AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea wildlife: Scientists have captured the first peer-reviewed footage of a live goblin shark in its natural habitat, with two sightings logged in the Central Pacific—one near Jarvis Island (2019) and another on the Tonga Trench slope (2024). The team says the Tonga Trench shark was found about 700 metres deeper than previously known, expanding what we think we know about the “living fossil” species. Ocean governance: Vanuatu’s climate minister urged stronger ocean protection as Pacific states move to implement new marine rules, pointing to Tonga’s early lead on dedicated ocean institutions and legislation. Clean shipping push: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient maritime transition; Tonga and Palau are expected to join. Climate accountability: A UN-backed resolution has gained broad support for the International Court of Justice’s climate ruling, strengthening the case for legal responsibility and reparations. Fuel shock pressure: Rising oil prices have exposed how vulnerable Pacific economies remain to imported fuel, renewing calls to speed up renewable energy delivery.

Deep-Sea Wildlife: Scientists have captured the first peer-reviewed footage of a living goblin shark, with sightings near Jarvis Island (2019) and in the Tonga Trench (2024), pushing the known range deeper into the Central Pacific and highlighting how little we still know about deep-ocean life. Ocean Governance: Vanuatu’s ocean minister says Pacific countries are strengthening marine protection through new laws and institutions, pointing to Tonga’s early lead and to the BBNJ deal as a major step for ocean stewardship. Clean Shipping: Seven Pacific transport ministers have signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to coordinate a fair shift to low-carbon vessels and climate-resilient ports; Tonga and Palau are expected to sign. Climate Accountability: A UN vote backed the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate duties, with more than 140 countries supporting the idea that states must address climate harm and consider reparations. Tonga Environment & Policy: Tonga’s first fisheries-subsidy notification under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a small but important governance milestone for sustainable fishing. Volcanic Impacts: Reports describe pumice rafts from a submarine eruption in the Bismarck Sea clogging coastlines in Papua New Guinea’s Admiralty Islands, showing how sudden ocean events can quickly disrupt communities.

Clean Shipping Pact: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a fair shift away from fossil-fuel shipping. The plan targets low-carbon vessels, climate-resilient ports and skilled workers, with Palau and Tonga expected to join. Deep-Sea Wildlife: Scientists have released the first peer-reviewed footage of a living goblin shark in the wild, including a sighting in the Tonga Trench, adding major new detail to a species long known only from accidental catches. Climate Accountability: A UN-backed push to support the International Court of Justice climate ruling gained broad votes, strengthening the case for countries’ legal duties and possible reparations for climate harm. Tonga Fisheries Governance: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO with Fish Fund support, a step toward implementing the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and improving transparency. Fuel Shock Pressure: Pacific leaders and advocates highlighted how oil price spikes expose reliance on imported fuel, urging faster renewable energy delivery to cut vulnerability.

Deep-Sea Wildlife: Australian and Hawaiian researchers have captured the first-ever live footage of the elusive goblin shark in its natural habitat, including a sighting in the Tonga Trench in 2024—expanding what scientists know about the species’ range and depth. Climate Accountability: A UN-backed push to support an International Court of Justice climate ruling gained major momentum, with more than 140 countries voting for a resolution backing the idea that states have legal duties on climate action and possible reparations. Fossil Fuel Pressure: Pacific climate advocates are urging more governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate talks, arguing the region can’t afford delays while fossil fuels keep driving harm. Ocean Governance: Tonga submitted its first fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supported by the Fish Fund, as the country works to improve transparency and curb harmful subsidies. Resilience & Energy: New weather stations are strengthening Tonga’s climate and disaster preparedness, while a separate report highlights how Pacific fuel shocks expose the gap between renewable targets and real delivery. Whale Protection Law: A Pacific-led effort in Tonga and beyond released model whale-rights legislation frameworks for public consultation, blending Indigenous stewardship with modern legal rights for ocean guardianship.

Deep-Sea Biodiversity: Tonga Trench researchers have, for the first time, filmed a goblin shark alive in its natural habitat, with sightings reported from the Tonga Trench (2024) and earlier footage near Jarvis Island (2019), expanding what scientists know about the elusive species’ range and depth. Climate Accountability: A landmark UN vote has backed a major climate ruling that supports the idea that countries have legal responsibilities to address climate change and may face reparations for harm, adding political weight to the court’s earlier decision. Fossil Fuels Pressure: Pacific governments, including Tonga, are pushing for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate talks, arguing the region can’t afford delays as fuel costs and impacts keep hitting island economies. Ocean Governance & Whales: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released draft model laws for public consultation on whale protection and ocean guardianship, blending Indigenous stewardship with modern legal rights for nature. Fisheries Transparency: Tonga submitted its first fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO under the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, supported by the WTO Fish Fund, as officials build capacity to improve reporting and help curb harmful subsidies. Energy Security: Pacific leaders and analysts highlight how global oil price shocks expose dependence on imported fuel, strengthening calls to scale renewable energy fast. Local Environment Spotlight: Tonga won a BIE Gold Award for Expo 2020 exhibition design, with messaging tied to educating children and reducing plastic waste.

Deep-sea wildlife breakthrough: Scientists have captured the goblin shark alive in its natural habitat for the first time, with new footage from the Tonga Trench adding to earlier sightings near Jarvis Island and expanding what’s known about the species’ range and depth. Climate accountability: Pacific leaders and allies are backing a landmark UN push supporting the International Court of Justice climate ruling, strengthening the case that countries must act and consider reparations for climate harm. Fossil fuels pressure: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors are urging more Pacific governments to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate talks, arguing the region can’t afford delay on the shift to renewables. Ocean governance in focus: The State of the Pacific Ocean convening in Suva is calling for a renewed Pacific relationship with the ocean as leaders tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Tonga water resilience: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing fresh water for Hunga and Matamaka, offering a renewable fix to recurring freshwater shortages. Fisheries transparency: Tonga has made its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supported by the Fish Fund, as officials build capacity for more sustainable fisheries management.

Deep-sea wildlife: Scientists using remote baited cameras have filmed the elusive goblin shark alive in the Tonga Trench for the first time, with two sightings (2019 near Jarvis Island and 2024 in the trench) expanding what’s known about the species’ depth and range. Climate accountability: A UN vote backed an International Court of Justice climate ruling, strengthening the push for countries to cut emissions and consider reparations for harm. Fossil fuels pushback: Pacific climate advocates are urging more governments to sign a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of major climate talks in Bonn, arguing the region can’t afford delay. Ocean governance: Tonga’s fisheries work gets a boost as it makes its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supported by the Fish Fund. Water resilience in Tonga: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing fresh water for remote Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly water deliveries. Pacific ocean stewardship: Leaders meeting for World Oceans Day in Suva called for stronger action on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, urging a new relationship with the sea.

Ocean Life Discovery: Scientists have filmed live goblin sharks in the deep Pacific for the first time, including footage from the Tonga Trench, expanding what’s known about the species’ range and depth and underscoring how little the deep ocean is still understood. Climate Advocacy: Pacific climate groups are urging governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate talks, arguing the region can’t wait while fossil fuels keep driving warming. Whale Protection Law: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released model Pacific whale-rights and ocean-guardianship laws for public consultation, framing whales as “kin” and pushing legal systems to recognise rights of nature. Tonga Water Resilience: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing fresh water for remote Hunga and Matamaka, offering a renewable fix to recurring freshwater shortages. Fisheries Governance: Tonga has made its first notification under the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, supported by a Fish Fund capacity project aimed at improving transparency and sustainable fisheries management. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Pacific seabed governance continues to be debated as states and regional bodies discuss responsibilities, data management, and environmental oversight for activities in the deep seabed. Fuel Shock Risk: A new report links recent oil price spikes to Pacific vulnerability, highlighting the urgent need to scale renewable energy so communities aren’t hit so hard by global fuel disruptions.

Ocean governance & whales: Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released two model Pacific legislative frameworks for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection by treating whales as kin and legal “ocean guardians,” with a petition of 450,000+ backing the move. Marine protection & pollution pressures: The State of the Pacific Ocean convening in Suva (World Oceans Day) urged Pacific peoples to rethink the ocean as a shared living system amid climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Tonga water resilience: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres/day for Hunga and Matamaka, turning seawater into safe drinking water to cut reliance on costly boat deliveries. Fisheries transparency: Tonga has submitted its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supported by the Fish Fund, to improve reporting on regional fisheries management and conservation measures. Deep-sea mining governance: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority attended an ISA workshop in Suva on deep seabed sustainable “blue growth,” focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance and data management. Fuel shock & renewables: A report on Pacific fuel crisis highlights how oil dependence leaves islands exposed to global price spikes, pushing the case for faster renewable energy delivery. Migration & climate impacts: Pacific immigration leaders warned that wars, economic shocks and climate-driven sea-level rise and storms are reshaping migration pressures and border risks. El Niño voyage reroute: Polynesian Voyaging Society changed course for the Moananuiākea Voyage after forecasts point to a 90% chance of El Niño conditions developing by August. Security & health warning signs: Reporting says meth traces have appeared in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” have been found in the region, raising concerns about spillover drug and disease risks.

Financial Scams: Tonga’s FMA warns of a surge in investment scams targeting the Tongan community, including fake trading platforms using WhatsApp/Viber recruitment, crypto account transfers, malware, and “fees” to block withdrawals. Ocean & Climate Risk: Pacific voyaging groups like Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are rerouting due to a looming El Niño, with forecasts warning of more extreme weather across the region. Water Security (Tonga): A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries during water crises. Fisheries Governance (Tonga): Tonga’s Fish Fund support helped it submit its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, boosting transparency for sustainable fisheries. Marine Protection (Pacific): World Oceans Day convenings in Suva and statements from Pacific leaders call for stronger action on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Energy Transition Gap: A Pacific fuel crisis highlights how renewable targets lag delivery, leaving islands exposed to global oil shocks. Cycling & Safety (Tonga): Tonga Cycling Federation marks World Cycling Day with a 48km Tongatapu ride promoting road safety and environmental awareness.

Ocean Climate Risk: Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Moananuiākea Voyage is rerouting after forecasts warn of a 90% chance of El Niño developing by August, with leaders citing rising risks of more extreme weather for vulnerable Pacific communities. Water Security: A solar-powered desalination “miracle from heaven” project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Tonga’s Hunga and Matamaka, aiming to cut reliance on costly boat deliveries during freshwater shortages. Fisheries Governance: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has been supported through the WTO Fish Fund, with a Nuku’alofa workshop building coordination for transparent, more sustainable fisheries management. Marine Protection & Policy: World Oceans Day convenings in Suva brought faith leaders, Indigenous representatives and policymakers together to push stronger ocean stewardship amid climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Migration & Climate Displacement: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning that current frameworks don’t match the scale of movement already driven by cyclones, floods and rising seas. Seabed Minerals Debate: New reporting highlights how deep-sea mining deals involving Tonga and other Pacific states are tied up with geopolitics as major powers race for seabed minerals. EU Tuna Export Pressure: New EU freezer rules are set to affect most EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, raising compliance pressure for tuna exporters.

Ocean stewardship & governance: Pacific leaders opened the “State of the Pacific Ocean” convening in Suva, calling for a renewed relationship with the sea as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution intensify. Marine protection & policy: Vanuatu’s climate minister urged urgent ocean action and pointed to new international legal momentum, including biodiversity protections beyond national waters. Fisheries transparency: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement was supported through the WTO Fish Fund, with a workshop in Nuku’alofa building coordination for future reporting. Water resilience in Tonga: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing fresh water for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries during dry spells. Climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million people were displaced by climate disasters across 2010–2021. Migration pressures: Tonga’s immigration minister warned that conflicts, economic shocks and climate impacts are reshaping Pacific migration, alongside rising risks from trafficking and smuggling. Food safety for tuna exports: EU-backed training in Suva prepared Pacific authorities for new freezer-vessel rules that could affect most Pacific vessels exporting to the EU. Connectivity risk: New research highlights that subsea cable faults affecting small islands cluster near coastlines, raising the stakes for monitoring and resilience planning.

Ocean stewardship & governance: The State of the Pacific Ocean convening opened in Suva, with faith and Indigenous voices calling for a new relationship with the sea as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution intensify. Marine protection policy: Vanuatu’s climate minister urged urgent ocean action on World Oceans Day, framing the region’s “triple planetary crisis” as a shared responsibility. Fisheries transparency: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported via the Fish Fund, aiming to strengthen reporting and sustainable fisheries management. Water resilience in Tonga: A solar-powered desalination “miracle from heaven” project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, reducing reliance on costly boat deliveries. Climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million Pacific people were displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021. Deep-sea mining pressure: New reporting highlights how seabed minerals are becoming geopolitically contested, including deals involving Tonga and other Pacific islands. Health & migration pressures: Tonga’s immigration minister warned that climate change and global conflict are reshaping Pacific migration patterns, adding strain to borders and communities.

Ocean stewardship in the spotlight: The “State of the Pacific Ocean” convening in Suva urged Pacific peoples to rethink how they relate to the sea as leaders confront climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Fisheries transparency for Tonga: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported through the WTO Fish Fund, building capacity for more sustainable fisheries governance. Water resilience for outer islands: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Climate displacement pressure: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million Pacific people were displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021. Ocean governance meets geopolitics: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. Deep-sea mining risk: New reporting highlights how seabed minerals are drawing big-power deals, including agreements involving Tonga, raising stakes for Pacific control over ocean resources. Tonga’s climate science link: New studies on the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggest natural processes may have helped destroy some methane, offering clues for future climate action.

Ocean governance push: Pacific leaders and Indigenous voices opened a four-day “State of the Pacific Ocean” convening in Suva, calling for a renewed relationship with the sea as marine ecosystems face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Migration pressures: Tonga’s immigration minister warned that global conflict, economic shocks and climate impacts are reshaping Pacific migration, while organised criminal networks are adding new pressure on borders. Water resilience for Tonga’s outer islands: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, offering a cleaner, more reliable alternative to rainwater shortages. Climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million people were displaced by climate disasters across 2010–2021. Seabed mining stakes: A new report links deep-sea mining to US–China geopolitics, warning Pacific seabed resources are becoming a strategic target. Ocean tech safety: Research highlights that subsea telecom cable faults cluster near island coasts, pointing to where resilience planning and investment should focus. Tonga science & methane: Studies on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggest a natural chemical process may have helped destroy some methane after the blast.

World Oceans Day push: Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu says the Pacific faces a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, calling for urgent, coordinated ocean protection under new international legal momentum. Outer-island water security (Tonga): A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries during dry spells. Pacific climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urge New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing World Vision research showing nearly one million Pacific people displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021 and warning there’s no dedicated Aotearoa framework yet. Methane lessons from Hunga Tonga: New studies on the 2022 eruption suggest the volcanic plume’s chemistry may have helped destroy some methane, hinting at natural pathways that could inspire future climate action. Ocean resilience for small islands: New research flags that most subsea cable faults affecting island connections happen within 300 km of shore, pointing to nearshore areas as priority zones for protection and investment. Cycling + environment awareness in Tonga: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km ride across Tongatapu, pairing road-safety messaging with environmental awareness.