AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is underway under the theme “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” but a third of leaders may be missing, raising worries about regional unity and the knock-on effects for climate and ocean priorities. Blue Pacific threats: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson warned the Ocean of Peace faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, calling for a regional response. Deep-sea mining sovereignty risk: A new Pacific report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments over environmental or regulatory changes, creating a “chilling effect” on stronger protections—naming the Cook Islands among exposed countries. NOAA deep-sea mapping near the Cook Islands: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives and mapping around American Samoa, with critical-mineral baseline data collected before a planned lease auction—while concerns grow about delays between science and public access. Reef stewardship in the Southern Group: Students on Mauke and Atiu completed early pilots of a citizen science programme blending traditional knowledge with marine monitoring tools to protect reef biodiversity. Local marine security: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg.

Pacific Ocean of Peace at risk: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson told the Palau Pacific Islands Forum that the Blue Pacific faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, calling for a regional response to protect the ocean that sustains life and connects communities. Deep-sea mining legal pressure on Cook Islands: A Pacific NGO report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign firms sue Pacific governments over environmental or regulatory changes tied to deep-sea mining—flagging Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Nauru and the Cook Islands as exposed and warning of a “chilling effect” on stronger protections. Cook Islands reef stewardship in action: Students and community members on Mauke and Atiu completed the first pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, blending traditional knowledge with reef monitoring tools to build biodiversity survey skills and support ocean care. Cook Islands leadership in fisheries science: Cook Islands Marine Resources officials took part in the WCPFC Scientific Committee session in Samoa, helping review tuna stock science, bycatch management and monitoring priorities that underpin sustainable fisheries decisions. Blue Pacific diplomacy focus: As leaders gather in Palau, coverage highlights the summit’s test of unity amid major-power competition, with ocean protection and climate action expected to sit high on the agenda.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown heads to the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting as several leaders skip the summit, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters calling the absences “disappointing” but stressing the gathering’s importance. Deep-sea mining governance: Pacific governments face growing legal and sovereignty risks as investor-state dispute rules could let foreign firms sue over environmental or regulatory changes; separate reporting also highlights US moves to auction seabed blocks near American Samoa while NOAA’s deep-sea mapping begins. Local reef stewardship: Students on Mauke and Atiu complete the first field pilots of a citizen science programme that blends traditional knowledge with marine monitoring tools to track reef health. Cook Islands fisheries leadership: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting in January 2027. Marine science in the region: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer launches ROV dives from the Cook Islands to map deep habitats and assess marine critical minerals in waters around American Samoa. Public safety: Police investigate 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.5kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro reef.

Reef Stewardship in Action: Thirty-two Years 7–11 students on Mauke and Atiu completed the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, pairing traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring to track biodiversity and support ocean care. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Threats: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor-state lawsuits if they tighten or reverse deep-sea mining rules—raising fears of a “chilling effect” on environmental protection. Pacific Leaders Push for Deliverables: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the region needs action, not more promises, as Realm leaders meet ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum—highlighting climate resilience and security as priorities. Cook Islands Marine Leadership: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, set to start as Deputy Director-General in January 2027. Marine Science in the Spotlight: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer begins deep-water mapping near American Samoa, with ROV dives aimed at building baselines for deep-sea habitats and critical minerals. Drugs Wash Ashore: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) found on the Mitiaro reef, reported by a local fisherman. Funding Shock for Pacific Arts: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main New Zealand funding source beyond 2026, calling the outcome “deeply disappointing” for artists and communities.

Reef Stewardship: Students on Mauke and Atiu have completed the first field pilots of the Te Reinga Aorangi Marine Citizen Science Programme, blending traditional knowledge with hands-on reef monitoring to track biodiversity and support ocean care. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments—including the Cook Islands—could face costly investor-state lawsuits if they tighten or change deep-sea mining rules, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protection. Cook Islands Leadership & Action: Prime Minister Mark Brown says Pacific leaders meeting in Auckland must shift from pledges to deliverables on climate resilience, regional cooperation, and giving Pacific nations more control over decisions. Marine Governance Careers: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, set to start as Deputy Director-General in January 2027. Marine Security Shock: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro reef. Funding for Pacific Arts: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust faces a major blow after losing its main New Zealand funding source beyond 2026, threatening support for Pacific artists and community programmes.

Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new Pacific report warns governments—including the Cook Islands—could face costly investor lawsuits if they tighten or reverse deep-sea mining rules, creating a “chilling effect” that discourages stronger environmental protections. Climate action push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the Pacific must shift from pledges to delivery as Realm leaders meet in Auckland ahead of the Palau summit, with climate resilience and security high on the agenda. Cook Islands marine leadership: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, set to start as Deputy Director-General in January 2027. Marine science at sea: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping deep waters near American Samoa and the Cook Islands boundary, with robotic dives aimed at building baseline data on deep-sea habitats and critical minerals. Traditional knowledge for oceans: Cook Islands workshops are exploring how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning, aiming to blend customary values with legislation and science. Drug bust on reef: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.5kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro reef.

Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new Pacific report warns that investor-state dispute rules could let foreign mining firms sue governments over moves to tighten environmental protections, creating a “chilling effect.” It flags Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Nauru and the Cook Islands as exposed as interest in seabed minerals grows. Regional action push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders must shift from promises to deliverables at the Realm leaders’ meeting in Auckland, with climate resilience and security high on the agenda ahead of Palau. Cook Islands offshore minerals: CIIC’s partnership with US firm Wetstone for offshore mineral exploration has drawn criticism from a local environmental group over the company’s lack of a technical track record. Marine science vs mining timelines: NOAA’s deep-sea mapping expedition from Rarotonga to American Samoa will gather baseline data on seafloor habitats and critical minerals, but a lease auction is set for November 19, 2026—before the public can access results. Marine biodiversity planning: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explore how Traditional Knowledge can shape Marine Spatial Planning, with participants debating whether TK should lead alongside legislation and science. Drug bust on reef: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, found by a local fisherman.

Realm Leadership Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says Pacific leaders meeting in Auckland must shift from pledges to deliverables on climate resilience, regional cooperation and giving Pacific countries more say over decisions. Deep-Sea Mining Sovereignty: A new report warns investor-state dispute risks could chill Pacific governments from strengthening environmental rules as deep-sea mining interest grows, naming the Cook Islands among exposed states. Blue Corridors Ocean Protection: A call for connected marine protection across borders and the high seas highlights migratory “blue corridors” for whales and sharks, including routes through the Cook Islands and Niue. NOAA Deep-Sea Data Gap: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping deep waters near American Samoa, but critics note a delay before data becomes public ahead of a November lease auction. Cook Islands Marine Governance: Cook Islands Traditional Knowledge is being explored as a foundation for marine spatial planning, aiming to pair customary values with legislation and science. Regional Fisheries Science: The Cook Islands contributed tuna science to the WCPFC Scientific Committee in Apia, feeding into sustainable management decisions. Drug Seizure on Mitiaro Reef: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.5kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign firms sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental protections, naming the Cook Islands among exposed countries. NOAA deep-ocean mapping: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has begun a 29-day expedition from Rarotonga to map deep waters near American Samoa, with ROV dives and live-streamed science running ahead of a November 19 lease auction that could open the same area to commercial mining. Cook Islands marine leadership: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, set to start as Deputy Director-General in January 2027. Traditional knowledge for ocean planning: Cook Islands workshops are exploring how Traditional Knowledge can guide Marine Spatial Planning, aiming to strengthen customary values alongside government and science. Marine environment governance debate: Criticism is growing over a planned US scientist attachment to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, with concerns tied to Washington’s commercial interest in critical ocean minerals. Local reef incident: Police are investigating 26kg of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign firms sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental protections or change deep-sea mining plans, with the Cook Islands named among those exposed. NOAA deep-ocean mapping in the spotlight: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is running ROV dives around American Samoa to map seafloor habitats and baseline marine critical minerals, but a November 19 lease auction is set to happen before the public gets the data. Blue Corridors push: A climate and ocean protection call argues for connected marine protection across borders and the high seas to safeguard migratory species’ routes through the Pacific, including the Cook Islands. Cook Islands fisheries leadership: Pamela Maru becomes the first Cook Islander appointed to an executive role at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, starting January 2027. Marine planning with Traditional Knowledge: Cook Islands workshops explore how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning alongside government and science. Local enforcement: Police investigate 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro reef.

Deep-sea mining and sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign investors sue Pacific governments if they tighten or reverse deep-sea mining policies, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protection. US-China race for minerals: The scramble to start deep-sea mining in the Pacific is intensifying, with the US pushing ahead on licences and China reportedly partnering with the Cook Islands on seabed mineral research—raising fresh concerns for regional ecosystems and decision-making power. NOAA deep-sea mapping vs mining timelines: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has been mapping deep waters in and around American Samoa and the Cook Islands, including seamount dives, while a commercial lease auction is set for November 19, 2026—before dive data is publicly archived. Marine protection “blue corridors”: Pacific leaders are urged to connect ocean protections across borders and the high seas to safeguard migratory species. Cook Islands marine governance through tradition: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explore how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning alongside science and law. Local reef safety: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro reef.

Deep-sea mining and sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments, including the Cook Islands, could face costly investor claims if they tighten or change environmental rules around deep-sea mining, with “chilling effect” risks from Investor-State Dispute Settlement. NOAA deep-sea science access gap: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has been mapping and sampling deep waters near American Samoa and the Cook Islands, but a separate lease auction is set for November before dive data is publicly archived—raising concerns about when communities and bidders can use findings. Blue Corridors push: Climate diplomacy is turning toward ocean protection that connects migratory routes across borders and the high seas, using “Blue Corridors” to safeguard species that move through places like the Cook Islands. Marine planning with Traditional Knowledge: Cook Islands workshops explore how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning, aiming to strengthen customary values alongside legislation and science. Cook Islands deep-sea governance scrutiny: A local environmental group questions a planned US scientist attachment to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority amid concerns about Washington’s mineral interests. Public health and climate stress: Pacific leaders at the Cook Islands Heads of Health meeting are urged to tackle a “global syndemic” where climate change worsens undernutrition while diets shift toward obesity and non-communicable diseases. Regional fisheries science: Cook Islands representatives attended WCPFC science talks in Apia, feeding local and Pacific data into tuna stock and bycatch management decisions. Local reef incident: Police are investigating 26kg of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, after a fisherman reported the find.

Deep-Sea Mining Transparency: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer has just completed a 26-day ROV survey in the western Cook Islands, finding new marine life and seabed samples—but the push for minerals is already moving ahead, raising concerns about whether biodiversity baselines will be available in time for fair decisions. Blue Corridors Ocean Protection: A new push for “Blue Corridors” highlights how whales and other species need connected marine protection across borders and the high seas, with Cook Islands routes cited in humpback migrations. Cook Islands Marine Planning with Traditional Knowledge: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning, with calls for customary values to lead while science and law support. Fisheries Science for Sustainability: Cook Islands representatives joined WCPFC science talks in Apia, feeding tuna stock, bycatch, and monitoring work that underpins regional management. Local Environmental Pressure from Offshore Minerals: Criticism continues over CIIC-backed offshore mineral exploration and a US scientist attachment to SBMA, with concerns about conflicts between research, governance, and commercial interests. Public Safety & Reef Impacts: Police are investigating 26kg of suspected cocaine washed ashore on Mitiaro reef, while a weekend crime spike and road incidents add pressure to community safety.

Deep-Sea Research in the Cook Islands: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer expedition returned to Rarotonga after 14 remotely operated dives, collecting 400+ samples and 23+ biological specimens in the western Cook Islands, building a baseline for future seabed decisions. Marine Governance with Traditional Knowledge: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can guide Marine Spatial Planning, with participants debating whether TK should lead while science and law support it. Offshore Minerals Scrutiny: Cook Islands Investment Corporation’s partnership with US firm Wetstone for offshore mineral exploration drew criticism over the company’s track record, as the region weighs deep-sea mining risks. Tuna Science Updates: Cook Islands representatives attended WCPFC Scientific Committee talks in Apia, covering tuna stock assessments, bycatch, observer programmes and electronic monitoring. Public Health Meets Climate: Pacific Heads of Health convene in the Cook Islands as leaders push to tackle the “global syndemic” linking climate change, undernutrition and obesity. Drug Find on Mitiaro Reef: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine (about 26.49kg) washed ashore on Mitiaro, found by a fisherman and recovered for testing. Local Crime Watch: Police reported a weekend spike in burglaries and stolen motorbikes across several districts, alongside noise complaints and a crash.

Deep-Sea Research & Biodiversity: The ISA has opened calls for China and developing Member States to submit deep-sea research proposals, including biological data analysis tied to biodiversity assessments and species identification tools, with Cook Islands’ Seabed Minerals Authority named in a North-West Pacific biodiversity effort. Tuna Science: Cook Islands representatives joined the WCPFC Scientific Committee session in Apia, feeding local and regional data into decisions on tuna stocks, bycatch, observers and electronic monitoring. Seabed Mining Scrutiny: A US scientist placement at the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority has sparked backlash from a local environmental group, raising concerns about conflicts with Washington’s push for critical ocean minerals. NOAA Deep Dive: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer returned after a 26-day Cook Islands expedition, running 14 deep-sea dives, collecting hundreds of samples and biological specimens to build a baseline for future resource decisions. Marine Spatial Planning with Tradition: Workshops in Rarotonga and Mangaia explored how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning alongside legislation and science, including knowledge beyond the reef. Drugs on the Reef: Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine, about 26.49kg, washed ashore on Mitiaro reef after a fisherman reported the find. Pacific Climate-Health Link: A Pacific-focused piece highlights a “global syndemic” where climate change, undernutrition and obesity intersect, calling for health priorities that match the region’s changing risks.

Drug Safety & Reef Impacts: Cook Islands Police are investigating 19 packages of suspected cocaine that washed ashore on the Mitiaro reef, weighing about 26.49kg; a Mitiaro fisherman found the rope-tied packages on 28 July and alerted police, with initial testing indicating cocaine and police sharing images of labels reportedly linked to cartel “888.” Climate, Food & Health: A Pacific-focused piece highlights a “global syndemic” where climate change worsens child nutrition while undernutrition and obesity rise together, raising non-communicable disease risks. Traditional Knowledge & Marine Protection: Te Ipukarea Society reports workshops exploring how Traditional Knowledge can guide marine spatial planning, arguing it should complement legislation and science rather than replace customary ocean management. Deep-Sea Science & Mining Pressure: NOAA’s 26-day Okeanos Explorer expedition in the Cook Islands EEZ found new marine life and gathered hundreds of samples, as US interest in deep seabed minerals continues. Regional Environment Governance: SPREP’s Fifth Executive Board meeting in Apia advanced work to build a more resilient Pacific environment, approving the 2027 programme and budget. Marine Governance & Investment Scrutiny: CIIC’s partnership with US firm Wetstone for offshore mineral exploration draws criticism from a local environmental group over the company’s track record.