Deep-Sea Mining Geopolitics: A new push for deep-sea minerals is tying U.S. and China competition to Pacific seabed leases, with federal planning reaching areas near American Samoa and other island waters. Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction: Port and federal partners are moving ahead with the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project, replacing the wharf and boat ramp and designing it for both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft; an Environmental Assessment under NEPA is underway, with construction targeted for late 2027 and completion before 2029. Seabird Monitoring: DMWR teams are hiking Fagaitua to deploy sound recorders as part of an ongoing seabird project with Archipelago Research and Conservation. Guam Seabed Mining Ban: Guam’s new territorial ban on seabed mining signals a political warning, while federal lease plans beyond territorial waters keep the fight focused on what islands can control. NOAA Seabed Mining Review: Deep Sea Minerals Corp. says NOAA cleared a major step in its application process for exploring polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Budget Pressure on Ocean Science: A proposed NOAA budget cut could reduce programs tied to weather forecasting, fisheries, coral protection, and ocean monitoring across U.S. island territories. Local STEM & Ocean Careers: American Samoa’s STEAM Fest 2026 drew families for hands-on learning, and a local student was selected to map seafloor aboard E/V Nautilus with Ocean Exploration Trust. Invasive Species Update: Little Fire Ants continue spreading, with at least 26 detected sites on Tutuila and ongoing concerns for ecosystems and agriculture. Maternal Care Tech in Health: A UH Mānoa-led effort is expanding maternal-fetal care in American Samoa using sonography training, telehealth, and specialist access. Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium Call: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata reiterates opposition to mining near American Samoa, citing unresolved science and the need for a thorough environmental review. Fisheries Policy Hearing: Amata’s bill to keep monument fishing rules under the Magnuson-Stevens Act is moving through a House subcommittee hearing. Pacific Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea route due to an El Niño-linked weather pattern, with plans to depart Aotearoa in August 2026.