AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, pushing back on a U.S. bid by American Deep-Sea Minerals Inc. for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by the maritime borders of Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Tech & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says new certified deep-sea vehicles can make submersible trips “safer than flying,” with her company DOER Marine planning the “Honu” sub’s first dive in French Polynesia later this year. Whale Recording Innovation: A French Polynesia-linked 3D humpback whale sound project uses a custom spatial hydrophone setup plus Sennheiser HD 300 PROtect monitoring headphones and MKH 8020 microphones to capture immersive underwater audio. Pacific Games Delivery: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after facility tours and briefings, with key venues expected to be ready by early 2027. Cruise & Tourism Demand: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian fleet for 2027–28, adding more capacity that boosts access to the South Pacific, with Brisbane and Tahiti-area travel benefits likely to follow. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level and renewed focus on climate finance and renewable energy.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, pushing back on a US company’s bid for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by the maritime borders of Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says new certified deep-sea vehicles can be “safer than flying,” pointing to DOER Marine’s planned “Honu” submersible dives in French Polynesia later this year. Whale Soundscapes: A French Polynesia-linked project is using custom 3D hydrophones and spatial audio recording to capture humpback whale songs, with Sennheiser gear helping monitor extreme underwater sound environments. Pacific Games Build-Up: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, with facilities and accommodation sites on track and some competition venues still under construction. Cruise & Tourism Demand: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian fleet for 2027–28, adding more Brisbane capacity and positioning the South Pacific cruise push as it ramps up land-based resort plans. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers endorsed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, backing climate finance and renewable energy investment, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an international-waters enclave surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says certified deep-sea exploration is “safer than flying,” pointing to her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible, planned for first dives in French Polynesia later this year. Whale Sound Recording: A French Polynesia-linked 3D humpback whale audio project uses a custom 3D hydrophone array plus Sennheiser gear to capture spatialized underwater soundscapes. Pacific Games Build-Up: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, with facilities and athlete accommodation on track for readiness by early 2027. Climate Finance Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific COP31 Envoys and calls for more climate finance, renewables investment and ocean-climate leadership, with French Polynesia represented at envoy level.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US bid by American Deep-Sea Minerals Inc. for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says certified deep-sea exploration can be “safer than flying,” pointing to DOER Marine’s “Honu” submersible planned for first dives in French Polynesia later this year. Whale Soundscapes: A French Polynesia humpback whale recording project uses a custom 3D hydrophone array and Sennheiser gear to capture spatialized underwater-and-surface audio. Pacific Games Build-Up: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, with facilities expected ready by end of Q1 2027 and competition sites still under construction. Tourism & Shipping Demand: Royal Caribbean is expanding its 2027–28 Australia fleet to three ships, boosting South Pacific capacity and centering marketing on Ovation of the Seas alongside the Lelepa resort rollout. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level and renewed focus on climate finance and the ocean-climate link. Energy Transition: A Pacific-focused read links the 2026 chokepoint disruptions to faster electrification and renewable deployment—relevant for regional energy planning. Expedition Travel: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions announced 2028–29 voyages, including a return to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea. Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promo lists economy award routes that include Papeete, Tahiti, with select dates through Feb. 28, 2027.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-diving can be “safer than flying” if vehicles are properly certified, pointing to her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible planned for first dives in French Polynesia later this year. Marine Research & Media: A French Polynesia-linked humpback whale project used a custom 3D hydrophone setup and Sennheiser gear to capture spatialized underwater soundscapes. Tourism & Access: Lindblad Expeditions announced its 2028–29 return to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea, highlighting sea cliffs, caves and swim-in grotto experiences. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger Pacific climate action ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level and renewed focus on climate finance and the ocean-climate link. Cruise Industry: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian fleet for 2027–28, boosting South Pacific capacity via a bigger Brisbane season that could lift visitor flows toward French Polynesia.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, pushing back on a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Tech & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-diving can be “safer than flying” if vehicles are properly certified, as her DOER Marine prepares a new “Honu” submersible with planned first dives in French Polynesia later this year. Whale Recording Innovation: A French Polynesia-linked 3D humpback whale audio project is using a custom 3D hydrophone array plus Sennheiser gear to capture spatialized underwater soundscapes. Shipping Decarbonisation: Wind-assisted propulsion is moving into practical service: bound4blue says it has installed its eSail suction sail on the Na Hiro E Pae, a new multipurpose vessel linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands, carrying passengers, food supplies and general cargo. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger Pacific climate action ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level and calls for more climate finance and renewable investment. Pacific Games Readiness: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying facilities are on track and should be ready by early 2027. Tourism & Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions announced its 2028–29 deployment, including a return to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea. Cruise Demand Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season for 2027–28, adding ships and boosting South Pacific capacity.

Wind-Assisted Shipping: Spain’s bound4blue says it has installed its eSail suction sail on the new multipurpose Na Hiro E Pae, a first-of-its-kind fit for a vessel linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands; the 89m ship can carry 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of supplies, and is also set up for biofuel or e-fuel when available locally. Pacific Games Build-Up: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying facilities are on track and should be ready by end of Q1 2027 after site tours and briefings in Pape’ete. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific leadership—French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Cruise Industry Confidence: Royal Caribbean plans to expand its Australian fleet to three ships for 2027-28, adding two in Brisbane and bringing Ovation of the Seas back after refurbishment, boosting capacity for South Pacific itineraries including French Polynesia. Ocean Tech & Safety Narrative: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle’s DOER Marine says its “Honu” submersible will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, positioning certified deep-sea exploration as “safer than flying.”

Diabetes Watch: A new global ranking highlights how diabetes is surging unevenly, with Pakistan topping the list at 31.4% adult prevalence (2024 IDF Atlas), followed by the Marshall Islands (25.7%) and Kuwait (25.6%)—a reminder that Pacific health burdens are rising fast. Ocean Tech & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible—planned for its first French Polynesia dive later this year—can be “safer than flying” if operators are properly certified after the Titan tragedy. Whale Soundscapes: A French Polynesia-linked 3D spatial audio project captured humpback whale songs using a custom 3D hydrophone array and Sennheiser gear, aiming to make underwater acoustics more accessible. Pacific Games Build-Up: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, with facilities on track and key venues expected ready by early 2027. Wind-Assisted Shipping: A new multipurpose cargo vessel, Na Hiro E Pae, has installed a wind-assisted eSail suction sail to serve the Tahiti–Austral Islands route, carrying passengers and up to 1,500 tonnes of supplies. Tourism Capacity Moves: French Polynesia’s plan to cap visitor numbers at about 280,000 per year is shaping a more “get away from it all” travel experience. Aranui Expansion: Aranui Cruises opened bookings for 2028, adding more departures and introducing the Aranoa ship for expanded access to remote islands.

Tourism & Transport: Aranui Cruises opened bookings for its 2028 programme (46 departures across two ships), adding more access to French Polynesia’s remote islands with Aranoa and Aranui V, plus early-bird savings for bookings made before Dec 31, 2026. Shipping & Logistics: A new multipurpose cargo vessel, Na Hiro E Pae, has installed a 22-metre wind-assisted eSail suction sail to serve the Tahiti–Austral Islands route, carrying passengers, food supplies and general cargo, with engines set up for biofuel/e-fuel when available locally. Maritime Industry Innovation: Bound4blue says the suction sail retrofit was completed in Spain, marking the first known multipurpose vessel worldwide using this wind propulsion approach. Ocean Tech & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle’s DOER Marine plans its “Honu” submersible to make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, pitching deep-ocean exploration as “safer than flying” when certified. Blue Economy Research: New French Polynesia work shows reef fish metamorphosis is shaped by nursery habitat—mangrove mudflats vs sand beaches drive different hormone and energy-use pathways during the first week after settlement. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Events & Travel Demand: Pacific Games Tahiti 2027 preparations received a thumbs-up, with facilities expected ready by end of Q1 2027. Cruise Market Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger 2027–28 Australia season, expanding Brisbane capacity and positioning South Pacific itineraries as Lelepa approaches.

Deep-Sea Safety & Innovation: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says new certified deep-diving vehicles could make ocean exploration “safer than flying,” and DOER Marine’s “Honu” submersible is set for its first dive in French Polynesia later this year. Whale Sound Tech: A nature sound recordist used a custom 3D-hydrophone setup in Hawaii and French Polynesia to capture spatialized humpback whale recordings, supported by Sennheiser audio gear. Pacific Games Logistics: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, with facilities expected to be ready by early 2027 and site tours underway. Cruise & South Pacific Tourism: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian fleet for 2027-28, boosting capacity into the South Pacific as Lelepa’s opening approaches. Shipping Decarbonisation: A multipurpose cargo vessel linking Tahiti and the Austral Islands has completed installation of wind-assisted propulsion, aiming to cut fuel use while also supporting biofuel/e-fuel readiness. Aranui Expansion: Aranui Cruises opened 2028 bookings with a bigger programme across two ships, adding more itineraries to remote islands. Renewables & Grid Readiness: A French-linked energy storage firm says it won its first French Polynesia project (7.5MWh total) for a technically difficult deployment, targeting the “in-between” storage market. Marine Science: New French Polynesia research shows reef fish metamorphosis is shaped by local nursery habitat, with thyroid-hormone-driven development varying by shoreline type.

Tourism & Events: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after a week of briefings and facility tours in Papeete, with venues expected ready by end of Q1 2027. Cruise & Hospitality: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian season for 2027–28, adding more Brisbane calls and bringing Ovation of the Seas back after refurbishment, as it keeps Lelepa’s opening tied to land-based destination development. Climate Policy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, faster renewable investment, and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Shipping & Energy Transition: A new multipurpose cargo vessel linking Tahiti and the Austral Islands has installed wind-assisted propulsion (eSail suction sail), aiming to cut fuel use while also being set up for biofuel/e-fuel when available. Marine Science: New French Polynesia research shows reef fish metamorphosis is shaped by thyroid hormone signaling, with nursery habitat type (mangrove mudflat vs sand) driving different developmental outcomes. Expedition Travel: Lindblad Expeditions announced its 2028–29 deployment, including rare access to Makatea in French Polynesia. Local Travel Demand: Aranui Cruises opened 2028 bookings with an expanded fleet programme, adding more departures and itineraries to remote islands.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and Pacific COP31 Envoys, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level and ministers pointing to the Pacific Resilience Facility as a key climate finance priority. Renewables vs Oil Disruption: A look at how simultaneous Middle East chokepoint disruptions are accelerating electrification and renewable investment, with policy shifts aimed at reducing dependence on oil routes. Green Shipping for Remote Supply: Wind-assisted propulsion is landing in French Polynesia logistics: the Na Hiro E Pae multipurpose vessel has installed a 22m eSail suction sail to serve Tahiti and the Austral Islands, with biofuel/e-fuel-ready engines. Tourism Capacity & Access: Aranui Cruises opened 2028 bookings with a bigger fleet (Aranoa plus Aranui V), adding departures to remote islands and offering early-booking savings. Expedition Travel Demand: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions announced 2028–29 voyages returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea. Air Connectivity Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promo includes award flights to Papeete, Tahiti, and a separate Air Tahiti Nui/Air Tahiti codeshare makes it easier to continue from Tahiti to the Cook Islands on one ticket.

COP31 Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific climate push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, faster renewable energy investment, and stronger Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings; French Polynesia Participation: French Polynesia joined at special envoy level as ministers endorsed the COP31 Pacific Partnership and Pacific COP31 Envoys, with the Pacific Resilience Facility flagged as the top climate finance priority; Shipping & Energy Transition: A wind-assisted propulsion retrofit is now in service on the Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands, with the ship also set up for biofuel/e-fuel when available; Tourism & Connectivity: Aranui opened 2028 bookings with a bigger programme (two vessels, 46 departures) to expand access to remote islands; Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promo includes economy award fares to Papeete, Tahiti, with booking due Aug. 8, 2026; Research & Marine Industry: New French Polynesia work shows coral reef fish development shifts based on nursery habitat, driven by thyroid hormone signaling—useful for reef management and fisheries planning.

Wind & Shipping Upgrade: French Polynesia’s new multipurpose “goelettes” lifeline, Na Hiro E Pae, has received a 22-metre bound4blue eSAIL suction sail in Spain, expected to cut energy use by about 10% while serving Tahiti–Austral Islands routes for passengers and up to 1,500 tonnes of cargo. Tourism & Access: Aranui Cruises opened 2028 bookings with a bigger programme (46 departures across Aranui V and new ship Aranoa), adding more remote-island access and early-bird savings for travellers. Marine Science (Local): OIST/CRIOBE research on Moorea shows coral reef fish development is shaped by nursery habitat—thyroid-hormone-driven metamorphosis and energy use differ between mangrove mudflats and nearby sand beaches. Energy Transition Context: A wider 2026 story highlights how Middle East chokepoint disruptions are pushing governments toward electrification and renewables, with France and the EU tightening policies to reduce oil dependence. Food Exports: PTI Australia is bringing French Polynesia and other Pacific producers to Fine Food Australia 2026 (31 Aug–3 Sep) to connect with buyers. Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promo lists Papeete, Tahiti among August award options, with booking due Aug. 8, 2026. South Pacific Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti’s codeshare makes it easier to book through to the Cook Islands (including Rarotonga) on one itinerary.

Wind & Shipping Upgrade: bound4blue has installed a 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, the first known of its kind to use wind propulsion, cutting expected energy use by about 10% while serving Tahiti–Austral Islands routes with up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo. Tourism & Access: Aranui Cruises opened 2028 bookings with 46 departures across Aranui V and the new Aranoa, adding more itineraries to French Polynesia’s remote islands plus early-booking discounts. South Pacific Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promotion includes economy award fares to Papeete (Tahiti) with short-haul starts from 20,000 points, booking by Aug. 8. South Pacific Logistics & Industry: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will bring 15 food and beverage exporters from eight Pacific economies, including French Polynesia’s Bora Bora Sea Salt, to Fine Food Australia 2026 (Aug. 31–Sep. 3) to meet buyers. Marine Science for Local Reefs: OIST/CRIOBE research on Moorea shows coral reef fish development after settlement varies by nursery habitat, driven by thyroid hormone signaling and linked energy use. Expedition Travel: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ 2028–29 program returns to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea.

Wind Propulsion for Local Shipping: French Polynesia’s lifeline multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae has been delivered with bound4blue’s 22-metre eSAIL suction sail, the first known wind-propelled “goelettes” style ship of its kind, linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands while carrying up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo; the system is expected to cut energy use by about 10% alongside biofuel/e-fuel capable engines and other efficiency upgrades. Cruise Capacity Boost: Aranui Cruises opened 2028 bookings (46 departures across two ships) with expanded access via Aranoa plus Aranui V, including early-bird discounts for bookings before Dec. 31, 2026. Air Connectivity for Tahiti Travelers: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti’s codeshare partnership makes it easier to book one itinerary beyond Tahiti to the Cook Islands, including Rarotonga, with coordinated connections and baggage handling. Food Exports Push: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will bring 15 food and beverage exporters from eight Pacific economies—including French Polynesia—to Fine Food Australia 2026 (31 Aug–3 Sep) to meet buyers and distributors. Tourism Demand Management (Context): A French Polynesia tourism cap of about 280,000 visitors per year is highlighted as travelers increasingly seek quieter, less crowded island stays.