AGP Executive Report

Illegal fishing crackdown: The Australian Defence Force has backed Pacific surveillance against IUU fishing, deploying a RAAF C-27J Spartan under Operation SOLANIA to support the FFA’s Operation Tui Moana, with patrols covering 113,220 sq km and targeting threats to marine resources and transnational crime. Seabed mining pressure: A merger filing between American Ocean Minerals and Odyssey Marine Exploration is being framed as an “accelerated path to production,” even as regulators stress Cook Islands seabed mining still requires separate approvals and environmental decisions led through the NES. Health + tech support: Australia announced NZD 2.3m direct budget support for Cook Islands priorities including health services, cyber cooperation, environmental protection, and NGO funding, plus coding/robotics education. Fisheries cooperation: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks, with 61 vessel inspections and more than 200 detections verified across multiple Pacific EEZs. Road safety: Police say drunk drivers make up 43% of May arrests, with weekend enforcement ramping up after a hit-and-run involving a rental van. Tourism connectivity: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, adding another link for visitors and business.

Geopolitics at sea: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran’s plan to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz is “not acceptable,” while diplomacy over a possible deal shows “a little bit of movement” and officials warn they need a “Plan B” if the strait stays closed. Regional fisheries enforcement: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week surveillance push led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency with Cook Islands among the participants—61 vessel inspections and 200+ detections verified across EEZs and nearby high seas. Deep-sea mapping for the Cook Islands: NOAA will run a 28-day July–August expedition using ROVs and sensors to map deep waters and the seabed, with live streaming and public data sharing. EU fisheries deal: The European Parliament approved renewed EU access agreements for Cook Islands tuna and longliners through 2032, with payments tied to sustainable local fisheries management. Tourism connectivity: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, adding another link for island visitors. Aviation reality check: ASPA says Pacific aviation’s biggest hurdle remains small-scale operations and high costs.

Geopolitical Pressure: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran’s plan to “create a tolling system” in the Strait of Hormuz is “not acceptable,” while diplomacy shows “a little bit of movement” and the US prepares a “Plan B” if talks stall. Regional Fisheries Security: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week, multi-country surveillance push led by the FFA with Cook Islands participation—61 vessel inspections and 200+ detections checked, targeting IUU fishing and other maritime crime. Deep-Sea Mapping for the Cook Islands: NOAA will run a 28-day July–August expedition on the Okeanos Explorer to map deep waters and the seabed (including the Manihiki Plateau), with live streaming and public data sharing to support marine resource management. EU Fisheries Access: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries deals for the Cook Islands (until Dec 2032), with payments tied to sustainable local fisheries policy. Tourism Connectivity: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, adding another link for visitor growth—raising the usual reminder that infrastructure and environmental protection must keep pace.

Fisheries Enforcement: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week, region-wide surveillance push led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to crack down on illegal fishing and other maritime crime. Cook Islands Role: Cook Islands joined patrols across 10 countries’ EEZs plus nearby high seas, with authorities carrying out 61 vessel inspections and verifying 200+ vessel detections, while identifying four vessels of interest. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA is set to map deep waters and the seabed off the Cook Islands in a July–August 28-day expedition, using ROVs and sensors, with live streaming and public data release. EU Fisheries Deal: The European Parliament approved renewed EU fisheries agreements for the Cook Islands (tuna seiners until Dec 2032) and São Tomé, with payments tied to sustainable local fisheries management. Tourism Connectivity: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, adding another boost to visitor access as the Cook Islands continues expanding air links.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA is sending the Okeanos Explorer on a 28-day July–August mission to map deep waters and the seabed off the Cook Islands, using ROVs and sensors, with live streaming for the public and data shared for marine resource management. Fisheries Deal: The European Parliament has approved renewed EU fisheries protocols for the Cook Islands (and São Tomé), letting European tuna vessels operate until 2032 in return for annual payments and support for local fisheries policy. Tourism Pressure on Roads: As visitor numbers rise, reports from elsewhere in the Pacific highlight how tourists chasing viral spots can damage remote access roads—an early warning for the Cook Islands as connectivity grows. Connectivity Boost: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, adding another direct link for Queensland travellers and strengthening the tourism–aviation connection. Regional Security Push: Prime Minister Mark Brown backed Pacific-led, prevention-focused approaches at a Fiji police ministers meeting, aligning regional cooperation with upcoming domestic updates. Local Capacity Building: CIFA selected Susan Williams and Tyson Tekeu for an OFC Coach Educator course in Noumea. Remembering Willy: Devonport’s “Tagbuster” Trevor “Willy” Williams died after decades of quick, community-funded graffiti clean-ups.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA is sending the Okeanos Explorer on a 28-day July–August expedition to map deep waters off the Cook Islands, using ROVs, sensors and live-streamed footage to image and sample the seabed and water column around the abyssal plains and the Manihiki Plateau, with results shared publicly and with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Fisheries Deal Renewed: The European Parliament has approved renewed EU fisheries protocols for the Cook Islands (and São Tomé), letting a limited set of European tuna seiners operate until December 2032 in return for annual payments that include support for local fisheries policy. Ocean Security Push: Prime Minister Mark Brown backed Pacific-led, prevention-based approaches at the inaugural Pacific Police Ministers Meeting in Fiji, linking regional maritime security cooperation to upcoming domestic legislative updates. Tourism Pressure Point: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, while local voices stress that visitor growth must be matched with stronger infrastructure and environmental protection. Local Capacity: CIFA staff Susan Williams and Tyson Tekeu were selected for an OFC coach educator course in Noumea.

Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA says a 28-day July–August expedition aboard the Okeanos Explorer will map deep waters and the seabed off the Cook Islands, working with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority to image and sample abyssal plains and the Manihiki Plateau, with live-streamed ROV video and publicly shared data to support marine resource management. Regional Security Push: Prime Minister Mark Brown backed Pacific-led, prevention-focused action against transnational crime at the inaugural Pacific Police Ministers Meeting in Fiji, aligning with upcoming domestic legislative updates. Tourism Connectivity: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, adding another direct link for visitors and business—while a separate call stresses infrastructure and environmental protection must keep pace with tourism growth. Community Learning: Te Ipukarea Society helped Araura College students in Aitutaki learn “by doing” about lagoon and motu biodiversity, including turtles and giant clam nurseries. Capacity Building: CIFA staff Susan Williams and Tyson Tekeu were selected for an OFC coach educator course in Noumea.

Aviation Push: Cook Islands is adding flight connectivity, with Deputy PM Albert Nicholas pointing to Jetstar’s new Brisbane–Rarotonga route and more services ahead, arguing aviation and tourism are inseparable for island livelihoods and resilience. Regional Security: Cook Islands joined Pacific Police Ministers in Fiji to strengthen Pacific-led cooperation against transnational organised crime, with ministers stressing coordinated, intelligence-led action across sea, air and land. Ocean Governance: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, PM Mark Brown highlighted Marae Moana and science-based rules for seabed minerals, while also backing ideas like transboundary whale corridors. Local Partnerships: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands renewed sister-province ties, expanding cooperation across culture, youth, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate and fisheries. Community Life: Atiu’s Enuamanu School opened a new playground led by the Enuamanu Youth Council. Ongoing Debate: Separately, Pacific civil society is criticising exclusion from ocean mining dialogue, keeping pressure on how decisions are made.

Aviation & Tourism Push: Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas says the Cook Islands is bucking the “weeding out flights” trend by adding connectivity, pointing to Jetstar’s inaugural Brisbane–Rarotonga service and a planned direct South Island route as Australia nears 55,000 visitors in 2026 and New Zealand tops 120,000 this year. Road Safety & Tourism Pressure: A viral “hidden gem” beach on Vancouver Island is drawing visitors who are blowing tires on remote logging roads—an echo of how fast-growing tourism can outpace local access and safety. Ocean Stewardship vs Seabed Minerals: PM Mark Brown is using the Melanesian Ocean Summit to link mana tiaki with science-based ocean governance, stressing Marae Moana’s protections while saying any future seabed mining call depends on “the science” still being completed. Community Learning in Aitutaki: Te Ipukarea Society’s lagoon classroom programme is putting Araura College students to work spotting turtles and surveying seabirds and clams. Regional Politics Watch: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau is set for late August, with geopolitical competition in the background.

Aviation Boost: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, landing in just over six hours and giving Queensland travellers a direct new link to the Cook Islands—piloted on the historic deck by Cook Islander first officer Rob Woonton. Ocean Protection & Seabed Rules: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, PM Mark Brown reiterated Cook Islands’ “Marae moana” sacred-ocean approach, with large marine protections and a science-based stance on any future seabed minerals harvesting. Regional Partnerships: Central Province renewed its sister-province ties with Rarotonga, while PNG’s Central Province and the Cook Islands also signed a development framework covering culture, youth, fisheries, tourism, and climate work. Energy Resilience Talks: Cook Islands representatives joined Pacific energy and transport ministers in Port Moresby, focusing on clean energy transitions and safer, stronger maritime systems. Governance Pressure: A fresh letter urges more transparency around decisions affecting seabed resources and democracy, echoing wider concerns raised this week.

Aviation & Connectivity: Jetstar launched the first Brisbane–Rarotonga flight, landing in just over six hours and giving Queenslanders a direct new link to the Cook Islands—piloted on the historic deck by Cook Islander first officer Rob Woonton. Ocean Governance & Seabed Minerals: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, PM Mark Brown doubled down on the Marae moana “sacred ocean” model—large marine protection with seabed mining only if future decisions are science-based, while mapping continues. Regional Politics: The Pacific Islands Forum’s leaders meeting in Palau (Aug 30–Sep 4) is flagged as geopolitically charged as China and the US compete for influence across the region. Local Partnerships: Central Province and the Cook Islands renewed ties with a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement, expanding cooperation from culture and youth exchanges to climate change and tourism. Health & Climate: A new Samoa study is tracking how heat and humidity in schools may be affecting children’s learning and wellbeing.

Pacific Geopolitics: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will convene in Palau (Aug 30–Sep 4) with “Building Economies: Life, Action, Unity,” and Palau’s role in the China–US contest is expected to raise the stakes for regional alignment. Health & Rights: In New Zealand, the Health and Disability Commissioner found a teen was not given effective, culturally appropriate informed consent for an allograft bone graft, ordering apologies after gaps in records. Ocean & Minerals: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown reiterated “science-based” seabed mineral decisions alongside the Marae moana marine protections, while a US-linked push for deep-sea polymetallic nodules continues via merger filings involving Cook Islands-linked exploration interests. Local Partnerships: Central Province and the Cook Islands renewed ties through a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement, expanding cooperation from culture and youth to climate and tourism. Climate Impacts on Kids: A Samoa study is set to track how heat and humidity affect children’s learning and wellbeing in classrooms. Waste & Plastics: Kiribati highlighted ongoing plastic pressure and limited options for treatment beyond landfilling.

Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: Vanuatu’s Havannah Boat House is being held up as a model for “sit lightly on the land” travel—no glass, no air-conditioning, and a cyclone-reused, breathable design that adapts to the trade winds. Deep-Sea Minerals Pressure: A major U.S.-linked push for seabed metals is moving forward, with American Ocean Minerals and Odyssey filing with the SEC for a roughly $1bn merger tied to polymetallic nodules—while the Cook Islands keeps insisting any future harvesting must be science-based and not rushed. Local Partnerships, Regional Reach: The Cook Islands renewed sister-province ties with PNG’s Central Province, expanding cooperation from culture and youth exchanges to climate change, fisheries, and tourism. Energy Resilience Talks: Cook Islands representatives joined Pacific energy and transport ministers in Port Moresby, focusing on clean energy transitions and maritime resilience. Governance & Trust: A letter raises concerns about opaque decision-making around seabed resources and geopolitics, echoing wider calls for clearer public engagement.

Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: Vanuatu’s Havannah Boat House is being held up as a model for “sit lightly on the land” travel—no glass, no air-conditioning, rooms that breathe via louvered shutters, and timber sourced from Cyclone Pam recovery—while the wider South Pacific pushes quality over quantity. Deep-Sea Minerals Pressure: A new push to mine polymetallic nodules is gaining momentum as a US-linked merger advances and seabed ambitions collide with Pacific stewardship, with the Cook Islands still insisting any future harvesting decision must be science-based. Cook Islands–Regional Ties: The Central Province–Cook Islands relationship was renewed through a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement, with cooperation spanning culture, youth, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate action, agriculture, and trade. Ocean Governance in Focus: At the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit, Cook Islands leaders reiterated sacred-ocean protection and seabed-mining limits, while energy resilience talks also brought regional ministers together. Local Climate Health Watch: A Samoa study is tracking how heat and humidity affect children’s learning and wellbeing in classrooms.

Sister Province momentum: Central Province (PNG) and the Cook Islands have renewed their long-running friendship by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus during the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit, with Prime Minister Mark Brown and Governor Rufina Peter backing cooperation on culture, youth exchanges, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate change, agriculture, fisheries and marine resources, education, sports, and trade. Energy resilience push: Cook Islands MP Stephen Matapo represented the country at PRETMM6 in Port Moresby, focused on scaling Pacific energy security, clean energy transitions, and maritime transport resilience. Ocean protection signal: PM Brown used the summit to stress “sacred ocean” stewardship through the Marae moana Act and science-based rules for any future seabed minerals decisions. Health and climate watch: A new study in Samoa is probing how heat and humidity affect children’s learning and wellbeing in classrooms. Deep-sea minerals governance elsewhere: American Samoa moved to set up a Deep Sea Minerals Steering Committee, underscoring how DSM oversight is spreading across the region.

Sister Province momentum: Central Province and the Cook Islands renewed ties by signing a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus during the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit, with cooperation spanning culture, education, youth exchange, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate change, agriculture, sports, trade and investment. Energy resilience on the agenda: Cook Islands MP Stephen Matapo represented the country at PRETMM6 in Port Moresby, focused on Pacific energy security, clean transitions and maritime transport resilience. Ocean protection meets seabed minerals: PM Mark Brown told summit leaders the Marae moana Act underpins “sacred ocean” protection, while any future seabed mining decision must be science-based. Heat and health research: A new study in Samoa is probing how classroom heat and humidity affect children’s learning and wellbeing. Governance pressure points: A letter raises concerns about the pace and opacity of decisions tied to seabed resources and democracy, while agriculture updates stress invasive pest prevention.