AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining: U.S. companies’ claims in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone now cover an area about half the size of seabed already designated for mining by the international regulator. One proposed commercial zone is about 1,000 times Rarotonga’s size. Permits have not been approved, but the unilateral U.S. process is raising concerns for Cook Islands and Pacific ocean governance. Health Data: Te Marae Ora is collecting its own data to verify a global ranking that puts nearly 72 per cent of Cook Islands adults in the obese category. Pacific Surveillance: A regional fisheries operation used satellite monitoring to scan 30.5 million square kilometres of ocean, recording more than 27,000 detections and helping apprehend one vessel. Waste Technology: A Cook Islands-led engineering team helped build and run a Bali plant that turns waste into fuel, with plans to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Conservation Science: Decades of rat control helped the endangered kākerōri recover from just 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 in a 2022 count.

Deep-Sea Mining: U.S. companies’ claims in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone now cover an area roughly half the size already designated for mining by the International Seabed Authority. A separate 65,000-square-kilometre permit application is under review, raising concerns for Cook Islands’ marine interests and ocean governance. Pacific Voyaging: New DNA research links the settlement of Hawaii to seafarers from the Easter Island region, adding to evidence of the remarkable voyages that shaped Polynesia. Waste-to-Fuel Engineering: A Cook Islands-led team helped build and run a waste-to-fuel plant in Bali, and hopes to bring the pyrolysis technology to Rarotonga. Fisheries Surveillance: The Pacific Fisheries Agency used satellite monitoring in its largest surveillance operation of 2026, recording more than 27,000 detections across 30.5 million square kilometres of ocean. Conservation Science: Decades of rat control helped Rarotonga’s endangered kākerōri recover from just 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 in a 2022 count.

Seabed Mining: New analysis finds U.S.-backed claims in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone cover areas equivalent to about half the seabed already designated for mining by the international regulator, with some claims overlapping. A separate U.S. permit bid covering 65,000 square kilometres has raised concerns about ocean governance and risks for the Cook Islands. Pacific Surveillance: A regional fisheries operation used satellite monitoring to scan 30.5 million square kilometres of ocean, recording more than 27,000 detections and apprehending one vessel. Waste Technology: Cook Islands engineers helped build and run a Bali plant that turns waste into fuel; the company hopes to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Pacific Research: A new DNA study links the settlement histories of Hawaii and Rapa Nui, shedding light on the long-distance voyages that shaped Polynesia. Cyclone Science: Cook Islands forecasters tracked early-season Cyclone Wati as it moved through local waters, urging communities to prepare for damaging winds, heavy rain and rough seas.

Seabed Mining: A U.S. company has applied for permission to explore and mine a 65,000-square-kilometre area of the Pacific seabed under U.S. law, outside the International Seabed Authority process. The application is not approved, but the bid raises concerns for Cook Islands and regional ocean governance. Waste-to-Fuel Engineering: A Cook Islands-led team helped build and run a Bali plant that turns waste into fuel, and hopes to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Ocean Protection: More than US$25 million in grants will support marine conservation across the Pacific, including work to advance the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Fisheries Surveillance: A regional operation used satellite monitoring to track activity across 30.5 million square kilometres of ocean, recording 27,000 detections and apprehending one vessel. Pacific Science: New DNA research suggests Polynesian voyagers settled Hawaii from the Easter Island region, extending migration routes previously traced through the Cook Islands.

Seabed Mining: The Metals Company USA has applied for U.S. permits to explore and mine a 65,000-square-kilometre Pacific zone, using a domestic process outside the International Seabed Authority. NOAA has not approved the permits; public comments are open through 19 October, with potential consequences for Cook Islands ocean governance. Waste-to-Fuel Engineering: A Cook Islands-led team helped build and run a Bali plant that turns waste into fuel, and hopes to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Ocean Monitoring: A regional fisheries operation used satellite surveillance to record more than 27,000 vessel detections across 30.5 million square kilometres, strengthening efforts to spot illegal fishing. Cyclone Science: As Cyclone Wati brought risks of heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas, Cook Islands meteorologists urged residents to follow official updates and prepare. Pacific Research: A new DNA study suggests voyagers from the Easter Island region settled Hawaii, extending research into Polynesian routes that passed through the Cook Islands. Ocean Conservation: Bezos Earth Fund grants will support the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision and other Pacific protection efforts.

Seabed Mining: Deep Sea Minerals welcomed U.S. Treasury support for considering deep-sea mining and said it is evaluating Cook Islands opportunities. The move comes as a U.S. application to mine a vast Pacific area faces opposition from Te Ipukarea Society; NOAA has not approved the permits, and public consultation closes today. Cyclone Monitoring: Tropical Cyclone Wati prompted Cook Islands weather alerts as it moved toward the southern islands, with officials urging residents to follow updates and prepare for strong winds, rain and rough seas. Waste-to-Fuel Engineering: A Cook Islands-led team helped build and run a Bali plant that converts waste into fuel, and hopes to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Fisheries Surveillance: The Pacific’s largest fisheries monitoring operation of 2026 used satellite detection and remote-sensing tools across 30.5 million square kilometres, recording more than 27,000 satellite detections and identifying 13 vessels of interest.

Cyclone Monitoring: Tropical Cyclone Wati, the region’s first cyclone of the season, is moving toward the Southern Cook Islands. The Cook Islands Meteorological Service warned of damaging winds, heavy rain and rough seas near Aitutaki, urging residents to follow updates and prepare. Waste-to-Fuel Engineering: A Cook Islands-led team helped build and run a waste-to-fuel pyrolysis plant in Bali. The project has passed Indonesian environmental testing, and its company hopes to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society warned that a US bid to approve seabed mineral exploration and mining could affect Pacific ocean governance. The application is under review, not approved, and public consultation closes October 19. Conservation Science: Decades of rat control have helped Rarotonga’s endemic kākerōri rebound from just 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 counted in 2022. Fisheries Surveillance: The Pacific fisheries agency’s largest surveillance operation of 2026 used satellite monitoring and remote sensing across 30.5 million square kilometres, identifying 13 vessels of interest and resulting in one apprehension.

Fisheries Surveillance: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s largest surveillance operation of 2026 used satellite monitoring to scan 30.5 million square kilometres of ocean, logging more than 27,000 detections and apprehending one vessel. Cyclone Wati: The Cook Islands Meteorological Service urged residents to follow official updates and prepare as the cyclone moves southeast toward the Southern Cook Islands, bringing risks of damaging winds, heavy rain and rough seas. Waste-to-Fuel Engineering: A Cook Islands-led team helped build and operate a waste-to-fuel plant in Bali, with plans to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society warned that a US company’s bid to pursue deep-sea mining under US law could affect Pacific ocean governance; the application is not yet approved. Conservation Science: Decades of rat control helped Rarotonga’s endangered kākerōri recover from just 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 in a 2022 census. Climate and Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna distribution and fishing activity across the Pacific into 2027, with implications for island economies and fisheries management.

Cyclone Wati: The first South Pacific cyclone of the season is moving southeast toward the Southern Cook Islands. Meteorologists warn of damaging winds, heavy rain and rough seas, urging residents to follow official updates and secure homes and supplies. Waste-to-Fuel Engineering: A Cook Islands-led team helped build and operate a waste-to-fuel plant in Bali, and now hopes to bring the technology to Rarotonga. Seabed Mining: Te Ipukarea Society warns a US bid to authorise deep-sea mining in the Pacific could affect ocean governance and Cook Islands interests; the application is under review, not approved. Conservation: Decades of rat control helped the Rarotonga kākerōri recover from 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 in a 2022 census. Indigenous Research: More than 600 delegates will meet in Rarotonga in November to discuss Indigenous health, environmental systems, advanced technologies and AI.

Cyclone Watch: Tropical Cyclone Wati, the region’s first cyclone of the season, is moving southeast towards the Southern Cook Islands. Forecasts put it about 100km north of Aitutaki by Sunday morning, with damaging gales, heavy rain and rough seas expected. Residents should follow Cook Islands Meteorological Service updates; boat operators are urged to avoid unsafe conditions. Remote Island Engineering: New Zealand-led work on Penrhyn delivered solar stills, water tanks and school upgrades, alongside maritime surveying to support community resilience. Conservation Science: Decades of rat control have helped Rarotonga’s endangered kākerōri recover from just 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 in a 2022 count. AI and Island Communities: A Cook Islands commentary highlights the hidden energy and water demands of AI tools, urging communities to weigh their environmental costs against their convenience.

Cyclone Wati: A depression in Cook Islands waters has strengthened into the region’s first cyclone of the season, two weeks before the official start. With warnings for Suwarrow and alerts for nearby islands, officials urge residents to secure loose items, check emergency supplies and follow Met Service updates. El Niño is contributing to the unusually early development. Conservation Research: Decades of rat control have helped Rarotonga’s endangered kākerōri rebound from just 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 in a 2022 census. Wildlife Monitoring: Cook Islands environment officials are exploring acoustic recorders to track species including the kopeka and elusive spotless crake, alongside tools such as drones, cameras and AI.**

Cyclone Watch: A tropical cyclone alert is in force as depression TD01F moves towards the Southern Cook Islands, with strengthening possible within 12–18 hours. Secure loose items, check emergency supplies and follow official updates; boat operators should avoid unsafe conditions. Indigenous Research: Rarotonga will host more than 600 delegates in November for a gathering on Indigenous health, environmental knowledge and emerging technologies, including AI. Ocean Protection: The Bezos Earth Fund is granting more than US$25 million across five Pacific nations, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Island Science: Cook Islands environment officials say seabird research is exploring tools such as acoustic recorders, drones and AI, with targeted monitoring of local species a possible next step. AI’s Footprint: A Cook Islands commentary warns that AI’s behind-the-scenes energy and water demands raise ethical questions for island communities, even as the tools help local groups create content and prepare proposals.

Indigenous Research: Rarotonga will host more than 600 delegates in November for a conference on Indigenous health, environmental knowledge and emerging technologies, including AI. Health Technology: Pacific health leaders meeting in Rarotonga identified AI, health data and research as priorities for stronger regional health systems. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is providing more than US$25 million for Pacific marine protection, including advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Climate and Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna fishing grounds and reduce catches into 2027, while also raising cyclone risks across parts of the Pacific. Local Science: Cook Islands environment officials are considering acoustic recorders and other monitoring tools to study seabirds, including the Kopeka and Mo‘omo‘o. Seabed Research: The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority says the country remains in exploration and research, with no commercial seabed mining approved.

Indigenous Research: Rarotonga will host more than 600 delegates in November for an international conference on Indigenous health, environmental systems and advanced technologies, including AI. Climate and Fisheries: A developing strong El Niño could raise cyclone activity across the Southwest Pacific this season and shift tuna distribution and catches through 2027, with potential impacts on the southern Cook Islands. Remote Island Resilience: A New Zealand-led deployment to Penrhyn completed school and community upgrades, installed five solar stills and carried out maritime surveying. Ocean Conservation: Bezos Earth Fund grants worth more than US$25 million will support ocean protection across five Pacific nations, including advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Digital Health: Pacific health leaders meeting in Rarotonga named AI, health data and research as regional priorities. Skills Training: CITTI electrical and construction students teamed up to build and wire a cabin, gaining practical experience across trades.

Indigenous Knowledge & Technology: Rarotonga will welcome more than 600 delegates to a November Indigenous health and knowledge conference, with advanced technologies and AI among the topics and a dedicated youth forum. Climate Risks: A developing strong El Niño could bring an early, more active cyclone season across parts of the Southwest Pacific; the same climate pattern is expected to disrupt tuna fisheries through 2027, including in Cook Islands waters. Remote Services: A New Zealand-led Pacific exercise brought infrastructure upgrades, healthcare and maritime surveying to Penrhyn, including solar stills and improved water systems. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is backing conservation efforts across five Pacific nations, including work advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Digital Health: Pacific health leaders meeting in Rarotonga put AI, health data and research on the regional cooperation agenda. Island Science: Cook Islands environment officials are considering acoustic recorders and other tools to monitor native seabirds, with research and community consultation guiding future work.

Remote-Island Infrastructure: New Zealand Defence Force teams completed six weeks of work on Penrhyn, including solar stills, water upgrades and maritime surveying, alongside healthcare services. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund announced more than US$25 million for Pacific conservation, including support for advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Fisheries and Climate: A strong El Niño could shift tuna fishing grounds into 2027 and bring reduced rainfall to the southern Cook Islands. Research Tools: Cook Islands environment officials are exploring acoustic recorders to monitor seabirds, while conference research highlighted drones, cameras and AI as possible tools—chosen to fit the monitoring need. AI and Health: Pacific health leaders meeting in Rarotonga put AI, health data and research on the regional agenda; a local commentary also raised AI’s environmental costs and ethical questions. Technical Training: CITTI electrical and construction students teamed up to build and fit out a cabin, gaining hands-on experience across trades.