AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will fully protect an additional 200,000 square miles of ocean, bringing its no-take marine protected area network to about 540,500 square miles—twice the size of Arizona—while adding new artisanal fishing zones around the Austral and Marquesas. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The U.S. Coast Guard launches Operation Blue Pacific to deter illegal fishing, drug and people smuggling, with patrols planned including French Polynesia, and says it welcomes cooperation with China on search and rescue. Pacific Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issue a global appeal for peace, urging dialogue and respect for the UN Charter, with French Polynesia among signatories. Whale Rights Frameworks: A Pacific sanctuary trust releases model whale-protection laws for public consultation, drawing on Indigenous views of whales as kin. Travel Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activate a codeshare from June 3, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre issues advisories for multiple Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, urging coastal authorities to inform communities and stay out of the water if directed. Cruise & Sport Notes: Hilton Hotel Tahiti earns Green Globe certification; Tahiti hosts major sailing and paddling events with local and regional winners.

Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its Pacific Islands presence with Operation Blue Pacific, targeting drug and people smuggling and illegal fishing, while offering search-and-rescue cooperation that includes China; patrols are planned to cover places including French Polynesia. Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a global appeal for peace, urging dialogue over conflict and reaffirming the Ocean of Peace Declaration. Ocean Protection: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 sq miles of ocean—twice Arizona—under the Te Tai Nui a Hau Marine Protected Area, adding artisanal fishing zones and boosting conservation across the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society regions. Whale Rights Drafts: A Pacific-led trust released model laws for public consultation that would strengthen whale protection by recognizing whales as kin and legal rights holders. World Oceans Day: Marine protected areas worldwide have surpassed 10% coverage, with French Polynesia highlighted for its large-scale protections. Tsunami Advisory: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Travel Links: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting travelers book smoother connections to outlying islands like Bora Bora.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean under the Te Tai Nui a Hau Marine Protected Area, bringing conserved waters to about 540,500 square miles, with limited artisanal fishing still allowed via pole-and-line rules. World Oceans Day Momentum: Separate coverage highlights that MPAs worldwide have reached 10% of the ocean, while French Polynesia is framed as a standout example of conservation tied to tourism. Whale Rights Drafts: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model whale-protection legislative frameworks for public consultation, blending Pacific traditions with modern legal rights. Travel & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activate a codeshare from June 3, letting passengers book one ticket for international-to-inter-island journeys. Tourism Sustainability: Hilton Hotel Tahiti earns Green Globe certification, citing its OceanIA partnership and an autonomous solar-powered observation platform. Regional Safety Alert: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities. Governance Watch: A report by the Territorial Chamber of Accounts flags management and monitoring shortcomings for UNESCO sites Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean under the Te Tai Nui a Hau Marine Protected Area, bringing conserved waters to about 540,500 square miles, with added artisanal fishing zones using single pole-and-line limits. World Oceans Day Momentum: As MPAs worldwide pass the 10% mark, French Polynesia is also expanding “no-take” zones inside its already massive Tainui Ātea network, adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, urging coastal authorities to inform people and stay out of the water where needed. Travel and Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare to make it easier to book one ticket for international-to-inter-island trips. Local Tourism and Culture: Hilton Hotel Tahiti received Green Globe certification tied to its OceanIA conservation partnership, while UNESCO World Heritage management for Taputapuatea and the Marquesas faces criticism over monitoring and visitor information gaps.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean around the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands, bringing conserved waters to about 540,500 square miles, with limited artisanal fishing zones using traditional pole-and-line methods. World Oceans Day Momentum: As MPAs worldwide pass the 10% mark, French Polynesia is also framed as a model for conservation tied to tourism, with leaders pledging further no-take expansion. Travel & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. Local Culture & Sport: Tahiti’s sailing scene gets a boost as Vaimo’oi’a Ripley returns to claim top female honours at the Oceania Championships, while va’a paddlers and masters racers keep the region’s competitive calendar moving. Tourism Sustainability: Hilton Hotel Tahiti earns Green Globe certification, highlighting its OceanIA partnership and a solar-powered observation platform. Regional Safety Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities.

Surf & Local Sport: Maui’s Jackson Bunch, fresh off board-delivery chaos in Tahiti, won back-to-back World Surf League Qualifying Series events near Papeete, proving he can adapt fast when plans break. Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia is expanding its fully protected “no-take” zones inside the huge Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands to further limit human activity. Whale Rights Drafts: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released model Pacific laws for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection by treating whales as kin and legal ocean guardians. Travel & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare that lets passengers book one ticket for smoother links between international flights and inter-island hops. Heritage Oversight: A French Polynesia audit flags management gaps at UNESCO sites including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new TIAD unit joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia for a Marara Cyber Challenge focused on joint cyber defense readiness. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake in the Philippines, Pacific tsunami advisories included French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities and watch hazardous conditions.

Cruise Disruption in the Pacific: Holland America’s Zaandam finally departed Vancouver on June 12 after propulsion repairs, forcing most original Alaska ports to be dropped and leaving only Skagway on the last day. US Emergency Budget Strain: The Trump administration reportedly chartered a $750,000 private yacht to evacuate one American potentially exposed to hantavirus after a cruise outbreak, with the case routed via Tahiti and Pitcairn—adding pressure to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” French Polynesia Travel Boost: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island legs to places like Bora Bora. Whale Rights Consultation: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released model Pacific whale-protection laws for public consultation, drawing on both Indigenous traditions and modern science. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside Tainui Ātea, increasing the strictly forbidden zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. Tsunami Watch Across the Region: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued for many Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, with authorities told to inform at-risk communities. Hotel Sustainability Milestone: Hilton Hotel Tahiti received Green Globe certification, highlighting its partnership with OceanIA and marine conservation efforts.

Green Tourism in Tahiti: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete has earned its inaugural Green Globe certification, citing its OceanIA partnership and new solar-powered marine observation platform, alongside waste sorting and staff training. Whale Rights Drafts: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released two model legislative frameworks for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection by blending Pacific traditions with modern legal rights for whales and ocean guardianship. Air Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare from June 3, letting travellers book one ticket for international-to-inter-island journeys via Tahiti to destinations like Bora Bora. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” zones inside its vast Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Oceans Day Context: A wider roundup notes MPAs now cover about 10% of the ocean, with the 30% by 2030 goal still ahead. Regional Safety Alert: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued for parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities.

Emergency Evacuation: The Trump administration approved $750,000 to charter a private yacht to evacuate one American from Pitcairn Island after she was aboard the Dutch MV Hondius cruise during a hantavirus outbreak, adding pressure to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Air Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare from June 3, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to destinations like Bora Bora. Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected no-take zones inside the Tainui Ātea marine protected area, raising the strictly forbidden area from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, with new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Oceans Day: Coverage highlights how MPAs are pushing past the 10% global mark and why implementation matters, with French Polynesia repeatedly cited as a model for conservation tied to tourism. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s 1st TIAD joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia for the Marara Cyber Challenge, boosting Indo-Pacific cyber readiness. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, U.S. tsunami advisories listed French Polynesia among areas where hazardous ocean conditions could occur, urging coastal authorities to inform communities.

Sailing Spotlight: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley returned to Tahiti to win top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships, racing in the ILCA 6 fleet at the Yacht Club de Tahiti as preparations build for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Va’a Results: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove claimed Masters Men 50 gold at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, finishing first in his division among a field of 200+ across multiple categories. World Oceans Day & Conservation: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine reserves inside the Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as MPAs worldwide push toward the 30% goal. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, Pacific tsunami advisories were issued for many islands including French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities and stay out of the water. Governance & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flags management shortcomings at French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands.

Ocean Conservation & Tourism: French Polynesia is pushing further marine protection ahead of World Oceans Day, expanding fully no-take zones inside its already world-leading Tainui Ātea marine protected area and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and the Austral Islands. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders and advocates say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, pointing to unresolved issues of contamination, self-determination and who benefits from resources. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment took part in Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, joining a Marara Cyber Challenge with partners to boost cyber readiness. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Local Life & Business: Bora Bora’s legendary Bloody Mary’s is set to reopen in September as Bloody Mary’s Hotel, adding new dining and guest experiences.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands and boosting the strict ban area from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. World Oceans Day: Ahead of June 8, global reporting highlights that MPAs now cover about 10% of oceans, with the 30% goal by 2030 still requiring major new declarations. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories listed multiple Pacific areas including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Local Governance & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flags management gaps at UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia, citing insufficient monitoring and outdated visitor information for Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands. Regional Security & Cyber: US Army Pacific’s new information unit took part in the Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia, building Indo-Pacific cyber readiness alongside partners. Aviation Links: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, restoring a key connection after disruptions tied to New Caledonia unrest.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” marine reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new protected zones near the Marquesas and the Austral Islands as it marks World Oceans Day. World Oceans Day Milestone: UN-backed figures show marine protected areas now cover about 10% of the ocean, with more needed to reach the 30% goal by 2030. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories were issued for many Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, urging coastal authorities to inform people and stay out of the water where needed. Governance & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia are managed and monitored, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands. Regional Security Context: A US Army Pacific cyber unit took part in the Marara Cyber Challenge during Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, boosting Indo-Pacific cyber readiness. Sports: Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, a step toward LA 2028.

Decolonisation Push: A former Pacific Islands Forum chief, Dame Meg Taylor, urged leaders to stop dodging hard questions on self-determination and sovereignty, warning that big-power security agendas are crowding out what islanders need most. Local Conservation: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands to further limit human activity. World Oceans Day: As the UN targets protecting 30% of oceans by 2030, marine protected areas have reached about 10% globally, with French Polynesia highlighted for its large-scale protection model. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, Pacific agencies issued advisories for multiple islands including French Polynesia, urging coastal authorities to inform people and stay out of the water where needed. Aviation Update: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, restoring a key link between the two French Pacific markets. Cyber & Security: U.S. Army Pacific took part in Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a cyber challenge to boost readiness and regional partnerships.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” marine reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, banning all human activity over a larger zone (from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km) and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Ocean Day Tourism-Conservation Link: Tahiti Tourisme highlights how conservation and sustainable tourism reinforce each other, while Beyond Green spotlights coral reef restoration efforts across its network, including coral projects tied to French Polynesia. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, US tsunami advisories list French Polynesia among affected areas, with officials urged to inform coastal communities and avoid the water as conditions are monitored. Cyber Cooperation 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 partnerships. Local Governance Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia are managed and monitored, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands. Regional Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways plans to restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, supporting travel links across the French Pacific. Tech Infrastructure Alliance: Telstra and Google expand a partnership aimed at improving network resilience and security as AI and cloud demand grows.

Tsunami Watch for French Polynesia: After a powerful 7.8 quake struck Mindanao in the Philippines, Pacific emergency agencies put coastal monitoring on alert. The US Tsunami Warning Centre says any tsunami waves are expected to be under 0.3 metres above tide levels, with advisories covering French Polynesia and many other Pacific islands. Authorities are urging coastal communities to follow local guidance and stay out of the water where conditions are hazardous. Aviation Links: Fiji Airways says it will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, twice weekly on ATR 72-600 aircraft, restoring a key route after unrest disrupted service to New Caledonia. Cybersecurity in Tahiti: US Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia, working with French forces and regional partners to boost cyber readiness. UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how French Polynesia manages UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information. Coral Conservation: A new study from Moorea highlights how dead corals can be “scaffolded” by algae, potentially slowing reef recovery after storms.