AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Boost: French Polynesia will fully protect an additional swath of ocean, expanding the Te Tai Nui a Hau Marine Protected Area to about 200,000 square miles—twice the size of Arizona—bringing total fully conserved waters to roughly 540,500 square miles, with new artisanal fishing zones and strict no-take rules. Pacific Peace Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including French Polynesia, renewed a global appeal for peace, urging world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and choose dialogue as tensions rise. U.S. Coast Guard in Oceania: The U.S. Coast Guard launched Operation Blue Pacific to deter illegal fishing, drug and people smuggling, with patrols planned across the region including French Polynesia. Whale Rights Draft Laws: A Pacific sanctuary trust released two model legislative frameworks for public consultation on whale protection and ocean guardianship, blending Indigenous tradition with modern legal rights. Travel Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare, letting passengers book through connections to inter-island destinations like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. Tourism Sustainability: Hilton Hotel Tahiti received Green Globe certification, highlighting its partnership with OceanIA and a solar-powered marine observation platform.

U.S. Coast Guard: The U.S. launches “Operation Blue Pacific” to crack down on drug and people smuggling and illegal fishing across Oceania, with patrols planned to include French Polynesia, while saying it can still work with China on legal regional cooperation like search and rescue. Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including French Polynesia, issue a renewed global appeal for peace, urging UN Charter principles and dialogue as tensions rise. Marine Protection: French Polynesia moves to fully protect an expanded ocean area—adding new no-take zones and artisanal fishing zones—aiming to safeguard waters twice the size of Arizona and push protections toward the 30% goal. Travel Links: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activate a codeshare from June 3, making it easier to book one ticket from international routes to inter-island flights. Hantavirus Evacuation: The Trump administration reportedly chartered a $750,000 yacht to evacuate one American from remote Pitcairn Island after a cruise-linked hantavirus outbreak, raising questions about emergency funding. Cruise Disruption: Holland America’s Zaandam delays an Alaska sailing after propulsion repairs, reshuffling ports and refunds.

Marine Protection Expansion: The French Polynesian government says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean, adding to the Te Tai Nui a Hau Marine Protected Area near the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands—pushing conserved waters to about 540,500 square miles, with fishing limited to traditional single pole-and-line methods in designated zones. Ocean Conservation Push: On World Oceans Day, French Polynesia also reaffirmed its “mission as Oceanians,” expanding fully protected no-take areas inside the already massive Tainui Ātea marine protected area. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 earthquake off the Philippines, Pacific agencies issued tsunami advisories with coastal monitoring on alert, including for French Polynesia, warning of potentially hazardous ocean conditions. 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 connections to places like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. Sailing Spotlight: Tahiti-based World Surf League action highlighted Jackson Bunch’s back-to-back Tahiti wins, while regional sailing news also points to strong Pacific competition ahead of major events.

Marine Protection Push: The French Polynesian government says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean around the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands, adding artisanal fishing zones limited to pole-and-line from small boats and bringing conserved waters to about 540,500 square miles. Regional Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed calls for global peace under the “Ocean of Peace” declaration, warning rising fuel and freight costs are hitting smaller economies hardest. Tourism & Travel: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting travellers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. World Oceans Day Update: Marine protected areas worldwide have surpassed 10% coverage, with experts stressing that “fully protected” levels still lag behind the 30% goal. Safety Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, urging coastal communities to follow local guidance.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean—about twice Arizona—adding artisanal fishing zones limited to traditional pole-and-line methods, and bringing total conserved waters to roughly 540,500 square miles. World Oceans Day Momentum: On the same conservation wave, the territory is also expanding “no-take” areas inside its already massive marine protected area, with new zones planned near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued for multiple Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Travel Connections: 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. Sustainability in Hospitality: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete received Green Globe certification, highlighting its partnership with OceanIA and a solar-powered marine observation platform.

Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered Pacific-wide tsunami advisories, with waves forecast under 0.3m for places including French Polynesia, while New Zealand says there’s no threat. Marine Protection: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson says the territory will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside the giant Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Ocean Policy: A Pacific-wide push for decolonisation and nuclear accountability continues, with leaders saying sovereignty and self-determination issues remain unresolved decades after testing. Travel & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activate a codeshare, letting passengers book one ticket for international-to-inter-island trips, including Bora Bora. Sustainability in Tourism: Hilton Hotel Tahiti earns Green Globe certification, highlighting its partnership with local marine conservation NGO OceanIA. Whale Rights: A Moananui Sanctuary Trust initiative releases model laws for public consultation on whale protection and legal rights for ocean guardianship. Local Sport: Tahiti-linked success story: Maui surfer Jackson Bunch wins back-to-back World Surf League Qualifying Series events after last-minute board troubles.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson says the territory will expand fully shielded “no-take” zones inside Tainui Ātea, growing strictly protected waters from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, with new areas planned near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Whale Rights Draft Laws: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model legal frameworks for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection by recognizing whales’ rights and drawing on Pacific traditions. Air Connections: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. World Oceans Day Context: A World Oceans Day roundup highlights that MPAs now cover about 10% of the ocean, with the push toward “30 by 30” by 2030. Regional Security & Cyber: The Marara 26 exercise in French Polynesia added a Marara Cyber Challenge, with U.S. and partner teams working on cyber defense and interoperability. Travel Disruption (Regional Interest): Holland America’s Zaandam finally departed Vancouver more than a day late after propulsion repairs, forcing major Alaska itinerary changes.

Green Tourism Win: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete has earned its first Green Globe certification, highlighting its OceanIA partnership for marine conservation, plus waste sorting and staff training. Whale Rights Drafts: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released two model Pacific laws for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection and legal rights for ocean guardianship. Air Access Boost: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting travellers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to Bora Bora and beyond. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Ātea, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, Pacific advisories were issued, including for French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new TIAD unit joined France-led Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge to strengthen regional cyber readiness. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove won the Masters Men 50 division at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti.

Emergency Evacuation: The Trump administration has approved $750,000 to charter a yacht to evacuate one American from Pitcairn Island after possible exposure to hantavirus linked to the Dutch MV Hondius cruise, adding pressure to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Travel Links: 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 places like Bora Bora. Aviation Watch: Holland America’s Zaandam is delayed by a propulsion problem, with itinerary changes and refunds offered for the Alaska sailing. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, Pacific agencies issued advisories for multiple areas including French Polynesia, urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Ocean Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected no-take marine areas inside Tainui Ātea, boosting the strict ban zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. Local Heritage Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of UNESCO sites Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands has shortcomings, including outdated visitor information and weak monitoring. Sports: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at Tahiti’s Oceania Championships, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia.

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 continue for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. World Oceans Day & Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded no-take reserves inside the Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new protected zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as it pushes toward stronger ocean safeguards. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories were issued for multiple Pacific locations including French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities and stay out of the water where needed. Regional Decolonisation Push: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls for decolonisation to move beyond nuclear-era legacies, with French Polynesia again tied to wider debates over self-determination and unresolved colonial impacts. Bora Bora Tourism Update: Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora is set to open a new hotel in September, extending the iconic restaurant’s lagoon-side experience with new dining and bar concepts.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Ātea, boosting the strictly shielded area from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, adding new reserves near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as President Moetai Brotherson frames it as an “Oceanians” mission. World Oceans Day: Ahead of June 8, global figures show MPAs now cover about 10% of the ocean, but only a small share is fully protected—while French Polynesia’s large-scale approach is highlighted as conservation and tourism can go together. Decolonisation After Nuclear Testing: Pacific leaders and advocates say unresolved colonial legacies still shape communities decades after nuclear testing, pointing to issues of self-determination and who benefits from natural resources. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued for many Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Regional Security & Aid: Australia plans AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands, citing growing security pressure in the Pacific. Bora Bora Tourism: Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora is set to reopen as Bloody Mary’s Hotel in September, expanding the iconic restaurant into a new stay experience.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” natural reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, growing strict protection from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands, with President Moetai Brotherson calling it a Pacific-wide model for protecting the ocean while supporting sustainable tourism. World Oceans Day: As MPAs worldwide pass the 10% mark, the UN highlights the push toward 30% by 2030, with French Polynesia cited for its large-scale protection of its entire exclusive economic zone. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, urging coastal authorities to inform communities and stay out of the water where needed. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Australia pledged AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands as it seeks to strengthen Pacific security ties amid China’s growing influence, while Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls for decolonisation to be treated as a priority alongside security agendas. Local Governance Scrutiny: French Polynesia’s Court of Auditors raised concerns about how UNESCO World Heritage sites are managed, pointing to gaps in monitoring and upkeep.

Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across much of the Pacific, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels for places including French Polynesia, Fiji, New Caledonia and Hawai‘i; New Zealand says there’s no threat, but coastal agencies are urged to inform communities and stay out of the water. Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands and boosting the strictly forbidden zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. Decolonisation Push: Pacific and Caribbean territories are again pressing the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for remaining colonies. Regional Security & Tech: U.S. Army Pacific’s new Marara Cyber Challenge unit took part in Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, while Australia announced AUD$46m for Solomon Islands police deployments amid growing great-power competition. Aviation: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September.

Decolonisation & Sovereignty Debate: Former Pacific Islands Forum chief Dame Meg Taylor urged leaders to stop sidestepping hard questions on self-determination, saying security agendas are drowning out what islanders need most. World Oceans Day 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. MPA Milestone: The UN notes marine protected areas now cover about 10% of the world’s oceans, with more needed to reach the 30% goal by 2030. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories listed French Polynesia among areas facing possible sea-level changes under 0.3m, with officials told to inform coastal communities. Local Heritage Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags management and monitoring shortcomings for French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea. Cyber Security in Tahiti: US Army Pacific took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia to boost regional cyber readiness.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, banning all human activity over a larger stretch (from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km) and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Ocean Day Spotlight: A new World Ocean Day feature highlights how Tahiti’s conservation rules and marine protected areas are helping tourism and protecting reefs and lagoon life. 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, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance and stay out of the water. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new information advantage unit took part in Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, joining partners to strengthen cyber readiness and regional security ties. Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: Telstra and Google announced an expanded alliance aimed at boosting network resilience and security as AI and cloud demand grows, with Google using Telstra’s terrestrial fibre and Telstra tapping Google’s Pacific subsea initiatives. Local Governance Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia are monitored and managed, including outdated visitor information and weak monitoring systems.

Tsunami Watch for French Polynesia: After a powerful 7.8 quake struck the southern Philippines near Mindanao, Pacific emergency agencies put coastal monitoring on alert and issued a regional tsunami advisory that includes French Polynesia, with expected wave impacts under 0.3 metres above tide levels and warnings to stay out of the water. UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags management gaps at French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, saying monitoring and visitor information for Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands are not meeting long-term preservation obligations. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a Marara Cyber Challenge to boost cyber readiness and partner coordination across the Indo-Pacific. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Beyond Green highlights coral reef restoration projects across its network, including work in French Polynesia tied to protecting marine ecosystems ahead of World Oceans Day. Voyaging Route Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusts the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise, with a revised route targeting Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.