AGP Executive Report

Ocean & Health Policy: French Polynesia is expanding marine protection, with fully protected waters now covering about 30% of its exclusive economic zone, adding 520,000 sq km where industrial fishing and seabed mining are limited—aimed at protecting reefs and coastal livelihoods. Global Ocean Commitments: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, 320 commitments worth USD 6.4 billion were announced, including work tied to French Polynesia’s Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area and new regulated fishing, coastal protection, and seamount protections. Climate & Disease Risk: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, warning that impacts can vary but may affect health and community safety—especially as conditions shift across the region. Mosquito Threat: A Pasteur Institute entomologist in France, originally from Tahiti, highlights rising tiger mosquito presence and the risk of outbreaks of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika, underscoring how climate change can expand mosquito ranges. Disaster Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti is training multinational forces, including medical support and logistics, with the Pacific Response Group strengthening regional disaster response links. Safety at Teahupo’o: An American surfer reportedly died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, where heavy waves break over dangerous coral reef; the person was treated at Taravao Hospital and later at CHPF before passing away.

Surf Safety & Emergency Care: An unnamed 56-year-old American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, reportedly breaking two neck vertebrae after hitting the reef; he was taken first to Taravao Hospital and then CHPF, where he died on June 19. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist in Tahiti, Anna-Bella Failloux, warns that tiger mosquitoes are spreading beyond traditional tropical zones, raising concern for dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever; new monitoring traps are being checked regularly. Climate & Health Risk: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, noting impacts can vary but may affect families and health across the region. Local Marine Protection (Health & Livelihoods): French Polynesia announced expanded ocean protections, bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ and limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining, while keeping artisanal fishing access. Disaster Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti is strengthening regional humanitarian response, including medical support and logistics, with the Pacific Response Group training alongside partner forces. Ocean Funding & Resilience: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa secured USD 6.4 billion in commitments; French Polynesia plans expanded protections in the Tainui Atea marine protected area.

Teahupo’o Tragedy: An American surfer, 56, died after a wipeout at Tahiti’s famed big-wave break, reportedly breaking neck vertebrae after hitting the reef; he was taken to Taravao Hospital then CHPF before passing away on June 19. Ocean Protection & Health Links: French Polynesia says it has expanded full protections to about 30% of its EEZ, adding limits on industrial fishing and seabed mining over 520,000 sq km—aimed at safeguarding reefs and coastal resources that underpin food security and tourism. Our Ocean Commitments: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, 320 commitments worth USD 6.4B were announced; French Polynesia highlighted new regulated fishing, coastal protection and seamount safeguards in Tainui Atea. Mosquito Risk Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist warns that climate-driven spread of tiger mosquitoes raises concern for dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever, with monitoring underway. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, stressing early action to protect families and health. Disaster Response Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti showcased multinational humanitarian and disaster response training, including medical support and logistics, with the Pacific Response Group strengthening regional coordination.

Teahupo’o Tragedy: An American surfer, 56, reportedly died after wiping out at Tahiti’s Teahupo’o big-wave break, hitting his head on the reef and breaking two neck vertebrae; he was taken to Taravao Hospital then CHPF in critical condition before passing away on June 19. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it has expanded fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, adding 520,000 sq km with limits on industrial fishing and seabed mining, while keeping artisanal fishing access. Our Ocean Conference Commitments: The 2026 Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa secured 320 commitments worth USD 6.4B; French Polynesia highlighted new protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area, including regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones and seamount protections. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist warns that climate change is widening the range of tiger mosquitoes that can spread dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever—raising outbreak fears. El Niño Health Risks: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts now underway, stressing early action to protect families and reduce health and community risks. Disaster Response Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti showcased multinational humanitarian and disaster response training, including medical support and logistics, with the Pacific Response Group strengthening regional coordination.

Teahupo’o Tragedy: An American surfer, 56, died after a wipeout at the big-wave reef break in Tahiti; he was taken to Taravao Hospital and then CHPF, where he later died from neck injuries. Ocean Protection for Health: French Polynesia says it has expanded fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, adding limits on industrial fishing and seabed mining—aimed at protecting reefs and coastal livelihoods that support tourism and community wellbeing. Our Ocean Funding: The 2026 Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa secured 320 commitments worth USD 6.4B, including French Polynesia’s plan to strengthen the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000 sq km of new regulated fishing and coastal protection zones. El Niño Risk Prep: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, stressing early action to reduce health and community impacts. Mosquito Threat Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist highlighted how climate change is expanding mosquito ranges and raising outbreak fears for dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever. Disaster Response Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti showcased multinational medical and logistics capabilities, including the Pacific Response Group’s role in regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Public Health Emergency Evacuation: The U.S. reportedly paid about $750K to evacuate an American woman after possible hantavirus exposure linked to a cruise, underscoring the fragility of remote medical access.

Pacific Health & Climate Security: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to start preparing for El Niño now that the World Meteorological Organisation’s Pacific centre says the event is underway, warning impacts will vary but could be far-reaching for families and health. Regional Disaster Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti is bringing together French and U.S. leaders and partner forces to rehearse humanitarian assistance and disaster response, with a focus on medical support, logistics, communications, and interoperability. Local Health Resilience via Response Capacity: The Pacific Response Group (PRG) is training across the region for rapid help when disasters hit, including health-related support and medical evacuations—capabilities that matter for remote islands with limited services. Marine Protection with Health Links: French Polynesia announced expanded ocean protections, bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ and limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining—supporting safer ecosystems that underpin food and tourism. Public Health Threat Watch: A scientist at France’s Pasteur Institute warns that climate-driven spread of tiger mosquitoes could raise risks of dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever, with monitoring and traps now being used beyond traditional tropical zones.

Mosquito-borne disease watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist in France, originally from Papeete, is tracking the spread of tiger mosquitoes that can carry yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika—an issue that’s growing as climate change expands where mosquitoes can survive. Regional disaster health readiness: During French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia, the Pacific Response Group is training across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo on logistics, medical support, communications and medical evacuations—building the links that help when island health systems are overwhelmed. Ocean protection with health links: French Polynesia announced expanded protections bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining across an added 520,000 sq km—aimed at safeguarding reefs and coastal ecosystems that support local food and tourism. Pacific response capability: Tuvalu police highlighted how the PRG adds personnel and expertise during cyclones and flooding, including health-related support, as inspectors trained alongside nearly 1,000 personnel. Global ocean funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, leaders backed ocean conservation and resilience, with French Polynesia among those announcing new marine protection measures.

Mosquito-borne disease risk: Tahiti-born entomologist Anna-Bella Failloux says climate change is pushing tiger mosquitoes into wider areas, with traps now being checked in France for possible spread of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Disaster readiness in French Polynesia: Exercise MARARA 26 is bringing Pacific partners together across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo to rehearse coordinated humanitarian and disaster response, including medical support, logistics and communications. Regional health support via PRG: The French-led Pacific Response Group (Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga) is training for damage assessments and medical evacuations, with forward planning teams factoring in health and logistics needs. Ocean protection with health links: French Polynesia says it has expanded fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining—aimed at safeguarding ecosystems that support local livelihoods and tourism. Public health emergency logistics: The U.S. reportedly spent about $750,000 to evacuate an American woman after possible hantavirus exposure on a cruise, with French Polynesian authorities involved in transport decisions.

Disaster Preparedness: French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia is putting the Pacific Response Group (PRG) through its paces, with nearly 1,000 personnel from 12 Pacific nations rehearsing logistics, medical support, communications, and regional crisis response across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo. Regional Health & Safety: PRG planning includes health support and medical evacuations during disaster drills, reflecting how small island capacity can get stretched fast when cyclones and other emergencies hit. Marine Protection for Health: French Polynesia says it has expanded fully protected waters to about 30% of its exclusive economic zone, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining across an additional 520,000 sq km—aimed at protecting reefs and coastal ecosystems that underpin food and tourism. Mosquito Risk Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist highlights how climate change is widening the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes, with monitoring targeting threats like dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever. Public Health Emergency Access: The U.S. reportedly spent around $750,000 to evacuate an American from a hantavirus-affected cruise after she was stranded on Pitcairn, with French Polynesian authorities rejecting an earlier plan due to undisclosed exposure.

Disaster Response Training: French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia is bringing together Pacific militaries to rehearse coordinated humanitarian and disaster relief, with a focus on logistics, medical support, communications, and medical evacuations—while the Pacific Response Group (PRG) uses the drills to strengthen regional readiness. Regional Health & Logistics: PRG leaders say their strength is both capability and relationships across member countries (including health, engineering, and logistics support) to help when local capacity is stretched. Ocean Protection With Health Links: French Polynesia announced expanded marine protections covering about 30% of its EEZ, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining across an additional 520,000 sq km—aimed at balancing conservation with access for artisanal fishers. Mosquito Risk Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist highlights how climate change is expanding mosquito threats, with monitoring targeting diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. Public Health Emergency Costs: The U.S. reportedly spent about $750,000 to evacuate an American after possible hantavirus exposure tied to a cruise, underscoring how remote outbreaks can quickly become complex health emergencies.

Disaster Response Training: French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia is bringing together Pacific partners to rehearse coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, with a focus on logistics, medical support, communications, and regional crisis response. The Pacific Response Group (PRG)—Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga—used the drills to strengthen interoperability, including medical evacuations and supply drops. Regional Health & Access: The PRG’s work matters for small island capacity, where limited police and health resources can be stretched during cyclones and flooding; PRG planning teams assess what support is needed, including health and logistics. Ocean Protection With Health Links: French Polynesia announced expanded protections covering about 30% of its exclusive economic zone, adding 520,000 sq km with limits on industrial fishing and seabed mining—aimed at balancing conservation with continued artisanal access. Public Health Threats From Mosquitoes: A Pasteur Institute entomologist warns that tiger mosquitoes are expanding beyond the tropics, raising concern for dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever risks. Emergency Care Costs: The U.S. reportedly chartered a $750,000 yacht to evacuate one American after possible hantavirus exposure linked to a cruise outbreak, highlighting how remote outbreaks can quickly strain health and emergency systems.

Disaster Response Training: The French-led Exercise MARARA 26 in French Polynesia is bringing together 12 Pacific nations to rehearse coordinated disaster relief, with the Pacific Response Group (PRG) focusing on logistics, medical support, communications, and regional crisis response. Regional Health Capacity: PRG leaders say the group can surge personnel and expertise—covering health, engineering, and logistics—when local capacity is stretched, including medical evacuations and supply drops during drills. Ocean Protection for Health & Livelihoods: Ahead of World Oceans Day, French Polynesia announced expanded protections covering about 30% of its EEZ, limiting industrial fishing and seabed mining across an additional 520,000 sq km while keeping artisanal fishing access for local communities. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist warns that climate change is widening the range of mosquitoes that spread dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever—raising outbreak concerns for the Pacific and beyond. Hantavirus Evacuation Costs: The US reportedly spent about $750,000 to charter a yacht to evacuate one American from Pitcairn after possible hantavirus exposure linked to a cruise outbreak, adding pressure to emergency medical budgets. Climate Risk Ahead: Scientists say El Niño has begun and could become “very strong” by winter, with knock-on effects for weather that can disrupt health, food systems, and infrastructure across the region.

Marine Conservation: French Polynesia says it has expanded fully protected ocean waters to about 30% of its exclusive economic zone, adding limits on industrial fishing and seabed mining across roughly 520,000 sq km, with protections building on a 2025 framework and a 2022 seabed-mining moratorium. Disaster Preparedness: Exercise MARARA 26 is underway across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo, with the Pacific Response Group and partner nations rehearsing coordinated logistics, medical support, communications and crisis response for future humanitarian and disaster relief. Mosquito Health Risk: A Pasteur Institute entomologist in Tahiti warns that climate change is widening the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes, with monitoring focused on threats like dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever. Climate Outlook: Scientists say a “warm” El Niño phase has begun, with forecasts pointing to a possible very strong “super El Niño” by winter—raising concerns for health and food systems. Public Health Emergency Costs: The U.S. reportedly spent about $750,000 to charter a yacht to evacuate one American from a remote island after a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, adding pressure to emergency funding. Whale Protection Law: A Pacific sanctuary group released model whale-rights legislation for public consultation, aiming to blend Indigenous ocean stewardship with modern legal protections.

Humanitarian Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 is underway across Tahiti, Hao and Makemo, with 12 Pacific partner nations rehearsing coordinated disaster response—logistics, medical support, communications and crisis coordination—led by the French Armed Forces and supported by the Pacific Response Group. Mosquito Threat: A Pasteur Institute entomologist based in France, who grew up in Papeete, is tracking tiger mosquitoes and the diseases they can spread (yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika), warning that climate change is expanding where outbreaks could occur. Public Health & Travel Safety: The U.S. reportedly chartered a private yacht for about $750,000 to evacuate one American after a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise; the case highlights how remote island access and transit decisions can complicate medical evacuation. Local Environment & Health: A Pacific atoll copra economy story links climate pressure and land risk, underscoring how environmental change can ripple into community health and resilience. Governance & Health Context: The UN Decolonisation Committee heard renewed calls involving French Polynesia and other territories, with petitioners pressing for clearer timelines and stronger oversight—issues that can shape health and services planning.

Mosquito-borne disease risk: Tahiti-born entomologist Anna-Bella Failloux (Pasteur Institute) is tracking the spread of tiger mosquitoes in France, warning that climate change could raise cases of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika. UN decolonisation focus: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard fresh calls for action affecting New Caledonia and French Polynesia, with petitioners urging clearer benchmarks and scrutiny of the June 28 electoral environment. Hantavirus evacuation costs: The US reportedly chartered a private yacht for about $750,000 to evacuate one American from Pitcairn after a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise, with the operation adding pressure to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Pacific health logistics at sea: A Cook Islands patrol boat described as a “water ambulance” supports medical emergencies on islands without airports, including urgent care for pregnant patients.

Hantavirus Evacuation Costs: The US chartered a private yacht for about $750,000 to evacuate one American woman from a remote South Pacific island after possible exposure during the MV Hondius outbreak, with the case routed via San Francisco and Pitcairn through Tahiti; British and French Polynesian authorities were involved in the logistics, including a rejected plan to move her to Tahiti after she hadn’t disclosed exposure. Emergency Funding Pressure: The same operation is reported to have further strained the US State Department’s emergency “K Fund,” which is already at its lowest level in seven years, as officials weigh shifting up to $50 million to cover unforeseen medical evacuations. Pacific Ocean Health Policy: French Polynesia and regional partners are pushing marine protection forward, including the creation of Tainui Ātea (a large fully safeguarded marine protected area) and broader efforts toward protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders say decolonisation remains unfinished decades after nuclear testing, linking environmental harm and self-determination to ongoing resistance across the region. Whale Rights Consultation: A Pacific sanctuary trust has released draft model laws for public consultation on whale protection and “rights of nature,” drawing on Indigenous knowledge and modern science.