AGP Executive Report

Ocean Protection in French Polynesia: President Moetai Brotherson announced expanded fully protected waters, bringing no-extraction rules to about 30% of the territory’s EEZ by adding 520,000 sq km near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands, building on the Tainui Atea marine protected area. Our Ocean Conference: In Mombasa, Kenya, leaders unveiled 320 commitments worth USD 6.4 billion, including French Polynesia strengthening protections in Tainui Atea with 27,000 sq km of new regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones and seamount protections. Pacific Security & Disaster Response: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti hosted senior French and U.S. commanders and highlighted multinational humanitarian disaster response training across the Pacific. Tourism Push to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners launched a coordinated push to expand Australian services, banking on new direct flights to bring more visitors beyond the honeymoon market. El Niño Warning: SPREP urged Pacific communities to start preparing for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway. Maritime & Culture: A Hawaii navigator, Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson, was named an international ambassador for Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in French Polynesia.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced fully protected waters now cover about 30% of the territory’s exclusive economic zone, adding roughly 520,000 sq km where industrial fishing and seabed mining are barred, on top of earlier Tainui Atea protections. Regional Climate Readiness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to start preparing for El Niño after it was declared underway, stressing early action and staying informed. Tourism & Access: Tahiti Tourisme and partners launched a push to expand Australian services, banking on new direct flights to make the islands easier to reach for more than just honeymoon travellers. Cruise Updates: Luxury yacht Star Breeze made its first Cook Islands call, reaching Rarotonga after weather blocked a stop in Aitutaki, with the ship set to depart for Tonga then continue to Fiji. Safety at Teahupo’o: An American surfer reportedly died after wiping out at Teahupo’o, where heavy swells and the reef make conditions especially dangerous. Disaster Response Drills: Exercise MARARA 26 continues in Tahiti, with multinational forces—including the Pacific Response Group—training for coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Tourism Push: Tahiti Tourisme and partners are ramping up a coordinated bid for Australia, with trade events in Sydney ahead of new direct flights and a message of “authentic” island life beyond the honeymoon market. Cruise Outlook: Aranui Cruises is discounting 2026–27 voyages with onboard credit, aiming to get more travellers to explore beyond Tahiti on Austral Islands itineraries. Ocean Protection: President Moetai Brotherson says French Polynesia will expand fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, adding 520,000 sq km and tightening limits on industrial fishing and seabed mining. Global Ocean Funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, French Polynesia backed stronger Tainui Atea protections, as leaders announced $6.4bn in new ocean commitments. Regional Security Drills: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti is strengthening disaster-response coordination, with the Pacific Response Group and other partners training across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo. Climate Watch: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway. Safety at Teahupo’o: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, highlighting the reef’s dangers.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced fully protected waters now cover about 30% of the territory’s EEZ, adding roughly 520,000 sq km where industrial fishing and seabed mining are restricted, building on the 2025 Tainui Atea marine protected area. Global Ocean Funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, leaders unveiled 320 commitments worth $6.4 billion, including French Polynesia’s expanded Tainui Atea protections, plus major pledges from the World Bank, Canada and Kenya. Regional Security & Disaster Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti brought together multinational forces and highlighted the Pacific Response Group’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Pacific. Climate Watch (El Niño): SPREP urged Pacific communities to start preparing for El Niño impacts after the WMO’s Pacific climate centre declared the event underway. Teahupo’o Tragedy: An American surfer reportedly died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, hitting the reef and suffering fatal neck injuries. Sports (Judo): Kyle Tran won silver at the Tahiti Open (60kg), while Xavion Johnson took gold at the Tahiti Oceanian Open (73kg).

Ocean Safety & Sports: An American surfer, 56, died after wiping out at Teahupo’o, hitting the reef and suffering fatal neck injuries; the mayor said he was taken to Taravao Hospital then CHPF before passing away on June 19. Marine Protection: President Moetai Brotherson announced French Polynesia will expand fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, adding roughly 520,000 sq km and limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands. Global Ocean Funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, French Polynesia backed new Tainui Atea protections, while the wider push delivered 320 commitments worth USD 6.4 billion for conservation, fisheries and blue economy projects. Regional Disaster Readiness: French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti is training multinational forces for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, with the Pacific Response Group highlighting interoperability and partner coordination. Climate Watch: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, warning impacts will vary but preparation is key.

Surf Tragedy at Teahupo’o: An American surfer, 56, died after wiping out on Tahiti’s famed big-wave break and hitting the reef, suffering fatal neck injuries; the mayor said he was taken to Taravao Hospital then CHPF before passing away June 19. Ocean Commitments: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, leaders announced 320 commitments worth USD 6.4 billion, including French Polynesia expanding protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000 sq km of new regulated fishing, coastal protection zones and seamount safeguards. Local Conservation Push: French Polynesia also moved to fully protect about 30% of its waters by expanding no-extraction rules by 520,000 sq km, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining while keeping artisanal access. Regional Disaster Readiness: During Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti, multinational forces—including the French Armed Forces and U.S. partners—ran humanitarian assistance and disaster response drills, with the Pacific Response Group highlighting interoperability and coordination. Climate Warning: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, stressing early action to reduce risks.

U.S.-Pacific Diplomacy: Senior U.S. officials say last week’s White House summit with a dozen Pacific leaders was “collaborative” and focused on listening, with President Biden pledging new infrastructure funding (including subsea cables), extra climate finance, and support on illegal fishing and public health—while leaders including French Polynesia attended. Disaster Readiness in the Pacific: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti brought together multinational forces for humanitarian and disaster response training, with U.S. and French commanders highlighting coordination and interoperability across the region. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to start practical preparations after the WMO declared El Niño underway, warning impacts will vary but could be significant. Ocean Protection at Home: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced expanded fully protected waters, bringing no-extraction rules to about 30% of the territory’s EEZ, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining. UN Decolonisation Push: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on New Caledonia and French Polynesia, alongside Guam and Tokelau, as it debated self-determination timelines and UN support. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard launched Operation Blue Pacific to deter illegal activity across Oceania, including patrols to French Polynesia and other allies.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced expanded “fully protected” waters, bringing no-extraction rules to about 30% of the territory’s EEZ by adding 520,000 sq km—limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation renewed calls for action on New Caledonia and French Polynesia, alongside Guam and Tokelau, with draft resolutions focused on information-sharing, reporting and visiting missions. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific Response Group personnel trained during French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia, strengthening logistics, medical support and communications for future humanitarian response. Pacific Sports Spotlight: Judoka Kyle Tran won a 60kg silver medal at the Tahiti Open, while Bahamian Xavion Johnson took gold at the Tahiti Oceania Open in the -73kg class. Ocean Funding at Our Ocean: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, French Polynesia highlighted new measures to strengthen protections inside Tainui Atea, the world’s largest marine protected area.

Ocean Protection Push: President Moetai Brotherson says French Polynesia will expand fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, adding roughly 520,000 sq km where industrial fishing and seabed mining are barred, building on the Tainui Atea protections launched in 2025. UN Decolonisation Watch: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation renewed calls for action on New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guam and Tokelau, with draft resolutions focused on information-sharing, reporting and visiting missions. Regional Disaster Readiness: French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia is training Pacific partners and the Pacific Response Group, a multinational unit set up to strengthen humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the region. Health & Climate Threats: A Tahiti-born entomologist at France’s Pasteur Institute warns that climate change is widening the range of tiger mosquitoes that can spread diseases like dengue and Zika. Sports Spotlight: Bahamian judoka Kyle Tran won silver at the Tahiti Open, while Xavion Johnson took gold at the Tahiti Oceanian Open in the -73kg class. Travel & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare to link international arrivals at Faa’a with inter-island flights.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced expanded full protections covering about 30% of the territory’s exclusive economic zone, adding roughly 520,000 sq km near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands and limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on New Caledonia and French Polynesia, alongside Guam and Tokelau, with draft resolutions focused on information-sharing, reporting and visiting missions. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific Response Group personnel took part in French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia, training for coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo. Pacific Security & Peace: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed a global appeal for peace, urging world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and resolve disputes through dialogue. Local Sports Spotlight: Judo in Tahiti saw Kyle Tran win silver at the Tahiti Open, while Xavion Johnson struck gold at the Tahiti Oceania Open in the -73kg category.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced expanded marine protections, bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of the territory’s EEZ—adding roughly 520,000 sq km near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands and limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining. UN Decolonisation Watch: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on New Caledonia and French Polynesia, alongside Guam and Tokelau, with draft resolutions focused on stronger UN support for remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific Response Group personnel trained during the French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia, reinforcing logistics, medical support and communications for future humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Local Culture Revival: Tahiti is seeing a renewed push to revive tapa/barkcloth making, with teachers and makers keeping the ancient craft alive. Sports Spotlight: French Polynesia-based judo results made headlines as Kyle Tran won silver at the Tahiti Open and Bahamian judoka Xavion Johnson took gold at the Tahiti Oceania Open. Travel & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare to connect Europe/Japan/US arrivals to inter-island flights, boosting links for visitors.

Cultural Revival in Tahiti: Local makers are bringing barkcloth (tapa) back to life, with Hinatea Colombani showing how the craft survives even when knowledge is hard to find. Ocean Protection Push: President Moetai Brotherson announced French Polynesia will fully protect about 30% of its waters, adding 520,000 sq km to restrictions on industrial fishing and seabed mining near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands. UN Decolonisation Watch: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guam and Tokelau, with debates focused on self-determination and UN support. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific Response Group personnel trained during the French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia, strengthening logistics, medical support and communications for future humanitarian response. Sports Spotlight: Bahamian judoka Xavion Johnson won gold at the Tahiti Oceania Open 2026 in the -73kg class, boosting his regional and world rankings. Climate Outlook: Scientists warn a “super El Niño” could develop by late 2026, with major knock-on effects for weather across the globe.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced expanded no-extraction marine protections, bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of the territory’s exclusive economic zone—adding roughly 520,000 square kilometers and limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation renewed calls for action on New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guam and Tokelau, approving draft resolutions to strengthen UN support for remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, while petitioners urged faster progress on self-determination. Regional Disaster Readiness: The Pacific Response Group (PRG) is training across French Polynesia during Exercise MARARA 26, boosting disaster relief coordination and interoperability among partner nations, including damage assessment, logistics and medical support. Pacific Peace Appeal: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a renewed global call for peace, urging world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and resolve disputes through dialogue as tensions and climate pressures mount. Ocean Funding at Global Level: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, global leaders announced $6.4 billion in new ocean commitments, with French Polynesia highlighting further protection measures inside the Tainui Atea marine protected area.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced expanded “no-extraction” marine protections, bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of the territory’s exclusive economic zone—an added 520,000 sq km near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining while keeping artisanal fishing access. Regional Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti, Hao and Makemo is boosting Pacific Response Group coordination for humanitarian aid and disaster response, with partner nations rehearsing logistics, medical support and communications. Pacific Security & Peace: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed a call for global peace, urging adherence to the UN Charter and dialogue amid rising tensions. Space Safety Tech: French startup Skynopy will link its ground station network with Europe’s ATLAS² to help automate low-Earth-orbit collision avoidance planning and testing. Health Alert: Scientists warn a “warm” El Niño phase has begun, with a chance it could become a very strong “super El Niño” by winter—raising risks for weather and impacts worldwide. Travel & Tourism: Hilton Hotel Tahiti says it has achieved Green Globe certification, highlighting its OceanIA partnership for marine conservation.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson announced a major expansion of “no extractive industries” ocean protections, bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of the territory’s seas—around 1.4 million km²—after adding 520,000 km² near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands. Regional Readiness Drills: Pacific Response Group partners are strengthening disaster-response coordination during Exercise MARARA 26 across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo, focusing on logistics, medical support, communications and crisis interoperability. Space Safety Tech Link-Up: French startup Skynopy will connect its ground station network with Europe’s ATLAS² collision-avoidance service to speed satellite response after radar-detected threats. Travel Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare, letting passengers book one ticket from Europe, Japan, the U.S. or New Zealand through Tahiti to inter-island flights like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on New Caledonia and French Polynesia, with petitioners urging clearer timelines and stronger UN involvement.

Sports Spotlight: Bahamian judoka Xavion Johnson won gold at the Tahiti Oceanian Open 2026 in Pīra’e, beating French Polynesian opponent Tamatoa Luciani Renaud de la Faverie in the men’s 73kg final. Space & Tech: Look Up and French startup Skynopy are partnering to automate low Earth orbit collision avoidance, using Skynopy’s ground station network and Europe’s ATLAS² service. UN Decolonisation: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation pressed for action on New Caledonia and French Polynesia, with petitioners questioning whether current processes are advancing self-determination or just delaying it. Environment & Ocean Protection: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean in the Te Tai Nui a Hau Marine Protected Area, adding large new artisanal fishing zones and boosting overall protected waters. Travel Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard launched Operation Blue Pacific, expanding patrols across Oceania including French Polynesia to deter illegal fishing, drugs, and people smuggling.