AGP Executive Report

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 Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Multiple reports warn U.S. deep-sea mining rules are outdated ahead of proposed seabed lease sales, with American Samoa flagged for an August start and experts calling for stronger oversight and public input.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.

Marine Policy Shock: Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of the Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including waters near American Samoa—sparking vows of legal challenges from conservation groups and mixed reactions from fishing interests. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: As the U.S. moves toward seabed lease sales (with an American Samoa auction slated for August), experts warn the rules are outdated and may not provide strong oversight, while other coverage highlights how the push is accelerating amid environmental and geopolitical concerns. Local Governance & Permitting: American Samoa streamlined its Land Use Permit process, setting clearer application requirements under coastal management rules to prevent unauthorized development. Coastal Resilience Projects: The Fagaima Road and Tualauta Mitigation projects are still in slow pre-work stages, with right-of-way and environmental review requirements delaying timelines. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee backed the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update and urged better assessment tools plus climate-ready planning. Tsunami Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies issued advisories and kept coastal monitoring on alert, including for American Samoa. Wetlands & Culture: The Department of Commerce Wetlands Program held a Wetlands Appreciation event linking wetlands protection with traditional knowledge and student/community participation. Maritime Infrastructure: USACE advanced the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project design and is conducting an Environmental Assessment, with construction targeted for late 2027–before 2029.

Marine Policy: Trump’s proclamation is reopening large swaths of Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including parts of Papahānaumokuākea near American Samoa, the Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll—sparking pushback from conservationists and cultural practitioners and setting up likely legal fights. Local Fisheries & Science: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s June meeting in American Samoa will focus on South Pacific albacore tuna access for the territory’s longline fleet, alongside updates tied to deep-sea minerals proposals. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Experts warn U.S. deep-sea mining rules are “bare bones” and outdated, with oversight and public input concerns as lease activity is eyed for American Samoa. Coastal Governance: American Samoa streamlined its Land Use Permit process, tightening documentation requirements before any permitted work begins. Wetlands & Culture: The Department of Commerce Wetlands Program held a Wetlands Appreciation event highlighting wetlands and traditional knowledge, with student performances and community partners. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies issued tsunami monitoring advisories that include American Samoa, while New Zealand reported no threat there. Tech for Public Access: A new Guam legal website, Territorial Review, is making territory laws and court opinions searchable in plain English. Science Media: Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s “Voice of the Sea” won 10 Telly Awards, including a Gold for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project.

Marine Policy Shock: Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to U.S. commercial fishing, including Rose Atoll near American Samoa, triggering backlash from conservationists and legal action threats. Local Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s Scientific & Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update and urged better length-based tools for Pacific Island fisheries. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Multiple reports flag that U.S. deep-sea mining rules may be outdated and too light on oversight as lease activity is set to move forward, with American Samoa slated for an August first sale. Regulatory Process Update: American Samoa streamlined its Land Use Permit application process via the Project Notification Review System, aiming to prevent unauthorized development before work begins. Coastal & Infrastructure Tech: The Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project is advancing through NEPA Environmental Assessment work, with construction planned to start in late 2027. STEM Opportunity: An American Samoa student was selected as a seafloor mapping & hydrography intern with Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus expedition. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring advisories included American Samoa, though New Zealand reported no threat.

Marine Policy Shock: Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including Rose Atoll near American Samoa—sparking fresh debate over ecosystem safeguards and who gets access. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: Legal experts warn U.S. seabed mining regulations are “bare bones” and lack oversight as DOI moves toward lease sales, with American Samoa slated for an August first step. Local Land & Coastal Tech: Gov. Pulaali’i streamlined the Land Use Permit process, setting clearer PNRS guidelines to prevent unauthorized development before physical work begins. Fisheries Science Update: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific & Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update and urged better length-based tools and climate-ready planning. Regional Tuna Talks: The Council meets June 9–11 in American Samoa to discuss South Pacific albacore access and seabed mining updates. Maritime Infrastructure: Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction advances through USACE 35% design and a NEPA Environmental Assessment, targeting construction after late 2027. Wetlands & Culture: Commerce’s Wetlands Appreciation event highlighted wetlands and traditional knowledge, honoring local champions and student performers. STEM Opportunity: American Samoa student Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan was selected as a seafloor mapping intern for OET’s Nautilus expedition.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: Legal experts warn U.S. seabed-mining regulations are outdated and could weaken environmental review as DOI/BOEM move toward lease sales, with American Samoa flagged for an August process. Local Governance & Coastal Permits: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says American Samoa’s Land Use Permit process has been streamlined under the Coastal Management Act, with clearer documentation rules before any permitted work starts. Fisheries Science in Focus: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific & Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update and pushed for better length-based tools and climate-ready planning. Regional Meeting on Tuna & Mining: The Council meets June 9–11 in Utulei to discuss South Pacific albacore access and hear updates on proposed deep-sea mineral mining near American Samoa. Infrastructure Watch: Fagaima Road and Tualauta mitigation projects are still in slow pre-work stages due to right-of-way and environmental review requirements. Aunu’u Wharf Progress: The Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project is advancing through 35% design with a NEPA Environmental Assessment; construction is targeted for late 2027–before 2029. STEM Opportunity at Sea: A local student was selected for a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus to map new seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies issued tsunami advisories affecting American Samoa and many neighbors, though New Zealand reported no threat.

Coastal Permits Update: American Samoa streamlined its Land Use Permit process under the Coastal Management Act, setting clearer application requirements so approved work can start only after proper documentation is submitted. Wetlands & Culture: The Department of Commerce honored Wetlands Champions at a May 29 event, pairing traditional knowledge with student performances and public recognition to protect wetlands across Tutuila, Manu’a, Aunu’u and more. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Regional fishery leaders and U.S. agencies are weighing deep-sea mineral plans near American Samoa, while experts warn U.S. rules may be outdated and NOAA/BOEM changes could reduce oversight and public input. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific & Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update and pushed for better assessment tools and climate-ready planning. Maritime Infrastructure: Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction is moving through NEPA Environmental Assessment work, with design for both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft; construction is targeted for late 2027–before 2029. Seafloor Mapping Opportunity: A local student was selected for an E/V Nautilus internship to help map never-before-seen seafloor using new acoustic multibeam equipment. Regional Safety: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring advisories included American Samoa, though New Zealand reported no threat.

Land-Use Permits: The Governor’s office says American Samoa has streamlined the Land Use Permit process, setting clearer PNRS guidelines (dated May 19) so applicants submit required documentation before any permitted work starts. Wetlands & Culture: The Department of Commerce honored “Wetlands Champions” at a May 29 event, spotlighting wetlands’ role in shoreline protection, wildlife support, and traditional knowledge through student performances and community recognition. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific & Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update and pushed for better stock tools, including length-based approaches, plus climate resilience planning. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA cleared Deep Sea Minerals Corp. to advance its exploration review in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, while American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed calls for a moratorium pending a full environmental impact statement. Aunu’u Wharf Progress: With rough seas limiting access, Port Administration updated the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project: USACE is moving through 35% design and an NEPA Environmental Assessment, targeting construction in late 2027 and completion before 2029. Seafloor Mapping Opportunity: Local student Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan was selected as a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern aboard E/V Nautilus for June mapping work between Hawai‘i and Guam. Invasive Species Alert: Little Fire Ants remain a growing threat on Tutuila, with detections now reported at 26 sites and spread linked to movement of infested plants and materials.

Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: Legal experts warn proposed U.S. seabed-mining leasing and permitting updates could weaken environmental review, shrink public input, and create more chances to sidestep protections. Monuments Fishing Showdown: A U.S. bill would bar presidents from banning commercial fishing in marine national monuments, pushing management back under the Magnuson-Stevens Act—an issue that directly affects Pacific waters. American Samoa Seafloor Talent: A local student was selected for a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus, using a new acoustic multibeam mapping system to chart seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam. Fisheries Science for Bottomfish: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific & Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update and urged better length-based assessment tools plus climate-ready planning. Aunu’u Wharf Upgrade: With rough seas limiting access, officials updated the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project—an Alia passenger and cargo-capable rebuild with an Environmental Assessment underway and construction targeted for 2027–2029. Seabird Field Work: DMWR’s seabird team deployed sound recorders in Fagaitua as part of an ongoing seabird project with Archipelago Research and Conservation. Invasive Ant Alert: Little Fire Ants keep spreading on Tutuila, with at least 26 detected sites and ongoing concerns about how people and plant materials move colonies. Pacific Earthquake Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines quake, tsunami monitoring stayed active across much of the Pacific, including American Samoa, though New Zealand reported no threat.

Marine Policy: A U.S. bill moving through Congress would bar presidents from banning commercial fishing in marine national monuments, pushing management back under the Magnuson-Stevens Act instead of Antiquities Act power. Local Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update and urged better length-based assessment tools plus climate-resilience research. Seabed Mining Debate: NOAA cleared Deep Sea Minerals Corp. to advance its international seabed exploration review, while U.S. territories—including American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata—renew calls for a deep-sea mining moratorium near the territory over unresolved risks like sediment “plumes.” Maritime Infrastructure: With rough seas limiting access, Port Administration updated the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project: a new design for both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft, with an Environmental Assessment underway and an estimated $3.7M cost. STEM Opportunity: An American Samoa student was selected for a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus to map seafloor between Hawai‘i and Guam. Disaster Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including American Samoa, with New Zealand reporting no threat. Biosecurity: Little Fire Ants continue spreading on Tutuila, now detected at 26 sites, with transport of infested plants and materials flagged as a key driver.

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.

Tsunami Monitoring: After a powerful 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, Pacific agencies including the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many islands and territories—American Samoa is included—though waves are expected to stay under 0.3 meters above tide levels and New Zealand says it faces no threat. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near the territory, citing unresolved science and possible harm to fish stocks from sediment “plumes,” while NOAA advanced a separate deep-sea minerals application with a “substantial compliance” finding. Local Tech & Science: Aunu’u Wharf reconstruction is moving through 35% design with a NEPA Environmental Assessment, aiming to support both Alia passenger service and cargo landing craft by late 2027–before 2029. STEM Pipeline: A local student was selected for a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography internship aboard E/V Nautilus, and American Samoa’s STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on science and solar engineering challenges to the community.

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.

Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction: With rough seas limiting boat service to Aunu’u, Port Administration says the Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction Project will replace the existing wharf and boat ramp at the current site, adding a design built for both Alia inter-island passenger travel and cargo landing craft operations; USACE is in the 35% design phase and running a NEPA Environmental Assessment covering impacts to the environment, marine life, and wildlife, with construction estimated at $3.7 million starting late 2027 and finishing before 2029. Seabird Monitoring: American Samoa’s DMWR seabird team is hiking Fagaitua to deploy sound recorders to track seabird presence and movement as part of an ongoing Seabird Project with Archipelago Research and Conservation. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam’s new seabed mining ban highlights the wider fight as NOAA advances deep-sea minerals reviews and American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renews her call for a moratorium near the territory, citing unresolved science and concerns about sediment “plumes” and fish stocks. Ocean Tech & STEM: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern for OET’s E/V Nautilus expedition, while American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on science and solar car engineering challenges to the community.

Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction: Port Administration says the Aunu’u Wharf project will replace the existing wharf and boat ramp with a safer design at the current site, with an Environmental Assessment under NEPA now underway as USACE moves through 35% design; the upgrade is set to support both Alia inter-island passenger service and cargo landing craft, with an estimated $3.7M cost and construction targeted for late 2027 through before 2029. Seabird Monitoring: DMWR’s wildlife team is hiking Fagaitua to deploy sound recorders to track seabirds in an ongoing Seabird Project with Archipelago Research and Conservation. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renews her call for a moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science and concerns about sediment “plumes” and impacts on fish stocks while BOEM runs its federal environmental review. Pacific Fisheries Science: WestPac’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review the 2026 American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment update, including whether stocks are overfished or experiencing overfishing and what research comes next. STEM in the Territory: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 brought hands-on science and engineering activities, solar car challenges, and career exploration to help build local STEAM pathways. Student Seafloor Mapping: A local student was selected as a Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern aboard E/V Nautilus to map never-before-seen seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam using new acoustic multibeam mapping tech.

Aunu’u Wharf Reconstruction: Port Administration says the Aunu’u Wharf project will replace the existing wharf and boat ramp with an upgraded design at the current site, supporting both inter-island passenger service via the Alia and cargo landings using landing craft; USACE is in the 35% design phase and running a NEPA Environmental Assessment to review impacts on the environment, marine species, and wildlife, with an estimated $3.7 million cost and construction targeted for late 2027 through before 2029. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s Delegate Uifa’atali Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near the territory, citing unresolved science and concerns like sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks, while Guam also moved to ban seabed mining in its waters—though federal lease sales beyond territorial limits keep the fight alive. Local Ocean Science & Training: A local student, Jhen Allison Paguiligan Seguiwan, was selected as a 2026 Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography intern and will sail on E/V Nautilus to map seafloor between Hawaiʻi and Guam using a new multibeam system. STEM for the Community: American Samoa STEAM Fest 2026 drew families for hands-on science, solar car challenges, and STEAM career exploration, aiming to build local pathways in innovation and environmental stewardship. Invasive Species Watch: Little Fire Ants continue spreading across Tutuila, with detections now reported at 26 sites and concerns about impacts on ecosystems and agriculture.