AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula’s 60-day review of the U.S. proposed deep-sea mining lease sale ends 15 September, with BOEM expected to issue a final leasing notice in October and a possible 19 November sale for waters east of Taʻū. Local Health & Water Safety: ASPA is keeping a boil water notice in place for Nu’uuli Water Filtration Plant service areas, while Environmental Health Services shut down two food stores (Gold Conda Store in Vaitogi and JKL Food Center in Futiga) for sanitation violations. Fisheries Monitoring & Turtle Gear: Regional fisheries staff trained on Samoa’s Ikasavea data system and fish sampling, and the Western Pacific Fishery Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee urged using observer data if turtle-related gear rules change for American Samoa’s longline fishery. Community Infrastructure: PAAS met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, focusing on safety after June 2026 extreme tides and the need to repair the eastern wave absorber. Policy Push for Revenue Sharing: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds advanced the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act, calling for a 50-50 split of seabed mining revenues and stronger bonding and consultation rules for affected territories. Legal Challenges: Earthjustice-backed groups filed lawsuits to block deep-sea mining lease plans in the Marianas and Guam, arguing the government failed to properly assess impacts on endangered species.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, including Earthjustice partners, filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s plan to kickstart deep-sea mining off the Marianas and Guam, challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s claim the lease sale won’t harm protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Legal Pressure: The same legal push follows an earlier suit targeting American Samoa’s proposed deep-sea mining push, as lease sales are planned for November (American Samoa) and December 16 (Marianas). Territorial Benefits: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA, calling for a 50% revenue cut for Pacific territories plus stronger bonding and environmental mitigation. Community Input on Ports: In Aunu’u, the Port Administration met residents on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with safety concerns raised after June 2026 extreme tides and calls to repair the eastern wave absorber. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health regulation violations, including the Port Administration’s Airport Hangar Facility. Climate Watch: El Niño conditions are forecast to be possibly as severe as 1997, with drought-related records already broken in American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, including Earthjustice partners, have filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining near the CNMI and Guam, and a separate case targets the American Samoa area—both arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service wrongly concluded the leasing won’t harm protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Governance & Ports: The Port Administration of American Samoa met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pressing for safety fixes after the June 2026 extreme tidal event and urging repairs to the eastern wave absorber to prevent further harbor erosion. Territorial Benefits: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds advanced the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA), calling for a 50% revenue share for Pacific territories tied to seabed mining leases, plus stronger bonding and environmental mitigation. El Niño Watch: Forecasts point to a possibly severe El Niño for American Samoa, with drought impacts already showing up in record dry conditions. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building in American Samoa for sanitation and health regulation violations, including the Port Administration’s Airport Hangar Facility (excluding the VIP Lounge). Marine Education: ASCC’s Marine Option Program welcomed a marine biologist from the AmSam CRAG group to inspire students pursuing coral reef and marine science careers. Culture & Conservation: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book designed to teach the territorial flower’s cultural role and encourage environmental stewardship.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a new lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s plan to move ahead with deep-sea mining leases tied to the Marianas and American Samoa, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service wrongly concluded the sales won’t harm protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Port Resilience: In Aunu’u, the Port Administration met residents on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with community members pressing for safety fixes after the June 2026 extreme tides and urging repairs to the eastern wave absorber to prevent further erosion. Territorial Revenue Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA, calling for a 50% revenue share for Pacific territories if seabed mining proceeds, alongside stronger bonding and environmental mitigation. El Niño Watch: American Samoa is bracing for a possibly severe El Niño, with the National Weather Service noting drought-related records already broken. Marine Education: ASCC’s Marine Option Program hosted a marine biologist to inspire students, supported by the AmSam CRAG group. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health regulation violations, including the Port Administration’s Airport Hangar Facility. Marine Conservation Culture: ASVB launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book linking the territorial flower with conservation, growing guidance, and cultural stewardship.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, including Earthjustice partners, have filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s plan to move forward with deep-sea mining leases tied to American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing regulators wrongly concluded the sales won’t harm protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Port Resilience: In Aunu’u, the Port Administration of American Samoa met residents to gather input on a wharf expansion and boat ramp repair project, with community members pressing for safety fixes after June 2026 extreme tides and urging repairs to the eastern wave absorber to prevent further erosion. Territorial Revenue & Protections: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is pushing the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA) to secure a 50% revenue share for Pacific territories and strengthen environmental bonding and consultation tied to seabed mining. Climate Watch: American Samoa is bracing for a possibly severe El Niño, with drought-related records already broken, as officials warn of potential impacts ahead. Marine Education: ASCC’s Marine Option Program students heard from a marine biologist connected to coral reef management work, supporting the next generation of local marine science professionals. Community Culture & Nature: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book meant to teach the territorial flower’s cultural role while encouraging environmental stewardship.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Conservation and community groups, including Earthjustice partners, have filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s plan to kickstart deep-sea mining near the CNMI and Guam, and a separate challenge targets the American Samoa effort—both arguing regulators wrongly concluded the leases won’t harm protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Policy Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is also pushing the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA) to require 50% revenue sharing for Pacific territories plus stronger bonding and environmental mitigation. Community Input on Harbor Works: In Aunu’u, the Port Administration met residents on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with safety concerns raised after the June 2026 extreme tidal event and calls to repair the eastern wave absorber to prevent further erosion. Climate Watch: American Samoa is preparing for a potentially severe El Niño, with drought impacts already showing up in records, while regional weather updates point to shifting conditions across the Pacific. Marine Life Education: Te Ipukarea Society reports humpback whales are returning to the Cook Islands, highlighting their role in healthy marine ecosystems and nutrient cycling. Public Health Enforcement: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building over sanitation and health regulation violations, including the Port Administration’s Airport Hangar Facility (excluding the VIP lounge) and the FM Mart meat room/ice operations.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups, backed by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s plan to kickstart deep-sea mining off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, challenging the claim that the lease sale won’t harm protected species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles; Local Governance: In American Samoa, the Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents pushing for safety fixes after the June 2026 extreme tidal event and urging repair of the eastern wave absorber; Territorial Benefits: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA to strengthen environmental protections and require 50% revenue sharing for Pacific territories if seabed mining leases move forward; Climate Watch: El Niño is forecast to be possibly as severe as 1997, with drought-related records already broken in American Samoa, prompting planning discussions for agriculture; Community & Conservation: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book aimed at preserving the territory’s cultural and natural symbol while teaching how to grow and protect it.

Seabed Mining Fight (CNMI/US Pacific): CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA), calling for stronger environmental bonding and a 50% revenue share of federal bonuses, rentals, and royalties from seabed mineral leases to nearby Pacific territories. Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuits (Marianas/AS): Conservation groups, via Earthjustice, filed a new challenge to the Trump administration’s plan for deep-sea mining off the Marianas and Guam, arguing the government wrongly concluded the lease sale won’t harm endangered species and critical habitat. Territorial Opposition Push: A coalition of Pacific groups urged CNMI Gov. David Apatang to formally oppose the proposed Dec. 16 lease sale, citing the need for more public outreach and time for meaningful participation. Local Wharf Planning (Aunu’u): Port Administration of American Samoa met with the Aunu’u community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with residents raising safety concerns after June 2026 extreme tides and urging fixes to the eastern wave absorber. El Niño Watch (American Samoa): Forecasts warn this El Niño could be as severe as 1997, with drought impacts already breaking records, prompting calls for better preparedness for agriculture and residents. Public Health Enforcement (ASDOH): Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health regulation violations, including the Port Administration airport hangar facility (VIP lounge excluded).

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups filed lawsuits to block the Trump administration’s plan to kickstart deep-sea mining near the Marianas and Guam, challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s claim that the lease sale won’t harm endangered species like humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Policy Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA) to strengthen environmental protections and require major revenue sharing for adjacent territories if seabed mining moves forward. Territorial Opposition Campaign: Environmental groups from across U.S. Pacific territories urged CNMI Gov. David Apatang to formally oppose the federal PACM-2 lease sale, calling for suspension or cancellation and more public outreach before the Oct. 19 deadline. Public Health Enforcement: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health regulation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded) and FM Mart’s meat room and ice operations. Community Conservation Education: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book linking culture and hands-on learning to protect the territorial flower. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s science panel meets in Honolulu to review American Samoa large-vessel fishing rules around Rose Atoll and set sustainable bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups have filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s plan to kickstart deep-sea mining off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s claim the lease sale won’t harm endangered species like humpback whales, giant manta rays, and sea turtles; the case also targets how impacts to ocean ecosystems were assessed as leases move toward a Dec. 16 sale. Territorial Revenue Push: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is also pressing for a 50% cut of deep-sea mining revenues for territories, arguing for stronger local benefits and protections. Local Governance Pressure: A coalition letter urges CNMI Gov. David Apatang to formally oppose the federal leasing process, calling for suspended or canceled leasing and more public outreach across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Public Health & Sanitation: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for health regulation violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP lounge excluded), FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations, and Matai’s Corporation. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee meets in Honolulu Sept. 8–10 to review fishing rules and set science-based catch guidance for American Samoa bottomfish. Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi health officials reported dengue virus detected in wastewater on Hawaiʻi Island, with no active cases currently tracked.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and community partners sued the Trump administration to stop a proposed deep-seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, challenging claims that the plan won’t harm threatened species and critical habitat. Local Governance & Consultation: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA) to boost revenue sharing, strengthen environmental bonding, and expand territorial notification and consultation for any seabed mining. Territorial Pushback: Environmental and community leaders urged American Samoa Governor David M. Apatang to formally oppose the lease sale before the Oct. 19 deadline, calling for suspension or cancellation and more meaningful public participation. American Samoa at PIF: On the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum, the American Samoa delegation met U.S. officials on regional security and infrastructure needs, emphasizing non-debt grant financing. Public Health: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked. Food & Climate: A local agriculture discussion focused on possible El Niño impacts on American Samoa farming and preparedness. Health Inspections: Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and health regulation violations.

Deep-Sea Mining Push (Marianas & US territories): A coalition of environmental and community leaders from the Marianas, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands has urged Gov. David Apatang to formally oppose the federal deep-seabed mining lease sale tied to the Northern Mariana Islands Outer Continental Shelf, asking him to recommend suspension/termination and to expand public outreach and input ahead of the Oct. 19, 2026 deadline. Legal Challenge (Marianas/Guam): Conservation and community groups filed a lawsuit in the District of Hawaiʻi to stop the deep-sea mining plan, arguing the federal review failed to properly assess impacts on threatened species and critical habitat. Public Input & Process (Congress): CNMI and U.S. lawmakers, including American Samoa’s Delegate Aumua Amata, are calling for a 90-day public comment period on proposed lease sales, warning the first-of-their-kind offshore leasing could set a precedent. Local Health Enforcement (American Samoa): Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and public health violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (excluding the VIP lounge) and FM Mart’s meat room/ice operations. Climate & Disaster Readiness (El Niño): The National Weather Service warns a strong-to-very-strong El Niño is likely to strengthen into early 2027, urging water conservation, emergency prep, and reporting coral bleaching or unusual reef conditions. Regional Fisheries Science (American Samoa): The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s science panel will review possible changes to large-vessel fishing rules around Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Public Health Watch (Dengue): Hawaiʻi health officials reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked, highlighting mosquito-borne risk across the Pacific.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued the U.S. government to stop the Trump administration’s plan to move forward with deep-sea mining lease sales off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service rubberstamped the decision without properly assessing impacts on threatened species and critical habitat. Local Governance & Health: American Samoa’s Environmental Health Services shut down two businesses and a government building for sanitation and public health violations, including the Port Administration Airport Hangar Facility (VIP Lounge excluded), the FM Mart meat room and ice-making operations, and Matai’s Corporation. Public Input Push: U.S. lawmakers, including American Samoa’s Delegate Aumua Amata, asked for a 90-day public comment period on proposed deep-sea mining leases around the region, warning the first-of-its-kind leasing could set a precedent. Climate Watch: The National Weather Service says a strong to very strong El Niño is likely to strengthen through late 2026 into early 2027, raising risks for heat, water shortages, crop and fishery stress, tropical cyclones, coral bleaching, and lower sea levels—urging residents to prepare now. Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s scientific panel meets Sept. 8–10 in Honolulu to review American Samoa large-vessel rules around Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Regional Health Alert: Hawaiʻi reported dengue virus detected in wastewater from Hilo, with no active cases currently tracked, but reminding Pacific communities that dengue can spread via mosquitoes and travel-linked infections.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and community organizations filed a lawsuit in Hawaiʻi challenging the Trump administration’s plan to sell deep-sea mining leases off the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, arguing the government wrongly downplays harm to humpback whales, manta rays, sea turtles, and island ocean life. Public Input Push: CNMI and U.S. lawmakers, including American Samoa Delegate Aumua Amata, are asking Interior and the Marine Minerals Administration for a 90-day public comment period, warning the first-of-its-kind leasing could set a precedent for future seabed deals. Congressional Roadblock: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from fast-track federal permitting failed when the House Rules Committee declined his amendment, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for expedited FAST-41 review. Local Climate Prep: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring heat, water stress, crop and fishery pressure, higher tropical cyclone risk, and coral bleaching—urging water conservation, emergency readiness, and reef monitoring. Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked; dengue is a year-round risk in parts of the Pacific. Fisheries Science: Western Pacific scientists will review American Samoa large-vessel rules around Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Community Voices: American Samoa youth and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer, saying they welcome ocean science but oppose mapping tied to commercial deep-sea mineral extraction.

Deep-Sea Mining Push vs Local Control: U.S. plans to auction seabed mining leases near American Samoa are colliding with territorial leaders’ repeated “no,” with Gov. Nikolau Pula stressing authority ends at 3 miles while the federal government could override in the EEZ; the fight is also framed around China’s growing role in critical ocean minerals. Congressional Roadblocks: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from fast-tracked federal permitting failed when the House Rules Committee declined his amendment, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for expedited FAST-41 review. NOAA Mapping Meets Public Backlash: Community leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago waters, urging science that protects the deep ocean while questioning missions tied to future mineral extraction. El Niño Weather Warning: The National Weather Service warns a strong El Niño is likely to strengthen into early 2027, urging water conservation, heat and disaster readiness, and reporting coral bleaching or unusual reef conditions. Fisheries Science in the Spotlight: Western Pacific scientists will review fishing rules around Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for American Samoa for 2027–2030. IUU Fishing Crackdown at PIF: The U.S. announced a Pacific IUU Fishing Project to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with American Samoa officials citing the need to deter Chinese vessels in the EEZ. Public Health Signal in the Region: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, noting no active cases currently tracked and emphasizing travel-associated risk across Pacific islands including American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders are pushing back against a proposed U.S. seabed mining lease sale that could start in federal waters near the territory on Nov. 19, warning governors have limited control beyond territorial waters while the EEZ falls under federal authority and international pressure. Local Voices vs Federal Fast-Tracking: A House Rules Committee move kept Guam/Northern Marianas seabed mining eligible for expedited FAST-41 reviews, with lawmakers including American Samoa’s Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen backing an amendment to block the fast track. NOAA Mapping Meets Regulatory Push: Community leaders and activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer near Pago Pago as federal agencies advance large-scale seabed mineral leasing; the clash highlights concerns that mapping and mining plans are moving in parallel. El Niño Preparedness: The National Weather Service warns a strong El Niño is likely to intensify, urging water conservation, heat and storm readiness, and reporting coral bleaching or unusual reef conditions. Fishing Rules & Sustainability: Western Pacific scientists will review American Samoa large-vessel fishing rules around Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Regional Security for Fisheries: The U.S. announced a Pacific IUU fishing project to counter illegal fishing, including in American Samoa’s EEZ, with training and monitoring support. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH detected dengue virus in Hilo wastewater but reported no active cases, noting dengue risk can spread via mosquitoes and travel.