AGP Executive Report

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.

Deep-Sea Mining & Geopolitics: A new look at China’s deep-sea mining fleet says several oceanographic ships spent only a small share of time in seabed mining areas, with much of their activity elsewhere—raising concerns about both environmental harm and possible military dual use. Surveillance Exports to the Pacific: Reporting highlights how China’s AI-enabled policing model is being exported to authoritarian and weak-democracy partners, including biometric data collection and citizen ranking systems—an approach now tested in the Solomon Islands after a 2022 security pact. Pacific Climate Media Training: SPREP is running a regional workshop (Sept 17–18) to boost Pacific media skills on weather and climate reporting, with selected journalists also covering key meteorology meetings in Tonga. Quad Infrastructure Push in Fiji: India, Japan, Australia and the U.S. announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, framing it as resilience-focused connectivity—while critics warn it could intensify US-China rivalry. Super El Niño on Fisheries: A briefing explains how extreme Super El Niño conditions can disrupt plankton productivity, upwelling and marine food chains, with knock-on effects for coastal livelihoods. Earhart Search Update: Purdue-led plans to investigate Nikumaroro (linked to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance) have shifted to a 2026 field schedule after clearance steps with Kiribati.

Aviation Mystery, Kiribati Link: Purdue University and the Archaeological Legacy Institute are planning a new search for Amelia Earhart’s lost plane on Nikumaroro, with a July 28 departure from Majuro and a short field push to examine the long-debated Taraia Object—another clearance step with Kiribati delayed the earlier plan. Pacific Climate Reporting: SPREP is backing a regional media workshop (Sept 17–18) to help Pacific journalists cover weather and climate stories, with selected participants also joining Tonga’s Pacific Meteorological Council meeting and ministers’ gathering. Indo-Pacific Infrastructure: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.) is moving from speeches to projects, announcing port and maritime initiatives in Fiji—part of a wider push to strengthen logistics and connectivity as China’s infrastructure footprint grows. Regional Ocean Protection: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated fisheries surveillance across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Kiribati, targeting IUU fishing and other maritime crimes with patrols, aerial monitoring, and compliance work. Nuclear Diplomacy: The 11th NPT Review Conference ended without consensus, extending the next five-year cycle amid renewed disarmament deadlock.

Climate Mobility & Statelessness: A new analysis links climate-driven displacement in the Asia-Pacific to rising risks of loss of nationality and statelessness, arguing governments must activate faster safeguards as climate mobility becomes real. Australia–Japan–Pacific Ties: An op-ed says Australia and Japan’s push on supply chains, energy, critical minerals, trade and security is broadly positive for Pacific stability, but notes climate change was left off the agenda. Fisheries Rules for the Pacific: A piece on the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement highlights how “Fish 1” targets harmful subsidies tied to IUU fishing and overfished stocks, while warning that stalled “Fish 2” talks could weaken benefits for Pacific island fishers. Quad Ports in Fiji: The Quad plans port infrastructure in Fiji, with Suva and Lautoka named first, raising questions about whether it becomes another US–China flashpoint. Super El Niño Impacts: A report explains how extreme Super El Niño disrupts marine ecosystems and fisheries via warmer seas, altered upwelling and reduced plankton productivity, with knock-on effects for food security. China’s Surveillance Push: Reporting from the Solomon Islands describes backlash after Chinese police proposed collecting personal data and biometric identifiers through a local surveillance system. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up, with Kiribati among participating countries, using patrols, aerial surveillance and monitoring to deter IUU fishing and maritime crime. Solar Manufacturing Spotlight: A profile of Australia’s Tindo details its Adelaide plant and use of modern production tools to make panels for harsh conditions.

WTO Fisheries Rules: A newly in-force World Trade Organization Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA) aims to curb harmful support driving illegal and overfishing, but the next “Fish 2” push could stall if India, Indonesia, and the United States slow talks—raising concerns for Pacific fishers and marine protection. Pacific Maritime Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated surveillance across multiple Pacific Island EEZs, with Kiribati among participating countries, targeting IUU fishing and related maritime crimes. Quad Infrastructure in Fiji: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) announced plans to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move that could intensify US–China competition in the Pacific. Super El Niño Impacts: New reporting highlights how extreme Super El Niño conditions can disrupt plankton productivity, destabilize marine food chains, and threaten fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Solar Manufacturing Spotlight: Australia’s Tindo described its Adelaide solar panel factory using robotics and AI-assisted production, with N-type TOPCon technology aimed at resilient, locally made supply. Nuclear Non-Proliferation: The 2026 NPT Review Conference ended without consensus on disarmament language, extending the next five-year cycle amid renewed nuclear complacency debates.

Pacific Infrastructure & Security: The Quad (India, the US, Australia, Japan) says it will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with first ports planned for Suva and Lautoka—raising questions for Kiribati readers about how new maritime projects could reshape Pacific security dynamics and US–China competition. Climate & Fisheries: A new look at Super El Niño explains how extreme warming can disrupt plankton productivity, weaken upwelling, and destabilize marine food chains—directly relevant to Pacific island fisheries and food security planning. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of coordinated surveillance across multiple Pacific EEZs, including Kiribati, to deter IUU fishing and other maritime crimes using patrols, aerial monitoring, and compliance checks. Solar Manufacturing Watch: Australia’s Tindo describes its Adelaide solar panel factory and production approach, mixing robotics and AI with in-house design and engineering—useful context as Pacific partners weigh clean-energy supply options. Nuclear Policy Update: The 11th NPT Review Conference ended without consensus on disarmament language, extending the next five-year cycle amid renewed nuclear tensions.