AGP Executive Report

World Oceans Day / Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Atea, boosting strict protection from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels; New Zealand says there’s no threat. Decolonisation Push: Pacific voices, including French Polynesia-linked speakers, renewed calls at UN forums for faster decolonisation and for nuclear-era harms to be addressed, as leaders mark major anniversaries. Local Governance / Heritage: The Court of Auditors says UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia—Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands—are facing management and monitoring shortcomings. Security & Defence: US Army Pacific’s new TIAD unit joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a cyber challenge to strengthen regional readiness. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September.

Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines’ Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, with waves forecast under 0.3m and officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. World Oceans Day, Polynesia Style: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside the huge Tainui Atea area, adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as it pushes conservation-led tourism. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The British Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands urged the UN decolonisation committee to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for remaining non-self-governing territories. Regional Security Push: Australia pledged AUD$46m for police deployments in the Solomon Islands, citing China’s growing security role and warning that without investment, others will “fill the vacuum.” Local Governance & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flagged shortcomings in how French Polynesia manages UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, banning all human activity over an added 500,000 sq km (from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km), with new areas planned near the Marquesas and the Austral Islands. World Oceans Day Scorecard: On June 8, the UN highlighted that marine protected areas now cover about 10% of the ocean—one-third of the 2030 goal—while noting gaps where some zones still allow damaging practices. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance and stay out of the water if told. Regional Air Links: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, twice weekly, restoring a key connection between the two French Pacific markets. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st TIAD took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia, aiming to boost regional cyber readiness and partnerships.

Pacific Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao, Philippines, has triggered tsunami monitoring across the wider Pacific, with the US Tsunami Warning Centre forecasting sea level changes under 0.3 metres above tides and issuing advisories for places including French Polynesia; authorities are urging coastal communities to follow local guidance and stay out of hazardous waters. Regional Security Training: In French Polynesia, U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge to boost cyber readiness and build partnerships with French and Pacific response partners. UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands UNESCO sites has serious gaps, including outdated visitor information and weak monitoring of required plans. Coral Conservation: Beyond Green highlights coral reef restoration projects across its network, including work in French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day. Sailing & Sports: Tahiti hosts the Oceania Championships, where Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley wins top female honours, adding momentum toward the 2028 Olympics.

UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites—Taputapuatea marae (Raiatea) and the Marquesas Islands—falls short on monitoring and visitor information, raising concerns about long-term preservation duties. Cyber Security in the Pacific: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia for the Marara Cyber Challenge, aiming to boost cyber readiness and multinational cooperation. Health & Drugs Warning Signs: A report flags rising drug and disease risks across the Pacific, pointing to police busts in French Polynesia and “warning signs” seen in places like Tonga and the Solomon Islands after Fiji’s HIV crisis. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Beyond Green highlights coral reef projects across its properties, including French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day, as reefs face bleaching, pollution, and other pressures. Regional Travel Links: Fiji Airways says it will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, restoring a key air connection between two French Pacific markets. Voyaging & Climate: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusts the Moananuiākea Voyage route due to El Niño and storm concerns, with a revised departure from New Zealand in August and stops across the region. Local Sailing Success: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the 2028 Olympics.

UNESCO Oversight: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors says UNESCO World Heritage management is falling short at Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands, citing outdated visitor information and weak monitoring of preservation plans. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st TIAD took part in the Marara Cyber Challenge during Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, teaming with France and Pacific partners to boost cyber readiness and interoperability. Voyaging and Climate Risk: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage route as El Niño and storm activity concerns grow, shifting departure to late August from Aotearoa with stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Coral Reef Alarm in Moorea: A new study in Moorea finds dead corals being held in place by algae, blocking the usual “reset” after storms and slowing reef recovery. Drug Trade Warning Signs: Security experts warn Australia’s region is seeing early spillover from Fiji’s HIV and drug crisis, with meth traces reported in Tonga wastewater and drug busts in French Polynesia. Rapa Nui Ocean Leaders: Rapa Nui’s ocean council and voyaging groups hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing Pacific leaders together to strengthen high-seas protection and marine conservation.

Cyber & Security in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined the Marara Cyber Challenge during Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, teaming with France and regional partners to boost cyber readiness and interoperability. Ocean Protection & Culture: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised August departure from Aotearoa and stops across Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, while Rapa Nui hosted Pacific leaders to strengthen voyaging ties and high-seas marine conservation. Coral Conservation in French Polynesia: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals can be “scaffolded” in place by algae, slowing reef recovery after storms—adding urgency to reef restoration efforts. Drug Trafficking Watch: Fiji’s major cocaine bust tied to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo was discussed at a regional crime summit, underscoring how trafficking networks reach across the Pacific, including via routes involving the Vatia area. Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: Beyond Green highlights coral reef projects supported by its member properties, including in French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8.

Security & Crime in the Pacific: Fiji police say a massive 2.64 tonnes cocaine haul seized at the abandoned Vatia jetty (valued around $3 billion) was trafficked from Colombia, linked to Clan del Golfo, with arrests of Ecuadorians reported after a Transnational Crime Summit in Nadi. Public Health & Drugs: Australia-linked reporting warns illicit drugs are spreading beyond Fiji, with traces of meth found in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands, raising fears for HIV and other transmissible diseases across Pacific tourist hubs. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusts the Moananuiākea Voyage route due to El Niño and storm concerns, shifting departure to late August from Aotearoa and planning stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji for ocean-protection discussions. Marine Conservation Research (Moorea): A new study finds dead corals in Moorea are being held in place by encrusting algae, blocking reef recovery after storms. Regional Leadership (Rapa Nui): Ocean council and voyaging groups hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing Pacific leaders together to share wayfinding and push high-seas marine conservation. Sports (Tahiti): Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley wins top female honours at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building toward LA 2028.

Voyaging & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan will be adjusted as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised departure from Aotearoa in late August and stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, arriving mid-October for ocean-protection talks. Marine Conservation in Focus: A new study on Moorea finds dead coral skeletons being held in place by algae, blocking new coral space even after storms—an urgent clue for reef survival in French Polynesia. Health & Security Warning Signs: Experts warn that drug trafficking patterns seen in Fiji may be spreading across nearby Pacific islands, pointing to meth traces in Tonga wastewater and drug busts including in French Polynesia. Regional Crime Update: Fiji’s biggest cocaine seizure—2.64 tonnes linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo—was discussed at a transnational crime summit, underscoring how global networks reach the Pacific. Local Sport Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley earned top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the 2027 Pacific Games. Tourism & Travel: NCL extends its South Pacific season with more close-to-home cruise options, while Tahiti and French Polynesia continue to draw sailing and cruise interest.

Voyaging & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan is being adjusted as forecasts point to a potentially strong El Niño and rougher storm conditions across parts of the Pacific. Crews are now targeting a departure from Aotearoa (New Zealand) in the third week of August, with stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, aiming to reach Fiji by mid-October for ocean-protection discussions. Ocean Protection & Pacific Unity: On Rapa Nui, the ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri māʻohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva—bringing together voyaging leaders, scientists and governments to share wayfinding knowledge and push high-seas marine conservation. Local Sport Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games hosted in French Polynesia. Tourism & Travel Deals: A new travel push highlights Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts in French Polynesia’s Marquesas, with package details aimed at school-holiday travellers.

Voyaging & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage route as forecasts warn of a potentially strong El Niño and rougher storm conditions across parts of the Pacific, with Hōkūleʻa now targeting departure from Aotearoa (New Zealand) in the third week of August and planned stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, arriving mid-October for international ocean-protection discussions. Ocean Conservation & Pacific Links: Leaders and experts gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, hosted by Rapa Nui’s ocean council with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, to strengthen voyaging ties and coordinate marine conservation efforts focused on the high seas. Marine Science in French Polynesia: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals can stay “scaffolded” in place by algae, blocking the usual storm-driven reset that helps reefs recover—raising fresh concerns as reefs face climate stress. Regional Sports Spotlight: Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Security & Drugs in the Pacific: Fiji-linked reporting says a major cocaine bust tied to the Vatia jetty (valued at about $3 billion) involved trafficking from Colombia, with police disputing claims about cocaine passing through Suva.

Coral Reef Crisis in French Polynesia: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals are being held in place by an encrusting algae, blocking the usual “reset” after storms and leaving reefs stuck between life and death. Regional Ocean Cooperation: On Rapa Nui, Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered to strengthen ancestral ties and share marine protection know-how, with a focus on safeguarding the high seas. Sailing Spotlight in Tahiti: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Games and Pacific Games preparations. Tourism & Travel Deals: A new Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts package highlights off-the-beaten-track stays in the Marquesas, with guided village and archaeological tours. Drug Bust Fallout (Broader Pacific): Fiji revealed details around a major $3 billion cocaine seizure linked to trafficking from Colombia, with police disputing claims about alleged prior movement to Suva.

Marine Science in French Polynesia: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals can be “scaffolded” in place by encrusting algae, blocking the usual storm-clearing that lets new coral grow—raising fresh alarm for reef recovery. Ocean Protection & Culture: On Rapa Nui, Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered to strengthen ancestral ties and share marine conservation know-how, with a focus on protecting the high seas. Sport & Olympics Pathway: Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward LA 2028 and racing alongside regional talent. Tourism & Travel Demand: Viking announced major 2028–29 world cruise itineraries that include French Polynesia stops (Tahiti and Bora Bora), while cruise operators keep pushing longer, multi-island South Pacific experiences. Regional Security: Fiji police revealed a major $3 billion cocaine seizure linked to trafficking from Colombia, underscoring ongoing trans-Pacific organized crime risks.

Marine Conservation in Focus: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals are being “scaffolded” in place by encrusting algae, blocking the usual reset after storms and leaving reefs stuck between life and death—an urgent clue for French Polynesia’s reef recovery. Pacific Voyaging & Ocean Protection: On Rapa Nui, leaders and cultural practitioners gathered for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva to strengthen voyaging ties and push marine conservation, with French Polynesia among the participating communities. Sailing & Sports Spotlight: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward Los Angeles 2028. Regional Security Update: Fiji revealed details of a massive $3 billion cocaine seizure linked to the Vatia jetty bust, with trafficking traced to Colombia and the Clan del Golfo. Tourism Watch: Punta Cana and Bahía de las Águilas earned major global travel rankings, keeping the wider South Pacific and Caribbean travel conversation hot.

Aviation & Travel Links: Qantas’ Project Sunrise took a big step toward nonstop Australia–London/New York flights as Airbus’ first A350-1000ULR completed its maiden flight, starting certification for up to 22-hour routes. French Polynesia & Ocean Health: A new study on Moorea finds dead coral skeletons can stay in place, “scaffolded” by algae, blocking reef recovery after storms—raising fresh alarm for coral resilience. Maritime Security: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained Kiribati police divers in investigative diving and counter-narcotics tactics, including underwater inspection and operational drills. Regional Voyaging & Conservation: Pacific leaders gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen voyaging ties and coordinate ocean protection, with a focus on high seas stewardship. Sport (Tahiti): Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward LA 2028. Tourism (Tahiti/Nuku Hiva): Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts in the Marquesas is being promoted with an 8-night package and guided village and archaeological tours.

Cruise Demand for the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–27 South Pacific season, adding more 8–13 day “close-to-home” sailings from April to December 2027, with travellers drawn by local culture and easy multi-island trips. Tahiti Sailing Spotlight: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. Ocean Conservation in Focus: A new Moorea study finds dead corals can stay “scaffolded” in place by algae, blocking new coral growth after storms—raising fresh alarm for reef recovery under climate stress. Regional Security Training: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained Kiribati maritime police divers in Tahiti to improve underwater inspection and counter-narcotics operations. High Seas Community Building: Rapa Nui hosted Pacific leaders and voyaging groups to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate marine conservation, with a strong focus on protecting the high seas. Drug Bust in the Pacific: Fiji-linked reporting says a major $3 billion cocaine seizure tied to the Vatia jetty was trafficked from Colombia, with police disputing claims about prior movement to Suva.