Deep-Sea Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map and study deep waters around the Cook Islands, using remotely operated vehicles, advanced mapping, and in-situ sensors, with live streaming for shore-based researchers and the public and publicly released data to support local stewardship. Seabird Protection: Local researchers are spotlighting Rarotonga’s cloud-forest seabirds, including the Kōputu petrel, as new records show feral cats preying on ground-nesting species that act as early indicators of ocean health. Food Safety Rules: EU officials’ new freezer-vessel requirements are rolling out after concerns about brine temperatures, and a regional training in Suva aims to help Pacific Island authorities and exporters keep access to the EU seafood market—potentially affecting about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels. Ocean Plastic Education: Waihī Beach School pupils are turning discarded waste into fish sculptures for a community mobile installation, using materials still washing ashore after the MV Rena grounding to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution. Ocean Governance at Summit: Pacific leaders at a Tokyo summit are pushing for better access to finance, technology, scientific data, and capacity-building to manage oceans amid climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution pressures. Tourism vs Waste: A new Jetstar Brisbane service and seasonal Christchurch flights could lift visitor numbers beyond 200,000, but commentators warn growth must not outpace waste management for a small island population. High Seas Voyaging: Cook Islands-linked voyaging leaders and ocean experts gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas marine conservation efforts.