AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Clash: Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML) have launched new cases at ITLOS’ Seabed Disputes Chamber, seeking provisional measures against the International Seabed Authority after being flagged for possible non-compliance without a lawful process—raising big questions for contractors trying to protect their future exploitation prospects. Ocean Policy in Practice: Palau’s President has signed an Ocean Sustainability Policy to balance conservation, development and community needs as sea levels rise and marine pressures grow. Regional Fisheries Shock for Tokelau: Tokelau has exited the Nauru Agreement’s tuna framework, putting at risk up to two-thirds of government revenue by losing access to the Vessel Day Scheme—while New Zealand says it is ready to support efforts to reverse the decision. Cybercrime Cooperation: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide coordination as PILON finalises a regional cybercrime legislation handbook, with Nauru among the participants. Sports & Youth Investment: Kiribati has won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with plans for new facilities and a Games Village. Agribusiness Push: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate finale highlighted agribusiness innovation and entrepreneurship for MSMEs.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Nauru and Tonga-backed firms NORI and TOML have launched fresh ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber cases (Cases 34 and 35) against the International Seabed Authority, seeking provisional measures after ISA flagged them for possible contract non-compliance without due process—raising stakes as exploitation rules and benefit-sharing terms are still being drafted. Regional Fisheries Finance: Tokelau’s sudden exit from the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) is expected to cut up to two-thirds of government revenue by removing access to the Vessel Day Scheme, with New Zealand confirming the termination and saying it will support Tokelau’s efforts to reverse it. Cybercrime & Digital Borders: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination through PILON’s regional handbook push, with Nauru among participating jurisdictions—aimed at strengthening laws and legal responses as digital threats grow. Energy Costs Watch: Nauru has raised diesel retail price caps again (about +40% for diesel), alongside other Pacific fuel moves, keeping pressure on household and business operating costs. Ocean Policy & Blue Economy: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity on ocean governance, warning that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could erode Pacific control over priorities.

Regional Finance Outlook: Australia’s big banks (ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB) now expect the RBA to stay on hold this year, with cash-rate cuts starting mid-2027, while Westpac still forecasts a hike later in 2026 and no cuts until 2028—another sign Pacific households and businesses will keep planning around volatile borrowing costs. Fisheries Revenue Shock for Tokelau: Tokelau has exited the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) and is set to lose access to the Vessel Day Scheme, risking up to two-thirds of government revenue; New Zealand says it’s ready to support Tokelau’s efforts to rejoin. Seabed Minerals & UNCLOS Tensions: Mining companies backed by Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority after possible contract non-compliance flags—raising the stakes for Pacific control of deep-sea resources. Cybercrime Law Push in the Blue Pacific: Fiji is driving Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination and a regional legal handbook, with Nauru among participating jurisdictions, as digital threats accelerate. Nauru in the Energy Mix: Nauru has raised diesel price caps again, lifting maximum retail prices by about 40% versus February, keeping pressure on transport and operating costs.

Tokelau Autonomy Shock: New Zealand has terminated Tokelau’s participation in the PNA Vessel Day Scheme, risking the territory losing up to two-thirds of government revenue and leaving it exposed to a major fisheries income gap. Nauru Governance Push: Nauru launched Phase II of its NAIG-II governance project with UNDP support, aiming to strengthen institutions, public trust, and citizen participation across key state bodies. Pacific Cybercrime Coordination: Fiji is hosting a PILON meeting to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook, bringing together legal experts including Nauru to help countries update laws and protect digital economies. Deep-Sea Mining vs UNCLOS: Mining companies backed by Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority after possible contract non-compliance flags tied to Pacific exploration. Fuel Costs Bite Hard: A Pacific Business Brief reports fuel price pressure continues, with Nauru raising diesel caps and other countries tightening measures as energy costs feed inflation and service disruptions. Ocean Governance Warning: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity on ocean control, warning geopolitical rivalry and outside funding could erode Pacific-led decision-making. Kiribati 2030 Games Bid Wins: Kiribati secured the 2030 Micronesian Games hosting rights, with preparations already underway for facilities and a Games Village.

Nauru Governance & Accountability: Nauru launched Phase II of the NAIG-II project, a UNDP-backed push to strengthen institutions and public trust, linking Parliament, the Electoral Commission, the justice sector and civil society to improve citizen participation. Pacific Cybercrime Cooperation: Fiji hosted a PILON meeting to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook, with Nauru among the countries involved, aiming to help Pacific states keep laws and enforcement aligned with fast-changing digital threats. Pacific Energy Costs: A regional fuel-price squeeze continues, with Nauru raising diesel retail price caps by nearly 40% and petrol by about 20%—a reminder that energy costs remain a direct business risk across the Blue Pacific. Ocean Governance & Independence: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific unity on World Ocean Day, warning that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could erode Pacific control of ocean priorities. Deep-Sea Mining & UNCLOS: Mining companies backed by Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority after contract compliance concerns were raised. Regional Fisheries Finance Shock: Tokelau faces a major budget hit after being expelled from the PNA Vessel Day Scheme, threatening up to two-thirds of government revenue. Media Business Model: The Guardian highlighted how reader-funded revenue has surged globally, including support from readers in small places like Nauru—an example of how audience funding can reshape business resilience.

Nauru Governance: Nauru has launched Phase II of the NAIG-II project, a whole-of-government push with UNDP support (backed by Australia and New Zealand) to strengthen institutions like Parliament, the Electoral Commission, the justice sector and civil society participation. Pacific Business & Energy: Fuel costs remain a pressure point across the region, with Nauru raising its diesel price caps again—around a 40% jump to about AU$2.9 per litre—while Samoa moved to an “amber alert” posture that could trigger power shedding and remote learning. Ocean Economy & Security: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that militarisation and dependence on outside funding could weaken Pacific control of ocean governance. Cybercrime Cooperation: Fiji is hosting work to finalise a Pacific cybercrime legislation handbook, with Nauru among the legal teams involved. Regional Trade Rules: The EU’s new food safety requirements for freezer vessels are expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with training held in Suva for national competent authorities. Deep-Sea Mining: Mining companies linked to Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority over alleged contract non-compliance. Sports & Infrastructure: Kiribati won the bid to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with preparations now underway for new facilities and a Games Village.

Nauru Governance & Institutions: Nauru launched Phase II of the NAIG-II project, a whole-of-government push with UNDP support (backed by Australia and New Zealand) to strengthen Parliament, the Electoral Commission, justice services and civil society participation. Nauru Fuel Costs: Nauru raised diesel and petrol retail price caps again, with diesel up about 40% to around AU$2.9 per litre and petrol up about 20%, as Pacific energy pressures continue. Deep-Sea Mining & UNCLOS: Mining companies sponsored by Nauru and Tonga filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority after being flagged as possibly non-compliant with deep-sea exploration contracts. Regional Cybercrime Cooperation: Nauru is among Pacific states working with Fiji to finalise a regional cybercrime legislation handbook under PILON, aiming to strengthen laws and “digital borders.” Pacific Ocean Economy: World Ocean Day coverage highlighted calls for Pacific-led ocean governance and economic independence, while fisheries reporting reiterated how regional tuna management underpins hundreds of millions in annual licensing value.

Deep-Sea Mining & UNCLOS: Mining companies backed by Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority after the ISA flagged possible contract non-compliance tied to deep-sea exploration in the Pacific. Regional Cybercrime Push: Legal officials from across the Blue Pacific, including Nauru, are finalising a regional cybercrime legislation handbook in Fiji to help countries strengthen laws and defenses as digital threats grow. Nauru Governance Upgrade: Nauru launched Phase II of the NAIG-II governance project with UNDP support, aiming to improve public services, strengthen institutions, and boost citizen participation. Fuel Costs Hit Households: Nauru raised diesel and petrol price caps again—diesel up about 40% to around AU$2.9/litre—while other Pacific states also tightened measures as energy costs keep climbing. Ocean Economy & Food Safety: Pacific states are preparing for EU rules that could affect most EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, while a major report highlights how regional tuna cooperation has kept stocks healthy and generated hundreds of millions for Pacific economies.

Nauru Governance: Nauru launched Phase II of the NAIG-II project to strengthen institutions and deliver better public services, bringing Parliament, the Electoral Commission, the justice sector and civil society into a more connected governance system. Pacific Cybercrime: Fiji is pushing Pacific-wide cybercrime coordination as legal officers in Nadi finalise a regional handbook to help countries strengthen laws and protect digital economies, with Nauru among the participants. Ocean Economy & Control: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor used World Ocean Day to warn that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific control of ocean governance and priorities. Fuel Costs Hit Budgets: Pacific Business Brief reports fuel price pressure continues, including Nauru raising diesel and petrol caps again—another cost squeeze for households and businesses. EU Seafood Compliance: EU food-safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect most EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with training in Suva aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market. Tuna Revenue Model: A new FFA report says Pacific tuna management has kept major stocks healthy while generating hundreds of millions annually for Pacific economies. Regional Finance Shock: Tokelau faces a major budget hit after being terminated from the PNA Vessel Day Scheme, threatening a large share of government revenue. Sports & Hosting: Kiribati was selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, while Nauru is set to host the 2028 edition.

Cybercrime & Digital Borders: Pacific legal officials met in Fiji to finalise a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with Nauru among participants in the PILON subcommittee work. Nauru Governance & Institutions: Nauru launched Phase II of the NAIG-II governance project with UNDP support, aiming to improve services, public trust, and citizen participation across key institutions. Nauru Detention Fallout: Nauru issued a rare “friendly and welcoming” statement after a whistleblower allegation of “serious threats of physical violence” toward non-citizens removed there under Australia’s offshore arrangements. Fuel Costs & Household Pressure: Pacific Business Brief coverage flags continued fuel price strain, including Nauru raising diesel caps by nearly 40% and petrol by about 20%. Tobacco Crackdown: Nauru introduced a one-day annual tobacco sale and import ban under a new law, with fines and prison penalties for breaches. Ocean Economy & Food Safety: EU rules training in Suva targets freezer-vessel compliance affecting most EU-listed Pacific vessels, while a separate report highlights two decades of Pacific tuna governance generating hundreds of millions for regional economies. Regional Security Watch: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact, underscoring ongoing Pacific power and security recalculations.

Ocean Governance & Funding Dependence: Former Pacific Islands Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor warned that rising geopolitical rivalry and reliance on foreign funding could weaken Pacific-led decision-making, urging stronger economic independence and protection of regional ocean institutions. Nauru Agreement Tuna Revenue Shock: Tokelau faces a major budget hit after being abruptly removed from the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Vessel Day Scheme, potentially losing up to two-thirds of government revenue. Deep-Sea Mining Race: A new report links seabed-mineral deals to US-China competition, noting agreements already involving Nauru and Tonga (US) and Kiribati and the Cook Islands (China). Nauru Governance Partnership: Nauru launched Phase II of the NAIG-II governance project with UNDP support to strengthen institutions and public services. Fuel Costs & Price Caps: Pacific fuels remain under pressure; Nauru raised diesel and petrol retail caps again, with diesel up about 40% versus February. EU Seafood Rule Impact: EU training targets new freezer-vessel food safety requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Health & Regulation: Nauru introduced a one-day annual tobacco sale ban under a new law, with fines and prison terms for breaches. Regional Sports: Kiribati was selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with Nauru set to host the 2028 edition. Diplomacy & Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact, after criticism over potential Chinese military access.

Nauru Governance & Services: Nauru has launched Phase II of the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance (NAIG-II) project with UNDP support, aiming to strengthen key institutions (including Parliament, the Electoral Commission, and the justice sector) to improve public services and trust. Fuel Costs & Policy: Nauru has raised its diesel retail price caps for the first time since the crisis began, lifting maximum diesel to about AU$2.9 per litre (up nearly 40% from February) and petrol by around 20%, as energy pressure continues across the Pacific. Tobacco Control: Nauru introduced a one-day annual tobacco sale ban under a new law, with 31 May declared “Our Day to Let Go of Tobacco,” carrying AU$2,000 fines or up to 12 months in prison for sellers. Regional Fisheries Trade: EU food-safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training national authorities to keep market access. Pacific Tuna Economy: A new FFA report says regional cooperation has helped keep major tuna stocks healthy while the Pacific now accounts for 54% of global tuna catch and generates hundreds of millions annually for Pacific economies. Diplomacy & Security: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China, after concerns it could enable a Chinese navy presence. Sports Hosting: Kiribati has been selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, following a competitive bidding process.

Nauru Governance: Nauru has launched Phase II of the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance (NAIG-II) project with UNDP support, aiming to strengthen institutions and public services across Parliament, the Electoral Commission, justice services and civil society. Pacific Energy Costs: Fuel prices keep biting across the region, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and starting power shedding, while Nauru raised diesel and petrol price caps for the first time since the crisis began. EU Food Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu took part in EU-backed training on new freezer-vessel food safety requirements that could affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting to the EU. Tuna Economy: A new Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency report says regional cooperation is sustaining healthy tuna stocks and supporting major licensing income, with the Pacific now accounting for 54% of global tuna catch. Nauru-Australia Rights Row: Nauru issued a rare statement calling itself “friendly” after a whistleblower alleged serious threats of physical violence against non-citizens removed there by Australia. Public Health Law: Nauru introduced a one-day tobacco sale ban and import restrictions under a new law tied to reducing non-communicable diseases. Regional Sports: Kiribati was selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, with Nauru set to host the 2028 edition in January.

Nauru Governance: Nauru launched Phase II of the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance project (NAIG-II), expanding support across Parliament, the Electoral Commission, the justice sector and civil society to improve services and public participation, with UNDP backing and Australia/New Zealand support. Nauru Immigration & Human Rights: Nauru issued a rare statement calling itself “friendly” after a whistleblower alleged “serious threats of physical violence” against non-citizens removed there under Australia’s arrangements, following MP Andrew Wilkie’s claims at Senate estimates. Energy Costs Across the Pacific: Fuel prices kept climbing in June, with Nauru raising diesel and petrol retail caps for the first time since the crisis began (diesel up about 40% to ~AU$2.9/litre; petrol up ~20%), while Samoa, Fiji and Tonga also faced pressure from higher diesel caps and inflation risks. Trade & Food Safety: The EU’s new freezer-vessel food safety rules are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji-based training for national authorities to help maintain access to the EU seafood market. Tuna Economy: A new Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency report says regional cooperation has kept major tuna stocks healthy while the Pacific now accounts for 54% of global tuna catch, generating hundreds of millions annually for Pacific economies. Nauru Tobacco Law: Nauru passed a one-day annual tobacco sale and import ban under “Our Day to Let Go of Tobacco” on 31 May, with AU$2,000 fines or 12 months’ jail for sellers.

Nauru Governance: Nauru launched Phase II of the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance (NAIG-II) project with UNDP support, aiming to strengthen institutions and improve services through a whole-of-government approach involving Parliament, the Electoral Commission, the justice sector and civil society. Fuel Costs Across the Pacific: Regional fuel prices stayed under pressure, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and starting power shedding, while Nauru increased its diesel retail price caps by nearly 40% and petrol by about 20%—a direct hit to household and business operating costs. Nauru-Australia Rights Row: Nauru issued a rare statement calling itself “friendly” and “welcoming” after a whistleblower alleged serious threats of physical violence against non-citizens removed there under Australia’s arrangements. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU food safety rules for freezer vessels, expected to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Tuna Economy: A new FFA report says Pacific nations now manage 54% of the world’s tuna catch, keeping major stocks healthy and generating hundreds of millions annually for Pacific economies. Regional Security Watch: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale said he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China, after concerns it could enable a permanent Chinese navy presence. Health Policy in the Region: India updated Samoa’s Independence Day support by delivering a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit under FIPIC commitments.

Fuel Costs & Policy Moves: Nauru has raised its diesel and petrol price caps again, with the maximum diesel retail price up nearly 40% to about AU$2.9 per litre and petrol up around 20%, as the wider Pacific grapples with surging energy costs. Governance & Institutions: Nauru launched Phase II of the NAIG-II governance partnership with UNDP, bringing Parliament, the Electoral Commission, justice services and civil society into a whole-of-government push to improve public services and trust. Immigration Deal Scrutiny: Nauru withdrew $30.5m from an Australian-linked trust under the NZYQ deportee arrangement; Senate estimates heard the money includes business travel/entertainment and about $19.8m to repay a loan used to expand Nauru’s national airline fleet to seven Boeing aircraft. Health & Regulation: Nauru introduced a one-day annual tobacco sale and import ban under a new law, with penalties for sellers and businesses aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases. Security & Human Rights Claims: Nauru issued a rare statement calling itself “friendly” after a whistleblower alleged serious threats of physical violence against non-citizens removed to the island.