AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A House Rules Committee blocked Rep. James Moylan’s amendment that would have carved seabed mining out of FAST-41, a move critics say could speed up environmental reviews for deep-sea projects off Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands—while American Samoa lawmakers and advocates continue pushing back against mining in local waters. Local Fisheries Science: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee meets Sept. 8–10 in Honolulu to review fishing rules around Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for American Samoa for 2027–2030. El Niño Preparedness: The National Weather Service warns a strong El Niño is likely to intensify into early 2027, urging water conservation, disaster readiness, heat safety, and reef monitoring as risks include drought stress, coral bleaching, and higher tropical cyclone chances. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases tracked—yet the release notes dengue is a year-round risk in parts of the Pacific, including American Samoa. Blue Pacific Policy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, U.S. moves to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing were highlighted, alongside broader regional debates over ocean protection, security, and resource control.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa is facing a major new threat as the U.S. moves toward the first commercial seabed-mining lease auction in domestic waters, with federal waters near the territory slated for a Nov. 19 sale—prompting peaceful confrontations by local youth and Greenpeace activists against NOAA’s mapping mission. Climate & Disaster Readiness: The National Weather Service warns a strong El Niño is likely to intensify into early 2027, raising risks of heat, water shortages, crop and fish stress, tropical cyclones, coral bleaching, and lower sea levels—urging residents to conserve water, prepare emergency kits, and report reef damage. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi’s DOH reports dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked—yet the finding highlights mosquito-borne risk across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Regional Policy Spotlight: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is drawing attention to security and climate, with American Samoa participating as an associate member as leaders weigh ocean resources and environmental protection. Biodiversity & Conservation: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlights the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting unique birds and protected coral reef habitats.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa activists and community leaders confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer near Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping offshore minerals could feed a proposed U.S. lease sale—while the U.S. is also moving toward an auction of seabed blocks off American Samoa on Nov. 19. Climate & Disaster Readiness: The National Weather Service warns a strong-to-very-strong El Niño is likely to strengthen through late 2026 into early 2027, raising risks of heat, water shortages, coral bleaching, tropical cyclones, and sea-level impacts—urging residents to conserve water, prepare disaster kits, and report reef problems. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hilo; officials say there are no active cases currently tracked, but the finding highlights mosquito-borne risk across the Pacific, including American Samoa. NOAA Seafloor Science: NOAA announced deep-ocean expeditions around American Samoa to map critical-mineral evaluation areas, with live-streamed ROV dives and public release of biological and geophysical data. Local Conservation Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, emphasizing wildlife and bird habitat protection. Regional Governance: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau is set to focus on security and climate, with American Samoa and Guam as associate members.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa activists and community leaders confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer near Pago Pago Harbor, warning that mapping deep-sea minerals could feed a planned Nov. 19 lease sale and the first commercial seabed mining in U.S. domestic waters. Climate & Disaster Readiness: The National Weather Service warns a strengthening El Niño could bring hotter conditions, water stress, higher tropical cyclone risk, coral bleaching, and sea-level impacts—urging water conservation, emergency prep, and reef monitoring. Biodiversity & Conservation: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting rare birds and protected coral reef habitats. Public Health via Environment: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in wastewater from Hilo, with no active cases currently tracked—an alert that dengue risk can spread through mosquitoes across the Pacific, including American Samoa. Food Safety Governance: American Samoa’s DoH received an executive order to oversee food safety using the FDA Model Food Code, aiming to standardize inspections and reduce food-borne illness. Local Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council set a Sept. 15–17 meeting to consider amending American Samoa’s large vessel prohibited area rules around Rose Atoll.

Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with a follow-up sample pending; DOH reports no active dengue cases and notes dengue is usually travel-associated in Hawaiʻi, but remains a year-round risk across parts of the Pacific including American Samoa. Climate & Disaster Prep: The National Weather Service warns a strong El Niño is likely to strengthen into late 2026/early 2027, bringing higher heat, water stress, crop and fishery impacts, more tropical cyclone risk, and coral bleaching—urging water conservation, emergency kit updates, and reef monitoring. Ocean Policy & Mining: The U.S. is moving toward its first commercial seabed-mining lease sale near American Samoa (planned Nov. 19), while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer maps seafloor habitats around the territory to support future marine policy and mineral evaluation. Local Conservation & Wildlife: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlights the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, spotlighting bird habitat and the park’s role in protecting unique wildlife and coral reefs. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet Sept. 15–17 to consider changes to large-vessel fishing rules affecting areas including Rose Atoll. Food Safety: American Samoa’s DoH gets new authority to oversee food safety and regulate food establishments using the FDA Model Food Code.

Climate Watch: The National Weather Service says a strong to very strong El Niño is expected to keep strengthening through late 2026 into early 2027, with a very high chance of conditions reaching American Samoa—bringing hotter weather, water stress, pressure on crops and fisheries, higher tropical cyclone risk, and more coral bleaching; residents are urged to conserve water, update emergency plans, hydrate, clear drains, and report unusual reef conditions. Deep-Sea Mining & Ocean Data: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as part of a 29-day expedition, pairing ROV dives with sonar to build a baseline of deep habitats and critical minerals—while federal plans move toward a November auction of seabed lease blocks near the territory. Legal Pushback on Mining: Conservation groups and Fa’asao Amerika Samoa are challenging federal wildlife review steps tied to proposed deep-sea mining near American Samoa, arguing endangered species impacts weren’t properly assessed under the Endangered Species Act. Local Conservation Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, noting its unique birds and multi-site protection that includes offshore coral reefs. Stormwater Funding: The EPA awarded American Samoa’s Department of Public Works $800,000 to build a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping, plus planning tools and best practices for priority coastal outfalls. Food Safety Rule Update: The Governor’s Executive Order 004-26 empowers the Department of Health to oversee food safety and regulate food establishments using the FDA Model Food Code.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor this month as the U.S. moves toward a Nov. 19 auction of seabed mineral leases off Tau—while a lawsuit challenges the plan and conservation groups warn of risks to endangered species and cultural ties. NOAA Exploration: A 29-day expedition (EX2606) pairs ROV dives with overnight sonar mapping in the National Marine Sanctuary, with dives expected to resume Sept. 3 and public telepresence access. Legal Pushback: Earthjustice says federal wildlife review for the proposed leases was too narrow, and Fa’asao Amerika Samoa is backing the Endangered Species Act challenge. Local Environment Governance: The American Samoa DPW won an EPA grant to build a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping, plus better planning for coastal outfall sites. Community Resilience: A youth summer program planted ironwood trees along shorelines to help prevent erosion, tying environmental stewardship to cultural learning. Food Safety: Gov. Pulaalii’s EO empowers the Department of Health to use the FDA Model Food Code to strengthen retail food inspections and enforcement.

Deep-Sea Mapping vs. Mining Plans: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is in its second week of a 29-day expedition around American Samoa, using ROV dives and overnight sonar to map deep habitats—while federal agencies move toward a November 19 auction of seabed mineral lease blocks off Tau, drawing a lawsuit from conservation groups. Local Conservation Spotlight: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, stressing wildlife and bird habitat, including migratory species. Stormwater Funding: The EPA awarded American Samoa’s Department of Public Works $800,000 to build a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping, plus planning for priority coastal outfalls. Pacific Policy Watch: American Samoa is sending a delegation to the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau, where leaders are expected to debate security and climate issues. Food Safety Rule Update: Gov. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula issued an executive order empowering the Department of Health to regulate food establishments using the FDA Model Food Code. Youth Resilience & Stewardship: A summer program for youth wrapped up with environmental stewardship activities, including planting ironwood trees along the shoreline for coastal protection.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Near American Samoa: NOAA says it’s sending the Okeanos Explorer on a 29-day deep-ocean mapping mission around American Samoa to study seafloor habitats and critical minerals, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases—while a separate federal plan still targets a seabed lease auction off the territory on Nov. 19. Conservation Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice are challenging the lease process, arguing wildlife and endangered species risks weren’t fully assessed before approvals. Local Nature Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, pointing to unique birds and offshore coral reefs. Stormwater Resilience Funding: The EPA awarded American Samoa’s DPW $800,000 to build a territory-wide stormwater asset and GIS planning program to better protect coastal outfalls. Food Safety Rule Update: Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula issued an executive order empowering the Department of Health to regulate food establishments using the FDA Model Food Code. Pacific Leaders Forum: American Samoa is sending a delegation to the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Palau, where leaders are expected to weigh security and climate issues. Digital Safety Settlement: American Samoa is among states in a major Meta settlement over child-safety and addictive design on Instagram and Facebook, with required safety reforms.

Deep-Sea Mining Push (American Samoa): NOAA says it’s sending the Okeanos Explorer for a 29-day seafloor mapping mission around American Samoa, with ROV dives and live-streamed footage meant to build public marine baselines—while a federal lease auction for seabed blocks off American Samoa is still set for Nov. 19, raising fresh concerns about what communities can see before decisions are made. Legal Challenge to Seabed Leases: Conservation groups and Fa’asao Amerika Samoa are suing, arguing wildlife and endangered-species review was too shallow for the impacts that seabed mining could permit. Stormwater Resilience Funding: The EPA awarded American Samoa’s Department of Public Works $800,000 to launch the STREAM program—creating a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory, GIS mapping, condition assessments, and priority coastal outfall improvements. Local Conservation & Youth Stewardship: Afonotele’s five-week “E sua le ‘ava ae totō ona ata” youth program ended with shoreline ironwood planting to strengthen coastal protection and environmental stewardship. Food Safety Governance: The Governor issued an EO empowering the Department of Health to regulate food establishments using the FDA Model Food Code. Pacific Ocean Threats: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum warned that deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change are pressuring the “Blue Pacific” and need regional action.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Fa’asao Amerika Samoa are challenging U.S. plans for a November 19 auction of two seabed blocks off American Samoa, saying federal wildlife review skipped a full endangered-species look and could harm sea turtles, sharks, and other protected marine life tied to Samoan culture. NOAA Ocean Science: NOAA is sending the Okeanos Explorer on a 29-day expedition around American Samoa to map deep habitats and collect seafloor baseline data, with live-streamed ROV dives and plans to release datasets publicly. Local Stormwater Upgrade: The American Samoa Government’s DPW won a $800,000 EPA grant to launch the STREAM program—building a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory, GIS mapping, and planning tools to protect coastal outfalls. Food Safety Rule Update: The Governor issued an executive order empowering the Department of Health to use the FDA Model Food Code as the official reference for retail food safety and inspections. Youth & Coastal Resilience: Afonotele Tupulaga Manuia Program trained 80+ youth in cultural learning and environmental stewardship, including planting ironwood trees along shorelines to reduce erosion.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Near American Samoa: Conservation groups and Fa’asao Amerika Samoa are challenging U.S. plans for a November 19 lease auction off American Samoa, saying federal wildlife review didn’t fully assess endangered species risks before moving ahead. NOAA Ocean Exploration: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer has begun a 29-day seafloor mapping mission around American Samoa, with live-streamed ROV dives and plans to release public datasets—timed just weeks before the potential commercial mining auction. Local Call for Stronger Review: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is urging the Interior Department to conduct an environmental impact study on “at scale” deep-sea extraction impacts to the American Samoa ocean ecosystem. Stormwater Resilience Funding: The EPA awarded DPW $800,000 to launch the STREAM program—building a territory-wide stormwater asset inventory, GIS mapping, and planning tools to protect coastal outfalls. National Park Week Spotlight: Congresswoman Amata highlighted the National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, focusing on protected wildlife and bird habitat. Food Safety Rule Update: The Governor issued an EO empowering the Department of Health to use the FDA Model Food Code as the official reference for retail food safety and inspections.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA launched deep-sea mapping and ROV dives around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer, with live-streamed exploration and public data plans—while a separate push for seabed mineral leases remains on the calendar and faces lawsuits over endangered species review gaps. Local Conservation & Culture: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted National Park of American Samoa during National Park Week, pointing to protected wildlife and bird habitat. Stormwater Resilience: The American Samoa Government’s DPW won an $800,000 EPA grant to build a territory-wide stormwater asset and GIS planning system through the STREAM program. Food Safety Governance: Gov. Pulaalii issued an executive order empowering the Department of Health to regulate food establishments using the FDA Model Food Code. Pacific Policy Pressure: Pacific leaders head to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to seek more control over security, climate action, and ocean resources amid major-power competition. Fishing Rules: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is set to consider changes to commercial fishing prohibitions affecting areas near Rose Atoll and American Samoa’s large vessel limits. Youth & Environment: Afonotele Tupulaga Manuia engaged over 80 youth in cultural and environmental stewardship, including planting ironwood trees along the shoreline for coastal protection. Digital Safety Settlement: American Samoa is among jurisdictions in the multistate Meta settlement tied to child-safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook.

Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders from across the Pacific will meet in Palau Aug. 30–Sept. 4, testing whether island nations can keep a shared voice as the U.S. and China compete for influence and access to ocean resources, including climate and “ocean minerals” issues. Deep-sea mining pressure on American Samoa: NOAA is sending the Okeanos Explorer on a 29-day seafloor mapping mission around American Samoa, while a separate federal lease process for deep-sea minerals is set for Nov. 19—sparking calls for stronger environmental review and cultural protections. Local marine governance fight: American Samoa and partners are backing a lawsuit alleging endangered species analysis was skipped before deep-sea mining leases advanced. Fishing rules debate: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will consider changes to commercial fishing prohibitions affecting Rose Atoll, including how rules interact with American Samoa’s large vessel prohibited area. Stormwater resilience funding: DPW won an EPA grant to build a territory-wide stormwater asset and GIS planning system through the STREAM program. Food safety update: Gov. Pulaalii issued an EO empowering the Department of Health to use the FDA Model Food Code for retail food safety and inspections. Youth environmental stewardship: Afonotele’s summer program ended with shoreline ironwood planting to strengthen coastal protection and resilience.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from across the region meet Aug. 30–Sept. 4 to keep a shared voice as the U.S. and China compete for influence and access to ocean resources, with American Samoa listed as an associate member. Deep-sea mining spotlight: NOAA is sending the Okeanos Explorer on a 29-day seafloor mapping mission around American Samoa, while at the same time a federal lease auction is set for Nov. 19—raising fresh concerns about endangered species review gaps and how soon public data will be available. Local environment governance: Gov. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula issued an EO empowering the Department of Health to use the FDA Model Food Code for food safety oversight, and DPW won an EPA grant to build a territory-wide stormwater asset and GIS planning program. Coastal resilience youth push: Afonotele Tupulaga Manuia Program trained 80+ youth and planted ironwood trees along shorelines to help protect against erosion. Fishing rules update: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is set to discuss commercial fishing prohibitions affecting Rose Atoll, including areas tied to American Samoa’s large vessel limits. Digital safety (not climate, but local impact): American Samoa is among jurisdictions in the multistate Meta settlement targeting child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook.

NOAA Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is launching a 29-day expedition to map and survey deep waters around American Samoa, with ROV dives and live-streamed shore participation, and plans to release public datasets to guide future marine policy. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Fa’asao Amerika Samoa are challenging a proposed American Samoa seabed mining lease sale, arguing federal wildlife review didn’t fully assess risks to endangered species and marine habitats; Earthjustice says the U.S. has never opened its waters this way. Local Food Safety: The Governor issued EO 004-26 empowering the Department of Health to use the FDA Model Food Code as the official reference for retail food safety, inspections, and enforcement. Stormwater Resilience Funding: DPW received an $800,000 EPA grant to build a territory-wide stormwater asset and GIS planning system through the STREAM program, including priority coastal outfall improvements. School Readiness: Education and Health teams completed the Tautua Wellness Initiative, inspecting and preparing schools for the new academic year. Digital Child-Safety Settlement: American Samoa joined a multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook child-safety and addictive design, with sweeping reforms and major payments to participating jurisdictions.