AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease, saying the territory does not support commercial deep-sea extraction now and urging any early steps to stay focused on science, baselines, and environmental study. Regional UN Advocacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are heading to the UN General Assembly to press a unified agenda on climate change, ocean governance, sustainable development, and sea-level rise, with emphasis on the Pacific Resilience Facility. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged federal agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support restoration of traditional cultural harvest. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to boost coral resilience, cut sediment pollution, and restore reef habitat. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: Dengue continues to spread, with Puerto Rico and American Samoa reporting hundreds of cases as Florida nears record levels. Fishing Access Rules: A fishery council advanced steps affecting American Samoa longline fishing near Rose Atoll, tied to monument-based restrictions being removed.

Drinking Water Alert: American Samoa Power Authority says residents served by the Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant must keep boiling water because the system can’t consistently meet federal drinking-water turbidity standards; boil notices remain in place while ASPA works with EPA under a corrective action order. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease, reiterating that American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early work to be science and environmental study—not mining. Reef Restoration Funding: NFWF announced $2.1 million in grants (with $1.2 million in matching support) to boost coral reef resilience in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including efforts to grow heat-resilient corals and reduce sediment pollution. Sea Turtle & Fishing Rules: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced longline and sea turtle-related reviews affecting American Samoa and Guam, while emphasizing that monument rule changes don’t remove other protected-species and permit requirements. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: Dengue continues to spread in the U.S.; CDC data cited hundreds of cases in American Samoa and Puerto Rico, with experts warning warming climates can expand mosquito reach.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s Legislature urged the Governor to recommend stopping or suspending the PACM-2 offshore mineral lease sale, warning long-term commercial rights could lock in environmental and cultural risks before enforceable protections are in place. Local Response to BOEM: Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea extraction now and that any early work should be limited to science and environmental studies. Legal Pressure in the Region: In the Northern Marianas, activists are pressing Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal authority to halt the Dec. 16 mining sale, while Apatang says he won’t seek a pause before an Oct. 19 deadline. Reef Resilience Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help restore heat-resilient coral and reduce sediment pollution. Water Safety Alert: The American Samoa Power Authority issued a boil water notice for Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers after turbidity exceeded federal limits, while corrective actions are underway. Wildlife & Fishing Rules: The Western Pacific Fishery Council advanced sea turtle-related reviews and discussed longline fishing access near Rose Atoll, keeping waters within 12 nautical miles closed. Public Health: Dengue continues to surge in the U.S., with Puerto Rico and American Samoa reporting hundreds of cases, as Florida reported its first 2026 death.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease, saying the Territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early work to stay focused on science, baselines, and environmental studies. Local Governance & Accountability: A Senate resolution asks the Governor to recommend stopping or suspending the PACM-2 sale and calls for more transparency and enforceable protections for environmental, cultural, and economic risks. Regional Pressure on Federal Process: Activists and groups are urging Guam’s governor to use a narrow federal rule to halt the Marianas PACM-2 process, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says permits could come within months. Reef Recovery Funding: NFWF announced $2.1 million in grants to boost coral reef restoration and heat-resilient coral work in American Samoa and other Pacific areas. Water Safety Alert: ASPA kept a boil-water notice in place for Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers after turbidity treatment failed federal standards, with corrective actions underway. Public Health Enforcement: DOH shut down two retail food establishments in Vaitogi and Futiga over sanitation and public health violations. Disease Watch: Florida reported a dengue death as cases rise; CDC data also show hundreds of cases in American Samoa. Marine Life & Fishing Rules: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced longline access discussions near Rose Atoll while deferring some sea turtle-related measures.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early work to stay focused on science and environmental studies. Pacific Ocean Protection: In the Northern Marianas, conservation groups sued over a Marianas seabed mining sale, arguing regulators skipped a full wildlife review before allowing early surveys. Permits on the Horizon: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said deep-sea mining permits could come within months, as the federal timeline moves toward November lease activity. Reef Resilience Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands to grow heat-resilient corals and cut sediment pollution. Water Safety Alert: ASPA kept a boil-water notice in place for Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers after turbidity treatment failed federal standards. Public Health & Climate Links: Dengue continues to spread in the U.S.; CDC data show American Samoa has hundreds of cases, with warming climates expanding mosquito risk.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early work to stay focused on science and environmental baselines. Territorial Tensions: Across the region, leaders and activists are pressing against fast-tracked seabed mining, as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says permits could come within months, while Guam and American Samoa warn the ocean is not a “test zone.” Coral Reef Funding: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced $2.1 million in grants to boost heat-resilient coral restoration in American Samoa and other U.S. Pacific areas, targeting sediment pollution and reef habitat recovery. Drinking Water Alert: ASPA is keeping a boil-water notice in place for customers served by the Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant after turbidity treatment violations, with corrective actions underway. Public Health Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail food establishments in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Fishing Access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced discussions on fishing access near Rose Atoll and reviewed American Samoa longline rules, with some actions deferred.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa and Guam leaders are urging the U.S. not to rush commercial deep-sea mining, warning the ocean is not a “petri dish” for industrial experiments; American Samoa Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula says the territory does not support commercial extraction now and wants any early steps limited to science and environmental study. Permits Timeline: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says deep-sea mining permits could come within months, even as the BOEM lease process moves toward a November sale. Local Governance & Revenue: A Northern Mariana Islands lawmaker introduced a bill to share seabed mining revenues with Pacific territories and add financial safeguards, framing it as “insurance” if mining proceeds. Public Health—Water: The Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant remains under a boil-water notice after turbidity treatment violations, with residents advised to keep boiling before drinking. Public Health—Food Safety: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores after sanitation and public health violations. Marine Life & Fishing Rules: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced longline access discussions near Rose Atoll and reviewed American Samoa longline regulations, with sea turtle measures deferred. Health—Dengue: CDC data show American Samoa among U.S. territories with reported dengue cases as Florida records its first 2026 death.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying the territory does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and urging any early steps to stay focused on science, baselines, and environmental safeguards. Federal Pressure on Timing: In parallel, activists urged Gov. David M. Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to halt a Northern Marianas lease process, but Apatang said he won’t seek a pause before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending litigation. Permits Could Move Fast: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told G20 energy ministers permits could come within months, adding urgency to Pacific communities’ concerns about impacts to fisheries and deep-ocean ecosystems. Fisheries Access Near Rose Atoll: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council backed changes that could allow larger American Samoa longliners to fish between 12 and 50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 nautical miles closed. Drinking Water Alert: Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers must keep boiling water after turbidity treatment violations tied to federal drinking-water standards. Food Safety Closures: Health inspectors shut down two retail stores in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Monitoring & Recovery: Regional workshops advanced fisheries monitoring tools and sampling, while discussions highlighted how disasters can outpace fishing-community recovery.

Deep-sea mining pressure mounts: Environmental and community groups are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to halt the Northern Marianas lease process, as Interior Sec. Doug Burgum says deep-sea mining permits could come “within months.” Apatang says he won’t seek a pause before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits and instead preparing formal comments. American Samoa stance on mining: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted BOEM comments on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying American Samoa does not support commercial extraction now and wants any early work limited to science and environmental study. Federal process transparency: BOEM says only one public comment was received by its deadline, but it won’t say who submitted it. Ocean protection & fisheries access: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced rules that could expand longline access near Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are removed, while keeping waters within 12 nautical miles closed. Public health alert: ASPA continues a boil-water notice for Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers due to turbidity treatment violations. Food safety crackdown: Health inspectors shut two retail stores for sanitation and public health violations. Fisheries monitoring support: A regional workshop trained staff on fisheries data tools and fish sampling to strengthen monitoring across Samoa and American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Pressure vs. Local Stance: Activists are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal rule to recommend stopping a Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease, as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says U.S. mining permits could come “within months.” Apatang says he won’t seek a pause before the Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending litigation and instead focusing on formal comments. American Samoa’s Precautionary Response: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea extraction now and wants any early work limited to science and environmental studies. BOEM Comment Process Under Scrutiny: BOEM’s Federal Register entry reportedly shows only one comment received by a deadline, without disclosing who submitted it. Fisheries Access Near Rose Atoll: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced rules that could allow larger American Samoa longliners to fish 12–50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll once monument-based prohibitions are lifted, while keeping waters within 12 miles closed. Public Health Alert: ASPA is maintaining a boil-water notice for Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers due to repeated turbidity treatment violations. Food Safety Crackdown: DOH shut down two retail food stores after sanitation and public health violations.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says deep-sea mining permits could be issued within months, as federal agencies move toward lease sales in the Pacific—while American Samoa’s Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula urges a precautionary approach, saying the territory does not support commercial extraction now and wants any early steps limited to science and environmental study. Local Response & Legal Pressure: Environmental and community groups are also pressing leaders to use narrow federal authority to stop or delay lease steps near the Marianas, as lawsuits challenge whether protected species impacts were properly considered. Fisheries Access Near Rose Atoll: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced rules that could allow larger American Samoa longliners to fish between 12 and 50 nautical miles from Muliava (Rose Atoll) once monument-based prohibitions are removed, with tighter closures still in place. Water Safety Alert: The Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant remains under a boil-water notice after turbidity treatment violations, with residents advised to keep boiling water until corrective actions are completed. Public Health Enforcement: DOH inspectors shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Marine Monitoring Skills: A regional fisheries monitoring workshop in Samoa trained staff from Tokelau and American Samoa on data tools and fish sampling to strengthen reef and oceanic monitoring.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Fast Backlash: Environmental and community groups are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal authority window to halt a deep-sea mining lease sale tied to the Northern Marianas, as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says mining permits could come “within months.” American Samoa Governor’s Precaution Stance: Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 lease, saying American Samoa does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction now and wants any early steps limited to science, baselines, and environmental studies. BOEM Comment Process Under Scrutiny: BOEM says only one comment was received by a deadline but won’t disclose who sent it or what it said, fueling questions about transparency. Water Safety Alert: The Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant is still out of federal turbidity treatment standards, so residents in affected areas must keep boiling water. Food Safety Crackdown: Health inspectors shut down two retail stores in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Fisheries Management Updates: The Western Pacific Fishery Council advanced fishing access discussions in marine monuments and reviewed longline rules affecting sea turtles and American Samoa bottomfish. El Niño Watch: Local forecasts warn this El Niño could be as severe as 1997, with drought impacts already breaking records.

Deep-Sea Mining Response: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the proposed PACM-1 offshore mineral lease, urging a precautionary approach and saying commercial extraction should not proceed now—initial work should be limited to scientific research and environmental studies. Federal Process Scrutiny: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said deep-sea mining permits could come within months, while BOEM’s Federal Register notes only one comment was received by the deadline, without naming the author. Fisheries & Marine Protection: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced fishing access discussions tied to Pacific marine national monuments and reviewed Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline rules, stressing that monument changes don’t remove broader federal protections. Drinking Water Alert: Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers must keep boiling water after turbidity treatment technique violations, with ASPA working with EPA under a corrective action order. Food Safety Closures: DOH shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga over sanitation and public health violations. Community & Culture: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book promoting cultural knowledge and stewardship of the territorial flower. Local Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety concerns after June 2026 tidal surges.

Fisheries & Marine Protection: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced fishing access discussions for Pacific marine national monuments and reviewed Hawai‘i longline and American Samoa bottomfish rules, while deferring several sea turtle gear measures and longline regulation changes for more talks. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula submitted formal comments to BOEM on the PACM-1 offshore mineral lease sale, saying the territory does not support commercial deep-sea extraction now, citing risks to deep-ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Permits Timeline Clarified: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said deep-sea mining permits could come within months, even as BOEM’s proposed American Samoa lease sale is set for Nov. 19, 2026. Community Health Alert: ASPA kept a boil-water notice in place for Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant customers after turbidity treatment failed federal standards; residents are urged to keep boiling. Food Safety Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail stores (Gold Conda Store and JKL Food Center) over sanitation and public health violations. Monitoring & Data Skills: A regional fisheries monitoring workshop in Samoa trained staff from Tokelau, American Samoa and Samoa on the Ikasavea data system and fish sampling methods. Culture Meets Conservation: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book promoting the pandanus flower’s cultural role and stewardship.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says U.S. deep-sea mining permits could arrive “within months,” but the near-term reality for American Samoa is the BOEM lease-sale timeline, with a proposed PACM-1 sale set for Nov. 19, 2026, and a governor review period tied to BOEM’s process. Local Governance & Legal Pressure: A formal public comment letter to Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula urges a firm “NO” on deep-sea mining, citing risks to ecosystems, tuna fisheries, and cultural heritage, while separate lawsuits challenge federal conclusions that mining won’t harm protected species. Territorial Accountability: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds pushes the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA) for a 50-50 revenue split and stronger bonding/consultation rules for territories potentially affected by seabed mining. Drinking Water Safety: Residents served by the Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant must keep boiling water after turbidity treatment violations tied to federal standards. Public Health Enforcement: DOH inspectors shut down two retail food stores in Vaitogi and Futiga for sanitation and public health violations. Fisheries Monitoring: A regional workshop in Samoa trained staff on fisheries monitoring tools and biological sampling, supporting better data for sustainable management across American Samoa and neighbors. Community Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety concerns after June 2026 extreme tidal impacts. Marine Education: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book linking culture and conservation around the territory’s pandanus flower.

Drinking Water Alert: American Samoa Power Authority says residents served by the Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant must keep boiling water after the plant failed federal turbidity treatment standards, with turbidity samples exceeding limits in July; ASPA says it’s not an emergency but will keep the boil notice in place while working with the U.S. EPA and AS-EPA on corrective actions. Food Safety Crackdown: The Department of Health Environmental Health Services shut down two retail stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—over sanitation and public health violations, and also closed the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (excluding the VIP Lounge) after inspection findings. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: As American Samoa’s governor’s 60-day review of BOEM’s proposed deep-sea mining lease sale nears its end, residents and groups continue urging a firm “no,” while lawsuits challenge federal determinations that mining won’t harm endangered species and critical habitat. Fisheries Monitoring & Turtle Rules: The Western Pacific Fishery Council advanced discussions on fishing access in marine monuments and reviewed American Samoa longline turtle-related gear measures, with calls to use observer data if rules change. Community & Culture: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book promoting the territory flower and hands-on growing and stewardship.