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.