AGP Executive Report

Marine Recovery in the Marshalls: Scientists on a National Geographic Pristine Seas mission say Ujelang Atoll in the western Marshall Islands is bouncing back after decades of nuclear exile, with divers reporting sharks, turtles, large groupers and diverse fish despite minor climate stress. Ocean Governance & Funding: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine told a Tokyo ocean summit that island states need better access to finance, technology, scientific data and capacity-building to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution. Shipping Decarbonisation Push: Pacific transport ministers meeting in Majuro are set to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to coordinate low-carbon shipping and seek Green Climate Fund support for a demonstration fleet. RMI Environmental Cleanup: The U.S. Coast Guard and the RMI Environmental Protection Authority are working on surveys and cleanup of now-closed LORAN stations, including potential PCB contamination, to protect community health and the environment. Food Safety Rules for Pacific Seafood: EU training in Suva for Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu prepares authorities for new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU.

Maritime Security in the Gulf: The Arab League chief urged the UN Security Council to act over recent oil tanker attacks in the Arabian Gulf and attacks on Saudi Arabia, warning of “dangerous” escalation. Sanctions and Shipping Disruptions: The US announced fresh sanctions as Iran-linked claims of “warning shots” at US vessels were denied by Centcom, while an Oman oil terminal briefly suspended loading after an explosion near its mooring. RMI Environment Cleanup: The US Coast Guard and the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority are working to survey and clean up now-closed LORAN stations, including potential PCB contamination, with RMI calling for future joint action. Ocean Recovery in the Marshalls: Scientists on a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition report Ujelang Atoll is showing strong marine recovery after decades of nuclear exile and isolation, with sharks, turtles, and diverse habitats. Climate Mobility Policy: Pacific governments adopted regional guidance on planned relocation as a last resort for communities facing sea-level rise and extreme weather, stressing rights and cultural protection. Fisheries Market Access: EU food-safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, with regional training in Suva supporting compliance for continued seafood exports. Pacific Ocean Leadership: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine told a Tokyo summit island states need more finance, technology, and data to manage oceans amid climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution. Low-Carbon Shipping Push: Transport ministers in Majuro are set to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to pursue climate finance for low-carbon vessels and cut diesel dependence.

Climate Mobility Policy: Pacific governments rolled out the Pacific Regional Guidance on Planned Relocation (PAC-GIPR), built on earlier regional frameworks, to help communities manage long-term climate displacement as a last resort—centering human rights, Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and community decision-making. Ocean Governance & Finance: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine told a Tokyo summit that island states need better access to finance, technology, scientific data, and capacity-building to protect oceans amid climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution. Marine Recovery in the Marshalls: Scientists on a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition report Ujelang Atoll in the western Marshall Islands is bouncing back after decades of nuclear exile, with diverse marine life including sharks, turtles, and groupers—though minor climate stress is showing. Pollution Cleanup Cooperation: The U.S. Coast Guard and the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority are working on cleanup of now-closed LORAN stations, including assessing potential PCB contamination to protect community health and the environment. Sustainable Shipping Push: Transport ministers from 10 Pacific countries are meeting in Majuro to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to cut diesel dependence, unlock climate finance, and consider a Green Climate Fund bid for low-carbon vessel demonstrations. Food Safety for Seafood Exports: Fiji hosted training for Pacific regulators on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU.

EU Food Safety Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials met in Suva for training on new EU freezer-vessel requirements under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at fixing cold-brine temperature failures that EU auditors found—rules expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels. Marine Recovery in the Marshalls: Scientists on a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition report Ujelang Atoll in the western Marshall Islands is rebounding after decades without permanent settlement, with divers seeing sharks, turtles, groupers and jacks, alongside minor climate-stress signs. RMI Pollution Cleanup: The U.S. Coast Guard and the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority are working to survey and clean up now-closed LORAN stations, including potential PCB contamination, as part of environmental obligations under the Compact of Free Association. Ocean Governance in Tokyo: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine told the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo that island nations need better access to finance, technology, scientific data and capacity-building to manage oceans amid climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution. Low-Carbon Shipping Push: Pacific transport ministers meeting in Majuro will launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, weighing a $300 million Green Climate Fund bid for low-carbon vessels and regional shipping transitions. Fisheries Integrity: A global treaty update highlights how the UN FAO Port State Measures Agreement has helped curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing over the past decade.

Marshall Islands Environment & Cleanup: The U.S. Coast Guard and the RMI Environmental Protection Authority are working to survey and clean up now-closed LORAN stations, with officials flagging possible PCB contamination from old electrical equipment and calling it part of the Compact of Free Association environmental obligations. Pacific Low-Carbon Shipping: Transport ministers from 10 Pacific countries are meeting in Majuro to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to shift regional shipping away from diesel, unlock climate finance, and consider a $300 million Green Climate Fund bid for a low-carbon demonstration fleet. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: A UN FAO treaty effort is credited with cutting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing harm over the past decade, highlighting the Port State Measures Agreement as a key tool for stronger port controls and enforcement. Maritime Justice for RMI: The Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding more than $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the Heroic Idun crew, including payments tied to mistreatment. Energy Costs & Resilience: A Marshall Islands-focused op-ed argues that rising electricity and fuel prices make shorter work schedules more than a productivity debate—framing it as an island survival cost issue. Regional Forestry for Climate Resilience: FAO reports Samoa forestry officers completed training in sustainable teak and pine production in Fiji, aimed at closing technical gaps and strengthening resilience to climate and ecosystem pressures.

Maritime Decarbonisation: Transport ministers and senior officials from 10 Pacific countries are set to meet in Majuro to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to cut diesel dependence and emissions by unlocking climate finance, drafting National Action Plans for the International Maritime Organization, and considering a $300 million Green Climate Fund bid for a low-carbon demonstration fleet. Energy Costs & Resilience: A new FAO-supported forestry training exchange in Fiji is building climate resilience through sustainable teak and pine seed propagation and harvesting skills—capacity that matters for island ecosystems under extreme weather pressure. Local Climate Risk: A brewing El Niño could bring drought to the Marshall Islands later this year, reviving memories of the 1997–98 dry spell when Majuro’s reservoir ran low and emergency water support was needed. Regional Shipping & Law: The Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding more than $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, including payments tied to mistreatment of the crew. Fuel & Work Impacts: A Majuro op-ed links rising electricity and fuel prices to survival costs, arguing that reducing daily working hours could ease pressure on island households and businesses.

Pacific Maritime Decarbonisation: Transport ministers from 10 Pacific countries are meeting in Majuro to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to formalise a charter and set up an office and council, with a key focus on unlocking climate finance for low-carbon vessels, including a proposed $300 million Green Climate Fund application. Marshall Islands in the Spotlight: The Marshall Islands is also linked to major shipping developments, from regional decarbonisation plans to a recent International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea compensation ruling over the 2022 detention of the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Heroic Idun. Fuel, Cost, and Climate Pressure: A separate report highlights how high fuel prices hit remote island and rural communities hardest, underscoring why shipping transitions and energy resilience matter. Iran Sanctions and Shipping Risks: The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including vessels flagged by the Marshall Islands, showing how geopolitical shocks can ripple into maritime routes and costs. Pacific Climate Media Support: SPREP-backed training will help Pacific media better cover weather and climate stories, supporting community resilience as extreme conditions intensify.

Pacific Shipping Decarbonisation: Transport ministers and senior officials from 10 Pacific countries are meeting in Majuro to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to formalise a charter and seek $300 million from the Green Climate Fund for a low-carbon demonstration fleet and national action plans to cut diesel dependence. Marshall Islands in the Spotlight: The Majuro talks come as the Marshall Islands also welcomed a major ITLOS compensation ruling over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, with the tribunal awarding over $14 million and citing humane treatment and marine-trade rules. Fuel, Costs, and Climate Pressure: A separate report from Western Alaska shows how high fuel prices can hit remote communities hard—an echo of the pressures Pacific islands face when shipping costs rise. Sanctions With Maritime Links: The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including Marshall Islands-flagged vessels, underscoring how shipping routes and vessel management can become part of environmental and security risks. Ocean Resilience Media: SPREP-backed efforts are training Pacific media to better cover weather and climate impacts, supporting community resilience as extreme conditions intensify.

Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership: Majuro will host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership ministerial meeting next month, where 10 Pacific countries will push to cut diesel dependence and emissions in regional shipping, draft National Action Plans for the International Maritime Organization, and consider a proposed $300 million Green Climate Fund package for a low-carbon demonstration fleet; the Marshall Islands’ inter-island vessel Juren Ae is already reporting fuel savings of more than 50% using sails, solar, and design upgrades. Marshall Islands maritime justice: The Republic of the Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding over $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Heroic Idun, including more than $4 million for mistreatment of the crew, with the case tied to detention in Equatorial Guinea and 288 days held before release. Iran oil sanctions with Pacific links: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Flora among eight sanctioned vessels, alongside multiple shipping firms and entities in Hong Kong and Dubai. Climate and resilience reporting: SPREP-backed efforts are set to train Pacific media to better report weather and climate for community resilience, including coverage linked to upcoming Pacific meteorology meetings in Tonga. El Niño watch for the Marshall Islands: Coverage flags a brewing “Super El Niño” later this year, raising concerns for drought risk in the Marshall Islands based on past El Niño impacts. Regional ocean governance: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr is co-chairing the inaugural Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, with expected outcomes aimed at biodiversity, climate change, and ocean governance ahead of COP31. Population pressure: A U.S. GAO report warns the Marshall Islands and FSM face steep population declines from migration, threatening long-term sustainability of schools, health systems, and infrastructure.

Pacific Climate Reporting: SPREP is backing a regional media workshop (Sept 17–18) to help Pacific journalists cover weather and climate impacts, with selected reporters also joining Tonga’s Pacific Meteorological Council and Ministers meetings. Low-Carbon Shipping Push: Majuro will host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership ministerial meeting, where 10 Pacific countries will draft National Action Plans to cut diesel dependence and unlock climate finance; the Marshall Islands’ sail-and-solar inter-island vessel Juren Ae is already reporting 50%+ fuel savings. Marshall Islands Maritime Win: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea awarded the Republic of the Marshall Islands over $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, including more than $4 million for crew mistreatment. Sanctions With Maritime Links: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions on vessels and firms, including a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker (Flora), targeting alleged “dark fleet” oil trade that funds Iran’s military. Ocean Governance Spotlight: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr is co-chairing the inaugural Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, aiming to feed biodiversity, climate, and ocean governance priorities into COP31 negotiations. People & Environment: A U.S. GAO report warns the Marshall Islands and FSM face steep population declines from migration, raising long-term risks for schools, health systems, and infrastructure.

Low-Carbon Shipping Push: Majuro will host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership (PBSP) Ministerial Meeting, where transport ministers from 10 Pacific countries will draft National Action Plans to cut diesel dependence and unlock climate finance; the Marshall Islands’ inter-island vessel Juren Ae is already reporting 50%+ fuel savings using sails, solar, and design upgrades. Marshall Islands Maritime Win: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea awarded the Republic of the Marshall Islands more than $14 million over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, including over $4 million for crew mistreatment—its largest compensation award ever. Iran Sanctions With Shipping Links: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Flora, targeting vessels and companies accused of moving Iranian crude and petroleum products via “dark fleet” routes. Pacific Media for Climate Resilience: SPREP-backed efforts will train Pacific journalists to better report weather and climate risks, feeding into regional meteorology meetings in Tonga. Population Pressure: A U.S. GAO report says the Marshall Islands and FSM have seen steep population declines from migration, straining labor and the long-term sustainability of schools, health systems, and infrastructure. Nuclear Justice: Kiribati and the Marshall Islands renewed calls at the UN for nuclear justice, citing ongoing health and community harms from historic testing.

Pacific Climate Media: SPREP is coordinating a regional media workshop (17–18 Sept) to boost Pacific journalists’ ability to report on weather and climate, with selected reporters covering PMC8 and the Pacific Meteorology Ministers Meeting in Tonga. Low-Carbon Shipping: Majuro will host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership ministerial meeting, where 10 Pacific countries will push a shift away from diesel toward low-carbon transport, using National Action Plans to unlock climate finance; the Marshall Islands’ inter-island vessel Juren Ae is already cutting fuel use by over 50% with sails and solar. Marshall Islands Maritime Win: The Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding more than $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, including over $4 million for crew mistreatment. Iran Oil Sanctions: The US Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker (Flora), as tensions continue around Hormuz shipping. Climate Risk Ahead: Reports warn a brewing El Niño could bring major drought risk to the Marshall Islands later this year. Population Pressure: A US GAO report says the Marshall Islands’ population fell about 20% from 2011 to 2021, raising concerns for long-term services and infrastructure.

Maritime & Climate Transition: Majuro is set to host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership ministerial meeting, where transport leaders from 10 Pacific countries will push a shift away from diesel toward low-carbon shipping, backed by national action plans and a proposed $300 million Green Climate Fund package; the Marshall Islands’ inter-island vessel Juren Ae is already reporting fuel savings of more than 50% using sails, solar, and design upgrades. Flag-State & Legal Accountability: The Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding over $14 million in compensation to the Republic of the Marshall Islands over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, including more than $4 million for crew mistreatment—its largest compensation award ever by the tribunal. Iran Sanctions With Direct Shipping Links: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker (Flora) among eight sanctioned vessels, plus more than 15 entities tied to the “dark fleet” shipping network. Pacific Security Infrastructure: India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan (Quad) announced plans to jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure, with Suva and Lautoka named first—framed as a way to strengthen Pacific logistics and challenge supply-chain dominance. People & Resilience: A new GAO report warns population declines in the Marshall Islands and FSM are straining labor and long-term sustainability of schools, health systems, and infrastructure.

Pacific Low-Carbon Shipping: Majuro is set to host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership (PBSP) Ministerial Meeting, where transport ministers from 10 Pacific countries will push plans to shift regional shipping away from diesel toward low-carbon transport, including national action plans for the International Maritime Organization and a proposed $300 million Green Climate Fund-backed demonstration fleet; the Marshall Islands’ inter-island vessel Juren Ae is already reporting fuel savings of more than 50% using sails, solar, and design upgrades. Marshall Islands Maritime Justice: The Republic of the Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding more than $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun and its crew, including over $4 million for crew mistreatment, with the case tied to a detention lasting 288 days. Quad Ports for Future Cooperation (Fiji): India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan announced plans to jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure under the Quad, with first ports flagged for Suva and Lautoka—raising questions about whether the move could become another U.S.-China flashpoint in Pacific supply chains. El Niño Watch for RMI: Reports say a brewing El Niño could intensify later this year, reviving drought concerns for the Marshall Islands after the 1997–98 event left reservoirs dry and required emergency water support. Iran Oil Sanctions Touch Marshall-Flagged Shipping: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker (Flora), underscoring how enforcement actions can ripple into Pacific-linked shipping.

Pacific Low-Carbon Shipping: Majuro will host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership ministerial meeting next weekend, where transport leaders from 10 Pacific countries will push a shift away from diesel toward low-carbon shipping, backed by climate finance and national action plans for the International Maritime Organization; the plan also points to a proposed $300 million Green Climate Fund push for a low-carbon demonstration fleet, with the Marshall Islands’ sail-and-solar inter-island vessel Juren Ae already reporting fuel savings of 50%+. Marshall Islands Maritime Justice: The Republic of the Marshall Islands won a major ITLOS ruling over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, securing more than $14 million in compensation, including over $4 million for crew mistreatment. Iran Sanctions With Marshall Links: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker (Flora) and other vessels and firms accused of moving Iranian crude and petrochemicals via “dark fleet” channels. Pacific Security & Ports: The Quad’s plan to jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure is framed as a bid to challenge China’s Pacific supply-chain dominance—an issue that could reshape regional shipping routes and influence. Climate Risk Watch: A brewing El Niño is flagged as a potential “super” event later this year, raising renewed drought concerns for the Marshall Islands. People & Resilience: A new GAO report warns population decline in the Marshall Islands is straining labor and long-term sustainability of schools, health systems, and infrastructure.

Low-Carbon Shipping Push: Majuro will host the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership ministerial meeting, where transport ministers from 10 Pacific countries will map National Action Plans to cut diesel dependence and unlock climate finance for low-carbon vessels; the Marshall Islands’ inter-island Juren Ae is already reporting fuel savings of 50%+ using sails, solar, and design upgrades. Marshall Islands Legal Win: The Republic of the Marshall Islands welcomed an ITLOS ruling awarding more than $14 million in compensation over the 2022 detention of the VLCC Heroic Idun, including over $4 million for crew mistreatment. Iran Sanctions With MI-Flag Link: The US Treasury and State Departments imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s military-linked oil trade, including a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker (Flora) and other vessels and firms accused of moving Iranian crude and petrochemicals via “dark fleet” channels. Climate Risk Reminder: A new GAO report warns population decline is straining Marshall Islands and FSM economies and services, as residents migrate for jobs, education, and healthcare. Weather Watch: Reports highlight a brewing El Niño that could bring drought risk to the Marshall Islands later this year.