AGP Executive Report

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on the EU’s Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel cooling shortfalls; the rule is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate Relocation Planning: Pacific governments rolled out the PAC-GIPR planned relocation guidance, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights, and cultural protection as a last-resort option when adaptation can no longer keep people safe. Tsunami Monitoring After Quake: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, New Zealand’s NEMA and GNS Science put coastal monitoring on alert; NZ says there’s no tsunami threat, but advisories covered many Pacific areas including Kiribati. Kiribati Fintech for Inclusion: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and service-delivery barriers across its dispersed atolls, focusing on access to financial services rather than building a startup hub. Pacific Nuclear Decolonization Push: Advocates renewed calls for unresolved nuclear-era harms and decolonization across the Pacific, linking environmental damage and self-determination to resistance movements. QUAD Port Development Debate: A report questions whether QUAD’s announced South Pacific port “aid” (starting with Fiji) is genuine development or a strategic counter to China’s growing port footprint, including in Kiribati. Blue Pacific Continent Idea: Commentary revisits the “Blue Pacific Continent” strategy and asks what happens when ocean unity meets real policy and resource competition.

Tsunami Watch: After a powerful 7.8 quake struck Mindanao in the Philippines, New Zealand’s emergency agency says there’s no tsunami threat to NZ, but a regional advisory remains for many Pacific coasts including Kiribati, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels. EU Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained national authorities (including Kiribati) on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, tightening freezer-vessel requirements; the change could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Deep-Sea Mining Race: A new push for seabed minerals is tied to US and China geopolitics, with US interest expanding beyond domestic waters and China already holding agreements with Kiribati and the Cook Islands. Climate Planning: Pacific governments rolled out regional guidance for planned climate relocation, stressing community participation and Indigenous rights as sea-level rise and extreme weather force longer-term moves. Digital Finance for Kiribati: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and improve access to financial services across its widely spread islands. El Niño Outlook: WMO says there’s an 80% chance El Niño forms before September, with higher odds later, raising risks of heat and shifting rainfall patterns across the Pacific.

Tsunami Monitoring: After a powerful 7.8 quake hit Mindanao in the southern Philippines, Pacific emergency agencies—including New Zealand’s NEMA and GNS Science—put coastal monitoring on alert. New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat for it, but the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued regional advisories for many Pacific coasts, including Kiribati, with expected wave heights under about 0.3 metres above tide levels. EU Food Safety for Fisheries: In Suva, Kiribati and other Pacific fisheries authorities trained on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel cooling shortfalls found by EU auditors. The rule is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, tightening temperature requirements for tuna destined for different end uses. Climate Mobility Planning: Pacific governments advanced regional guidance on planned relocation, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights, and cultural preservation as sea-level rise and extreme weather push longer-term displacement. Digital Finance for Kiribati: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and connectivity barriers, focusing on practical access to financial services rather than building a startup hub. El Niño Outlook: The WMO warns there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September, with impacts likely to amplify climate-change risks across the Pacific.

Tsunami Monitoring: After a powerful 7.8 quake hit Mindanao in the southern Philippines, Pacific emergency agencies—including New Zealand’s NEMA and GNS Science—put coastal monitoring on alert for many island states, but NEMA says there’s no tsunami threat to New Zealand; the US Tsunami Warning Centre forecasts waves under 0.3m above tide levels for places including Kiribati, Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and others. EU Food Safety Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel cooling shortfalls; the rule is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with stricter temperature limits to prevent histamine-related scombroid poisoning. Climate Relocation Framework: Pacific governments adopted the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), setting out community-led, rights-based long-term relocation steps as climate pressures mount. Kiribati Fintech & Inclusion: A new look at Kiribati’s fintech reality focuses on using digital finance to overcome distance and service delivery barriers across its dispersed islands. El Niño Outlook: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance El Niño forms before September, with impacts likely to intensify heat and shift rainfall patterns across the Pacific and beyond. Deep-Sea Mining Race: Reporting highlights how seabed minerals are tied to geopolitics, including deals involving Kiribati and the growing scrutiny of deep-sea mining fleets.

Tsunami Watch: A powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines has put Pacific coastal monitoring systems on alert, with New Zealand confirming no tsunami threat locally while a regional advisory covers places including Kiribati; the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre expects waves under 0.3 metres above tide levels in affected areas. EU Food Safety for Fisheries: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel cooling performance after EU auditors found inconsistent freezing to -18°C in brine; the rule is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with warmer-frozen tuna restricted to canneries. Climate Mobility Planning: Pacific governments adopted regional guidance for planned relocation (PAC-GIPR), stressing community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation as a last-resort option when adaptation is no longer possible. Kiribati Tech & Finance: A look at how fintech can help Kiribati overcome distance and service delivery barriers across its widely spread islands. Deep-Sea Mining & Power: New reporting links deep-sea mining to Pacific geopolitics, including U.S. and China moves tied to seabed minerals. Weather Outlook: WMO warns El Niño has an 80% chance to emerge before September, with likely impacts across the Pacific-to-Americas climate belt. Agribusiness Innovation: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 showcased agrifood entrepreneurship and innovation across Pacific countries.

EU Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at tightening freezer-vessel refrigeration checks after EU auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the rule is expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with warmer-frozen tuna limited to canneries and colder thresholds required for direct human consumption. Climate Mobility: Pacific governments rolled out new regional guidance on planned relocation (PAC-GIPR) to help communities manage long-term displacement from areas becoming unsafe, stressing community participation, Indigenous rights, and cultural preservation as sea-level rise and extreme weather intensify in low-lying states including Kiribati. Weather Outlook: The WMO warns El Niño is likely to emerge soon, with an 80% chance before September and rising odds later, raising risks of heavier rainfall in some regions and drier conditions elsewhere across the Pacific-to-Americas belt. Digital Finance for Kiribati: A look at how fintech can serve Kiribati’s dispersed atolls—less about startups and more about improving access to financial services despite distance and connectivity barriers. Pacific Infrastructure & Security: The Quad’s new agenda highlights ports, maritime surveillance and critical minerals, including a port initiative in Fiji, reflecting a shift toward infrastructure and logistics as strategic priorities across the Indo-Pacific. Aviation Discovery in Kiribati: Purdue’s Earhart search planning points to Nikumaroro, with a new expedition timeline after clearance work with Kiribati’s government.

EU Food Safety Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel refrigeration performance after EU auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the tighter rules could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, with warmer-frozen tuna restricted to canneries and colder thresholds required for direct human consumption. Climate Mobility Guidance: Pacific governments rolled out the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), building on earlier regional frameworks, to help communities manage long-term climate displacement with community participation, Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. El Niño Outlook: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September (rising to 90% July–November), with expectations of heavier rainfall in some regions and drier conditions in others—relevant for Kiribati’s climate planning. Kiribati Fintech Focus: A look at how fintech can support Kiribati’s dispersed atoll communities by improving access to financial services despite remoteness and delivery challenges. Pacific Tech & Governance: The Quad’s new agenda highlights ports, cables and minerals, including a Fiji port initiative, as infrastructure and connectivity become central to regional security and economic resilience. Aviation History in Kiribati: Purdue’s Earhart search is set for Nikumaroro in late July, after clearance work with Kiribati delayed the earlier plan.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on the EU’s tighter freezer-vessel food-safety rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449), aimed at fixing failures to consistently reach -18°C in brine; the change could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with tuna frozen warmer than -18°C restricted to canneries to reduce histamine poisoning risks. Climate Mobility Guidance: Pacific governments rolled out PAC-GIPR, guidance for planned relocation as a last resort when communities can’t safely adapt, stressing human rights, Indigenous rights, cultural preservation and community decision-making—an issue already hitting low-lying nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu. Weather Watch: The WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance to form before September (rising to 90% later), with likely knock-on impacts across the Pacific from heavier rain in some areas to drier conditions elsewhere. Kiribati Digital Finance: A look at how fintech in Kiribati is less about startups and hubs, more about overcoming distance to expand access to financial services across widely spread atolls. Aviation Mystery in Kiribati: Purdue’s Earhart search is set for Nikumaroro, with a new field plan after earlier delays tied to Kiribati clearances and cyclone-season timing. Pacific Infrastructure Diplomacy: The Quad’s new agenda highlights ports, cables and minerals, including port work in Fiji, as Indo-Pacific competition shifts toward logistics and connectivity.

EU Fisheries Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for a two-week technical training on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing freezer-vessel refrigeration shortfalls after EU auditors found tuna not consistently reaching -18°C in brine; the tighter rules could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, with warmer-frozen tuna limited to canneries and colder thresholds required for direct human consumption. Climate Mobility Policy: Pacific governments rolled out the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), building on the 2023 framework, to help communities manage long-term displacement while protecting human rights, Indigenous rights and cultural identity—positioning planned relocation as a last resort when safety and adaptation fail. Weather Watch: The WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance of forming before September (rising to 90% later), with expectations of shifting rainfall and drought patterns across the Pacific-linked weather belt. Kiribati Digital Finance: A new look at fintech in Kiribati frames digital finance as a way to overcome distance and improve access to services across widely spread atolls, tying connectivity to resilience and inclusion. Indo-Pacific Infrastructure: The Quad announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji alongside maritime surveillance and critical minerals cooperation, signaling how connectivity and logistics are becoming central to regional competition. Aviation Mystery (Kiribati link): Purdue and partners plan a renewed search for Amelia Earhart’s plane on Nikumaroro, with the expedition scheduled for late July into August after earlier clearance delays.

Climate Mobility Policy: Pacific governments rolled out the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), urging relocation as a last resort when communities can’t safely adapt, with strong emphasis on community participation, Indigenous rights, and cultural preservation—an urgent fit for low-lying states including Kiribati and Tuvalu. EU Fisheries Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, tightening freezer-vessel freezing rules; tuna frozen above -18°C in brine can face limits, with food-safety risks like histamine formation driving the change. El Niño Watch: The WMO says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September (rising to 90% later), with knock-on effects for rainfall, drought and heat across the Pacific-linked weather belt. Kiribati Fintech Angle: A look at why fintech matters in Kiribati—less about startups and hubs, more about reaching remote communities and overcoming distance as connectivity improves. Indo-Pacific Infrastructure: The Quad’s new push highlights ports and maritime connectivity, including plans for Fiji, as economic security and logistics become central to regional competition. Earhart Search Update: Purdue’s Earhart expedition is set for July 28–Aug 14 to investigate Nikumaroro, after clearance delays with the Kiribati government.

EU Food Safety: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing cold-brine performance after EU audits; the rules could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels. Climate Watch: The WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance to form before September (rising to 90% later), with impacts that can intensify heat, drought and heavy rainfall across the Pacific-linked weather belt. Pacific Tech & Finance: A look at how fintech matters for Kiribati’s dispersed atolls—less about startups and more about overcoming distance to deliver financial access. Kiribati Science & Heritage: Purdue/ALI plans a 2026 expedition to Nikumaroro to investigate the Taraia Object tied to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, after clearance delays with the Government of Kiribati. Regional Infrastructure: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) announced plans to develop Fiji port infrastructure, tying ports and maritime awareness to Indo-Pacific economic security. Media Resilience: SPREP-backed training will help Pacific media amplify weather and climate reporting for community preparedness.

Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji again hosted SPTE 2026, using the Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort & Spa and its pillarless convention centre to bring Pacific businesses and partners together, with Fiji Airways backing the event to keep regional travel flowing. Kiribati Digital Finance: A look at how fintech matters for Kiribati’s dispersed atolls—less about startups and hubs, more about reaching people and businesses despite distance, weak transport links, and uneven connectivity. Climate Outlook for the Pacific: The WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance to form before September, with impacts likely to ripple across the central/eastern Pacific and beyond—on top of climate change. Mediation in Global Disputes: IOMed marks its first year, building momentum with dozens of signatories and a focus on mediation as a practical alternative as geopolitics strains older channels. Pacific Infrastructure & Security: The Quad’s new push—ports in Fiji plus maritime surveillance and minerals—signals how trade routes and telecom links are now treated as security priorities. Kiribati Science Spotlight: Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute plan a 2026 expedition to Nikumaroro to investigate the long-debated Earhart-linked Taraia Object.

Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji hosted SPTE 2026 for the third time, using the Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort & Spa and its pillarless Crown Convention Centre to bring Pacific businesses, cultures, and partners together—boosted by Fiji Airways’ role as a regional aviation hub. Climate Watch: The WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance of forming before September (rising to 90% from July to November), with impacts that can intensify heat, rainfall shifts, drought risk, and extreme weather across the Pacific and beyond. Pacific Resilience Media: SPREP and partners are running a regional media workshop (Sept 17–18) to strengthen Pacific journalists’ ability to report weather and climate for community preparedness, linked to Pacific Meteorology meetings in Tonga. Indo-Pacific Infrastructure: Quad foreign ministers announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, alongside maritime surveillance and critical minerals—framing ports and cables as resilience and economic-security priorities in a China-influence context. Ocean & Security Research: A report on China’s deep-sea mining fleet highlights concerns about dual-use potential, noting mining-related ships spent only a small share of time in designated seabed areas while operating elsewhere. Aviation Mystery (Kiribati link): Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute plan a 2026 expedition to Nikumaroro (Kiribati) to investigate the Taraia Object as a possible clue to Amelia Earhart’s lost plane.

Climate Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says there’s an 80% chance El Niño forms before September (rising to 90% from July to November), with impacts that can mean heavier rain in parts of the southern Americas and drier conditions elsewhere—on top of climate change already hitting the central and eastern Pacific, including Kiribati. Pacific Resilience Media: SPREP is running a regional media workshop (17–18 Sept) to help Pacific journalists better report weather and climate, with selected participants also covering key Pacific meteorology meetings in Tonga (21–25 Sept). Indo-Pacific Infrastructure: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) is pushing port and maritime initiatives in Fiji, including “Quad Ports for Future Cooperation,” as infrastructure and cables become part of economic security and regional competition. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: A new investigation highlights China’s deep-sea mining fleet’s alleged military dual uses, raising both environmental and security concerns for the Pacific. Kiribati Science Link: Purdue’s Earhart search is delayed but now planned for Nikumaroro in July, with extra clearance work involving the Government of Kiribati—another reminder that Pacific research and fieldwork depend on local approvals. Surveillance Export: Reporting from the Solomon Islands describes Chinese-style policing tech (fingerprints, palm prints, personal data cards) sparking backlash, showing how “security” systems can clash with local rights.

El Niño Watch: The UN’s weather agency says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September (rising to 90% from July to November), with impacts that can mean heavier rain in some regions and drier conditions in others—on top of climate change. Pacific Infrastructure & Security: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) is pushing new port and maritime initiatives, including Fiji port infrastructure, as economic security and connectivity become central to regional strategy. Weather & Climate Reporting Support: SPREP is backing a regional media workshop (Sept 17–18) to help Pacific journalists amplify weather and climate stories for resilience, with selected reporters also covering PMC8 and ministers’ meetings in Tonga. China’s Surveillance Export: A report highlights how China’s AI-enabled policing model is being exported to authoritarian and weak democratic states, including concerns about biometric data collection and monitoring. Kiribati-linked Research Expedition: Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute plan a 2026 trip to Nikumaroro to investigate the Earhart mystery, with clearance steps involving the Government of Kiribati. Marine Ecosystems Under Super El Niño: A new analysis explains how Super El Niño can disrupt upwelling, plankton productivity, fisheries, and coastal food security. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: An investigation into China’s deep-sea mining fleet raises questions about alleged military dual uses of oceanographic research ships. Fisheries Trade Rules: The WTO’s fisheries subsidies agreement is now in force, with Pacific benefits for fairer competition—though “Fish 2” could stall if key countries delay. Solar Manufacturing Spotlight: Tindo’s Australian solar factory is profiled, showing how local engineering and production tech are being scaled for harsh climates.

Australia–Japan Pacific push: Australia and Japan agreed in Canberra (May 4) to prioritize supply chains, energy, critical minerals, trade and security, plus capacity-building to help Pacific island countries fight money laundering—though climate change was notably left off the agenda. Deep-sea mining watch: A joint investigation explains how China’s deep-sea mining fleet may have dual-use ambitions, with research ships spending only a small share of time in seabed mining areas while operating elsewhere tied to strategic concerns. Surveillance export: A report says China’s AI-enabled policing model is being exported to authoritarian and weak-democracy partners, including biometric data harvesting and neighborhood-style monitoring. Earhart search logistics: Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute have shifted the Earhart plane hunt to 2026, with a planned July 28–Aug 14 field trip to Nikumaroro to examine the long-debated Taraia Object. Fiji port infrastructure: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, aiming at resilient connectivity as infrastructure becomes a new front in Indo-Pacific competition. Climate media training: SPREP is backing a regional workshop to boost Pacific media reporting on weather and climate, linking journalists to key meteorology meetings in Tonga.