Pacific Fishing Policy Shock: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including Rose Atoll waters near American Samoa, expanding access to about 500,000 square miles and triggering legal and conservation backlash. Local Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee backed the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update and urged better length-based tools, while also weighing tuna and community fishing needs. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Multiple reports warn U.S. deep-sea mining rules are outdated ahead of proposed seabed lease sales, with American Samoa flagged for an August start and experts calling for stronger oversight and public input. Land-Use Permits Streamlined: American Samoa’s Land Use Permit process was updated to tighten documentation and prevent unauthorized development before physical work begins. Wetlands & Culture: The Department of Commerce Wetlands Program held a Wetlands Appreciation event spotlighting traditional knowledge and local wetlands champions. Guam Tech for Public Safety: Guam may receive over $5 million in federal investments for hospital upgrades, emergency response, and forensic DNA lab improvements. Telly Awards for Ocean Storytelling: Hawai‘i Sea Grant’s “Voice of the Sea” won a record 10 Telly Awards, including a gold for a Papahānaumokuākea marine debris episode. Regional Safety Alert: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific tsunami monitoring advisories included American Samoa, with waves expected to be small.