Seabed Mining & Policy: American Samoa Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her push for a deep-sea mining moratorium near the territory, citing unresolved science, possible sediment “plumes,” and the need for a full, science-based federal environmental review under BOEM/DOI. Local Governance & Infrastructure: With rough seas limiting boat access, Port Administration updated the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project: a new wharf and boat ramp at the current site, designed for both Alia inter-island passenger service and cargo landing craft, with a $3.7M estimate, 35% design underway, and an Environmental Assessment under NEPA before construction starts in late 2027. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update as the best available science, and urged NOAA to improve length-based assessment tools for Pacific Island fisheries while factoring climate scenario findings into future decisions. STEM & Education: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography Intern and will join E/V Nautilus for 13 days of seafloor mapping between Hawai‘i and Guam using a new acoustic multibeam system. Public Safety & Health (Regional): Guam’s delegate says the U.S. House passed a FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill that could send more than $5M toward health care, forensic science/DNA lab upgrades, and emergency response improvements. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including American Samoa, though New Zealand reported no threat.