction Concerns: Pacific territories say they were not consulted before the U.S. announced potential seabed auction blocks near American Samoa, with leaders warning of risks to food security and ocean resources.

Deep-sea mining push meets Pacific backlash: Bishops of the Pacific urged “due care” as the U.S. moves toward deep-sea mining near American Samoa, while leaders in the region say there were “no consultations” before ocean areas were auctioned for exploration. Local environment enforcement: AS-EPA ran a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9 for ASPA and StarKist, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and the shipyard. Fisheries monitoring and security: Samoa is pressing for stronger fish stock monitoring and EEZ protection at the WCPFC, coordinating patrols against illegal fishing and trafficking and working on boundary issues with partners including American Samoa. Protected waters under threat: A Trump proclamation would reopen commercial fishing in major Pacific marine national monuments, drawing condemnation over risks to endangered species and coral reef ecosystems. Hazardous waste review on Guam: Refaluwasch Journal joined other territories in a Supreme Court amicus brief backing Prutehi Guåhan’s challenge to open burning and open detonation plans, arguing for stronger environmental review and public participation. Fisheries scholarships: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened applications for 2027–2028 scholarships to build local capacity in marine and fisheries management.

Deep-Sea Mining Caution: The Bishops of the Pacific urged “wisdom” and due care as commercial deep-sea mining moves closer to American Samoa, warning that lack of full scientific certainty must not be a reason to proceed without protecting against serious, irreversible harm. Fisheries & Ocean Security: Samoa is pushing for stronger fish stock monitoring and tighter protection of its EEZ as the WCPFC scientific session gets underway in Apia, including joint work to curb illegal fishing and trafficking. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa, with leaders stressing the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks. Clean Water Compliance Training: AS-EPA hosted a six-hour Clean Water Act training with USEPA Region 9, covering permits and compliance for discharges, plus federal inspections of wastewater facilities and operations. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Indigenous and environmental groups are stepping up opposition to U.S. plans that could auction large areas of seabed near American Samoa, with leaders citing food security, cultural ties, and lack of consultation. Protected Waters Fishing Reversal: A new U.S. move would allow commercial fishing in parts of major Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll area near American Samoa, drawing condemnation over risks to coral reefs and marine life. Tsunami Readiness Support: The U.S. is backing Samoa’s tsunami preparedness with new hardware, training, and community “Tsunami Ready” efforts. Local Food Safety Warning: A DOH official told lawmakers that some businesses are being pushed to reopen after repeated health-safety violations, undermining enforcement.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: Indigenous Pacific leaders and environmental groups are stepping up opposition as the U.S. prepares lease auctions that could open millions of acres of seabed near American Samoa, with critics warning of major harm to marine life, fisheries, and cultural ties to the ocean. Ocean Protections Rolled Back: A new Trump proclamation would allow commercial fishing inside major Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa, raising alarms for endangered species and whale habitat. Local Accountability in Food Safety: A DOH official says business reopenings after health-safety violations were often ordered by senators, faipule, or directors—sometimes even with offers of money to reopen. Fisheries Capacity Support: Scholarship applications are open for up to three students in biology or marine sciences to build local fisheries management capacity across American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. Ports Resilience: CPA leadership says typhoon recovery should mean rebuilding airport and seaport facilities more resiliently for everyday operations. Military Waste Court Fight: Territorial environmental and cultural groups filed a Supreme Court brief urging stronger federal environmental review and public participation over hazardous open burning and detonation plans on Guam.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A U.S. plan to auction seabed mining rights near American Samoa is drawing mounting backlash, with Pacific leaders saying there were “no consultations” and warning of threats to food security, marine life, and Indigenous identity. Local Environment & Governance: A DOH official told the House Health Committee that some restaurants and businesses are being pushed to reopen after health-safety shutdowns—often by senators, faipule, or directors—undermining enforcement. Marine Skills for Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened 2027–2028 scholarships for up to three biology or marine-science students with strong ties to American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI, aiming to build local capacity for managing coral, sea turtles, and endangered species. Military Waste Review: Eighteen territory-wide groups filed a Supreme Court brief urging the U.S. Air Force to follow strict environmental review and public participation rules before open burning and detonation of hazardous waste on Guam. Ports Resilience: The Commonwealth Ports Authority says typhoon recovery should shift into rebuilding facilities “better and more resilient” for day-to-day airport and seaport operations.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Indigenous Pacific groups, environmental organizations, and church leaders are pushing back as the U.S. moves toward deep-sea mining near American Samoa, with a proposed BOEM lease sale covering 31 million acres tentatively set for November and critics warning it could lock in future extraction while threatening marine life and Indigenous ties to the moana. Supreme Court & Military Waste: Refaluwasch Journal of Knowledge and Culture joined a territory-wide amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to require the Air Force to follow strict environmental review and public participation before open burning and open detonation of hazardous waste on Guam. Local Health Oversight: A DOH Environmental Health official told the House Health Committee that business reopenings after repeated food-safety and sanitation violations were often pushed by senators, faipule, or directors—sometimes even with offers of money to reopen. Typhoon-Resilient Ports: The Commonwealth Ports Authority says it should use recovery from super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi to rebuild airport and seaport facilities more resiliently, shifting from emergency spending back to day-to-day operations. Disaster Preparedness (Regional): The U.S. supported Samoa in strengthening tsunami warning systems, including new hardware/software, staff training, and community “Tsunami Ready” efforts. Climate/Marine Policy: Trump’s move to allow commercial fishing inside some Pacific marine national monuments, including Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa, is drawing sharp condemnation from conservationists and Indigenous communities.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. is moving ahead with lease sales for deep-sea mining near American Samoa, with a proposed BOEM auction covering 31 million acres tentatively set for November—sparking backlash over environmental risks and a lack of meaningful consultation. Local & Regional Opposition: Indigenous and faith leaders, plus environmental groups, are rallying against seabed mining as a “terra nullius” threat to ocean life, fisheries, and cultural ties to the moana. Marine Protection Rollback: Trump signed a proclamation removing commercial fishing limits inside three Pacific marine national monuments, including the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa—drawing condemnation from conservationists and scientists. Military Waste Review Fight: Community and environmental organizations filed a Supreme Court brief urging the U.S. Air Force to follow strict environmental review and public participation rules for open burning and open detonation of hazardous waste on Guam, with American Samoa included in the stakes. Food Safety & Governance: A DOH official told lawmakers that some restaurants and businesses are being ordered to reopen after repeated health-safety violations—often by senators, faipule, or directors—undermining enforcement. Typhoon Recovery Focus: CPA leaders urged rebuilding airport and seaport facilities “better and more resilient” after super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, shifting from emergency response to long-term upgrades.