AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over mapping that could feed a federal deep-sea mining push, even as the territory maintains a moratorium; the dispute centers on whether seabed minerals offshore will be auctioned and fast-tracked despite local opposition. Congressional Process: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from the FAST-41 expedited permitting track was rejected by the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for faster federal review. Local Science & Fisheries: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee meets Sept. 8–10 in Honolulu to review American Samoa large-vessel rules around Rose Atoll and set bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Youth Tech & Safety: American Samoa’s AG announced a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook harms to teens, requiring limits like daily time caps, nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance tools. STEM Outreach: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp for ages 10–12, building robotics and engineering exposure as part of youth prevention efforts. Cyber Scams: Pacific communities were urged to prepare for AI-fueled e-commerce and phishing scams as fraud spikes.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Community voices in the Marianas are split as a new federal push points to deep-water mineral exploration, with supporters arguing for tech-backed safeguards and opponents warning of permanent habitat damage. American Samoa Protest & Policy Clash: In Pago Pago, local leaders and Greenpeace USA confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer, saying mapping and radon tests could feed a federal lease plan for millions of acres near the territory—despite American Samoa’s moratorium. Congressional Process: A House Rules Committee move blocked a bid to keep Guam/CNMI seabed mining off the FAST-41 fast-track, while the House advanced a bill that permanently adds mining and mineral processing to expedited review. Fishing Science for the Region: Western Pacific scientists will review changes to American Samoa’s Rose Atoll large-vessel rules and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Big Tech & Youth Safety: American Samoa is among jurisdictions in a $17.1B Meta settlement requiring tighter Instagram/Facebook limits for children, including daily time caps and nighttime blocks. Cybersecurity Watch: Pasifika leaders are urged to prepare for AI-fueled scams as a new Fearless Planet Index tracks digital threats in real time. STEM Bootcamp: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. STEAM Summer Bootcamp, training 10–12-year-olds in emerging tech and engineering basics. Time Change Reminder: DST is set to end Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m., with clocks falling back one hour. Regional Tech Diplomacy: The U.S. announced a Pacific IUU fishing project focused on legal support, compliance training, and non-human monitoring technologies.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The U.S. House Rules Committee blocked a bid to carve seabed mining off a bill that permanently expands FAST-41 expedited reviews, keeping pressure on Guam and Northern Mariana Islands while American Samoa’s own “Don’t Mine the Moana” push grows. Local Protest at NOAA: American Samoan community leaders and Greenpeace confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over mapping that could feed federal deep-sea mining plans, even as a proposed Nov. 19 lease sale moves forward. Policy Watch: The Western Pacific Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review American Samoa large-vessel fishing rules around Rose Atoll and set science-based bottomfish catch guidance for 2027–2030. Youth Tech & STEAM: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its PITA Jr. Summer Bootcamp, bringing hands-on STEAM and engineering basics to 10–12-year-olds. Online Safety & Teens: American Samoa’s AG announced a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement requiring major Instagram/Facebook youth-safety changes, including tighter screen-time limits and nighttime blocks. Cyber Scams: Experts warn Pasifika about AI-fueled e-shop scams and urge stronger online protections. Connectivity & Regional Role: American Samoa’s telecom CEO presented the territory’s request for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Blocked in Congress: The House Rules Committee rejected Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to keep seabed mining off the FAST-41 fast-permitting track, even as H.R. 1501 passed—raising fresh concerns that expedited reviews could weaken oversight for waters tied to American Samoa. Local Opposition to Federal Seabed Plans: American Samoan community leaders, with Greenpeace USA, confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over mapping work they fear could feed a federal deep-sea mining agenda; the protest comes as a proposed Nov. 19 lease sale targets millions of acres offshore. Youth Tech & STEAM in the Territory: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped its inaugural Pacific Innovation Technology Academy Junior (PITA Jr.) Summer Bootcamp, a three-week STEAM program for ages 10–12 built to spark engineering and robotics interest while supporting prevention efforts. Pacific Fisheries Science Update: Western Pacific scientists will review fishing rules and bottomfish catch guidance for Hawai‘i and American Samoa, including possible changes around the Rose Atoll large vessel prohibited area and a 2027–2030 bottomfish catch recommendation. Big Tech Youth Safety Settlement: Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde announced American Samoa’s share of Meta’s $17.1B multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harm claims, with new limits and age-safety requirements aimed at protecting children online. Cyber Scams Warning for Pasifika: Experts urged Pacific communities to slow down and protect themselves as AI helps scammers generate convincing fake shops and phishing, alongside the launch of a new Fearless Planet Index for tracking digital threats. Regional Tech Governance: American Samoa’s telecom authority CEO presented the territory’s request for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, arguing that time as an observer/associate is enough and pushing for stronger regional security and resilience cooperation.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: The House Rules Committee blocked Rep. James Moylan’s push to keep seabed mining off a fast-track federal permitting path (FAST-41), even as the Protecting Domestic Mining Act passed—raising fresh concerns about rushed environmental review around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Local Governance & Ocean Policy: American Samoa community leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer in Pago Pago Harbor over mapping work tied to a proposed Nov. 19 federal lease sale of about 31 million acres near the territory, despite American Samoa’s moratorium. Youth Tech Safety: AG Edward Manibusan announced American Samoa’s share of a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook harms to children, with new limits like daily time caps, nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and parental controls. STEM for Kids: The Foeoletini Foundation wrapped up its PITA Jr. Summer STEAM Bootcamp, bringing robotics and emerging tech training to village students as a prevention-focused outreach. Fisheries Science: Western Pacific scientists will review fishing rules and bottomfish catch science for Hawai‘i and American Samoa, including possible changes around Rose Atoll and a 2027–2030 bottomfish catch recommendation. Cybersecurity & Scams: Experts warned Pasifika about a surge in AI-fueled e-commerce scams and launched the Fearless Planet Index to track digital threats in near real time.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: American Samoa AG Edward Manibusan joined a landmark $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram and Facebook “addictive features” and alleged harms to teens, with Meta required to add child protections like daily time caps, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, and stronger age-assurance and content controls. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoan leaders and Greenpeace activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer during seafloor mapping tied to a planned federal deep-sea lease sale near the territory, as critics warn the push could bring the first commercial seabed mining in U.S. domestic waters. Cybersecurity & Scams: Pasifika communities were urged to step up online safety as AI-powered fraud surges, with Norton highlighting a sharp rise in e-shop scams and calling for smarter consumer defenses. Regional Tech & Data: NOAA also announced deep-ocean expeditions around American Samoa using ROVs and live-streamed dives, with datasets planned for public release to support future marine policy. Governance & Records: A proposed closure of the San Francisco National Archives office drew pushback from scholars over access to key American Samoa and Pacific history records. STEM in Schools: The American Samoa Department of Education highlighted student participation in a drone competition as a hands-on STEM boost.

Deep-Sea Science vs. Mining: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor in a new expedition (EX2606), with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases—right as the U.S. moves toward a first commercial seabed-mining lease sale near the territory. Local Tech & Youth: American Samoa’s Finafinau founder used radio contact with the NOAA ship to welcome ocean science while pushing back on plans to map and quantify deep-sea minerals. Cybersecurity for Pasifika: Norton NZ says AI-driven scams are surging, with e-shop fraud jumping sharply; a new Fearless Planet Index aims to track digital threats in real time. Big Tech Youth Safety: American Samoa’s AG says Meta will pay $17.1B in a multistate settlement and add stricter teen protections on Instagram and Facebook, including time limits and nighttime blocks. Regional Governance: American Samoa’s telecom CEO presented a bid for full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, arguing the territory has waited long enough as an observer/associate. Timekeeping Watch: DST ends Nov. 1, 2026 (clocks fall back at 2 a.m.), unless Congress passes a permanent change.

Deep-Sea Mining Clash: American Samoa community leaders and Greenpeace USA activists confronted NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer, warning that mapping offshore minerals could feed a proposed Interior lease sale (about 31.4 million acres) and potentially enable the first commercial deep-sea mining in U.S. domestic waters. NOAA Exploration Update: NOAA says its Okeanos Explorer expedition will use ROV dives and sonar to build a first scientific picture of American Samoa’s seafloor, with live-streamed dives and public data releases—while regulators move toward a Nov. 19, 2026 lease auction. Archives Access Fight: A proposed closure of the San Francisco National Archives office has drawn pushback from scholars, citing major records on Hawaiʻi and American Samoa and fears of long delays and higher costs if materials are moved. Youth Tech Rules: American Samoa is included in a multistate Meta settlement (up to $17.1B) requiring stronger age assurance and teen protections on Instagram/Facebook, including time limits and nighttime blocks. Cybersecurity & Scams: Pacific communities are urged to guard against surging online scams as AI helps criminals spin up convincing fake shops and phishing fast. Regional Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation asked to become a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum, arguing its long observer/associate role is enough.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as the U.S. moves toward its first commercial seabed-mining lease auction near the territory (Nov. 19), raising fresh questions about environmental risk versus critical minerals for tech and batteries. Youth Tech Regulation: American Samoa’s attorney general says Meta will pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement and must add major Instagram/Facebook youth-safety rules—two-hour daily limits, nighttime blocks, stronger age checks, and tighter controls—while critics argue the deal still expands surveillance. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: American Samoa’s delegation at the Pacific Islands Forum is asking to become a full member, pitching regional initiatives tied to peace, resilience, and shared ocean interests. Cyber Scams Alert: Pasifika leaders are urged to protect themselves as AI-driven scams surge, with a new Fearless Planet Index tracking digital threats in near real time. Local Archives Under Threat: Scholars and community members oppose a proposed closure of the San Francisco National Archives office, warning it could delay access to key records on American Samoa and the Samoas. Meta Settlement Fallout: The same Meta deal is triggering state-by-state implementation details and court approval steps across the U.S., with American Samoa included in the affected jurisdictions.

Youth Safety Tech: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement over claims Instagram and Facebook addiction harms teens, including American Samoa; the deal requires new safeguards like two-hour daily limits, nighttime blocks, stronger age assurance, and tighter controls on harmful content. Cybersecurity & Scams: Pacific communities are being urged to prepare for surging online scams as AI helps criminals spin up convincing fake shops, pop-ups, and phishing fast, with a new Fearless Planet Index tracking threats in near real time. Deep-Sea Exploration: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor with ROV dives and sonar, feeding public datasets as the U.S. moves toward a major seabed minerals lease sale. Ocean Minerals Policy: A separate report says the U.S. is pushing toward offshore critical-mineral leasing near American Samoa, raising both supply hopes and environmental concerns. Regional Governance: American Samoa’s delegation asked to become a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum, arguing observer time is enough and calling for stronger regional unity.

Youth Safety & Big Tech: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement tied to claims of addictive design and harms to teens, including American Samoa; the deal (pending court approval) requires tighter Instagram/Facebook limits like a combined two-hour daily cap, nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour push notifications, stronger age checks, and added controls for bullying and self-harm. Local Impact: American Samoa’s share is reported at $1.1M, while other states’ payouts range from hundreds of millions to over $700M, with funds aimed at youth mental health and digital literacy. Deep-Sea Tech for AS: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor as part of critical-mineral exploration, pairing ROV dives with sonar and planning public data releases. Seabed Minerals Policy: The same mineral push is tied to a proposed federal seabed lease sale near American Samoa, with regulatory action and legal challenges moving in parallel. Cybersecurity for Pasifika: Experts warn of surging AI-fueled online scams and point to a new Fearless Planet Index tracking digital threats in real time.

Ocean Mapping & Policy Clash: NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer is mapping American Samoa’s seafloor with ROV dives and multibeam sonar as the U.S. moves toward a Nov. 19, 2026 seabed minerals lease sale—while a Hawaii court case challenges the plan. Deep-Sea Minerals Race: Separate coverage frames the push for critical minerals near American Samoa as a strategic supply move, even as critics warn about lasting environmental harm. Youth Tech Rules: American Samoa’s attorney general says the territory will receive $1.1 million from a landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement, with Meta required to add major Instagram/Facebook safety limits for kids and teens. Pacific Security & Infrastructure: The U.S. and New Zealand back a $60 million port project on Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, highlighting Pacific competition and access to the wider region. Space Science Naming: NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is spotlighted for being named after real-life astronomer Nancy Grace Roman. Timekeeping Watch: California’s fall “clocks back” debate continues as Congress considers making daylight saving time permanent.

Deep-Sea Exploration: NOAA announced deep-sea mapping expeditions around American Samoa aboard the Okeanos Explorer, using high-resolution surveys and live-streamed ROV dives, with resulting geophysical and biological data set for public release. Youth Tech Safety: American Samoa is included in a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth addiction claims; Meta must add child-safety rules like daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime blocks, stronger age checks, and tighter content controls, with American Samoa set to receive about $1.1M. Pacific Geopolitics & Ports: The US and New Zealand plan a major $60M port development on the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn atoll, a former WWII base, as Pacific influence competition intensifies. Critical Minerals Push: The US is moving toward a seabed critical-minerals lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa, aiming to speed exploration and processing while critics warn about environmental harm. Local STEM: American Samoa’s Department of Education tech integration program director says a RECF aerial drone competition helped remote students imagine STEM possibilities beyond the island.

Child-Safety Tech Crackdown: American Samoa is set to receive $1.1 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over alleged Instagram and Facebook addiction features, with the company also required to roll out major youth protections like daily time limits and “productive pauses.” Deep-Sea Minerals Race: NOAA announced deep exploration expeditions mapping American Samoa’s seafloor for offshore critical minerals, with live-streamed ROV dives and public data releases aimed at shaping future marine policy. Pacific Security & Resources: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau will test whether island nations can keep a common voice as the U.S., China, and partners compete for influence and ocean resources. DST Update: Daylight Saving Time may end permanently if Congress passes the Sunshine Protection Act, but for now the scheduled 2026 switch still points to Nov. 1. Sports Tech & Culture: FIBA Oceania unveiled a new turtle-based logo for the 2026 Polynesian Cup, tying regional identity to a new STEM-friendly youth sports spotlight.

NOAA Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA announced two deep-sea expeditions to map American Samoa’s seafloor with high-resolution tools and a remotely operated vehicle, with live-streamed dives and public release of collected data to support marine policy and critical mineral research. Youth Tech Rules: A landmark multistate settlement has Meta agreeing to pay up to about $18B and roll out major child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram, including tighter teen usage limits, nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and limits on certain content and engagement features—covering American Samoa among the participating territories. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders are set to meet in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, aiming to strengthen regional control over security and ocean resources amid intensifying U.S.-China competition. Local STEM Opportunity: American Samoa’s Department of Education is encouraging students to join an aerial drone competition as a hands-on STEM push that expands what learners can imagine beyond the island. Tech & Culture in Sports: FIBA Oceania unveiled a new Polynesian Cup logo and branding for the 2026 men’s and women’s tournaments, tying the design to Polynesian tatau-inspired turtle artwork ahead of the Pacific Games 2027. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: U.S. territories are pushing back on plans to explore deep-sea mining in the Pacific, raising concerns about pace and environmental impacts.

Deep-Sea Exploration: NOAA announced two deep-sea expeditions to map American Samoa’s seafloor aboard the Okeanos Explorer, including live-streamed ROV dives and plans to release collected data to public repositories to guide future marine policy. Youth Tech Safety: A sweeping multistate settlement has Meta agreeing to pay up to about $18B and roll out major child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram—two-hour daily limits for teens, nighttime blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, stronger age checks, and limits on certain content and engagement features— with American Samoa included among participating territories. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders are set to meet in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, focusing on how island nations can keep more control over security and ocean resources as China, the U.S., and partners compete for influence. STEM in Schools: American Samoa’s Department of Education is encouraging students to join an aerial drone competition through RECF, framing it as a hands-on STEM push that expands students’ horizons beyond the island. Local Tech & Culture Sports: FIBA Oceania unveiled new Polynesian Cup and Women’s Polynesian Cup branding featuring a turtle inspired by Polynesian tatau art, timed ahead of the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti.