AGP Executive Report

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming the territory’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, with the planned surfing venue at Teahupo’o on Tahiti reaffirmed after reassurances on the Athletes’ Village. Regional Security: France and South Pacific leaders are set to launch a coastguard network to counter “predatory” illegal fishing as China expands its maritime reach, focusing on information sharing, operations, and training. Ocean Justice: A Pacific delegation of nuclear survivors and advocates met Australia’s PM in Canberra to urge signing and ratifying the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, marking anniversaries tied to Bikini and Mururoa. Surfing Spotlight: The World Surf League named Siargao’s Cloud 9 as a 2026 Championship Tour stop (Oct. 31–Nov. 10), upgrading the Philippines Pro and adding a backup event to protect the tour calendar. Marine Research in FP: A new study highlights shark nursery behavior at Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia, as researchers receive fellowships to advance marine ecosystem work.

Nuclear Justice Push: A Pacific delegation of nuclear survivors and advocates met Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese in Canberra to urge signing and ratifying the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), timed to 80 years since the first U.S. Bikini test and 60 years since France’s first Mururoa test. Olympic Torch & Surf Legacy: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include Teahupo’o (Tahiti) in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, with organizers saying the Athletes’ Village requirements will be met. Ocean Protection on the Ground: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea. Marine Conservation Debate: A new French Polynesia marine reserve announcement says mining, trawling and industrial fishing will be banned while artisanal fishing continues, positioning the move as a major habitat boost. Tourism Spotlight: Big 7 Travel ranked Mo’orea (French Polynesia) 2nd among the world’s best islands for 2026, praising its mix of nature and culture.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards to cover 30% of its territorial waters, adding broader no-catch and managed zones aimed at protecting sharks, turtles, and other key species while allowing artisanal fishing. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming French Polynesia’s commitment to the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, with Teahupo’o on Tahiti set to host the surfing venue. Nuclear Justice Call: Pacific nuclear survivors and advocates met Australia’s PM in Canberra to urge signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, marking 80 years since Bikini and 60 years since Mururoa. Ocean Stewardship in Action: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Nainoa Thompson named first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea. Surf Culture in the Spotlight: Louis Vuitton’s Paris Men’s SS27 show leaned hard into surf imagery, including a giant artificial wave and a stated Coral Gardeners reef-restoration tie to French Polynesia—sparking both praise and backlash online.

Marine Protection Boost: French Polynesia has extended no-catch and managed marine safeguards to cover 30% of its territorial waters, adding new fully protected zones and keeping artisanal fishing in place—aimed at protecting sharks, turtles, and other key species while supporting local communities. Paris 2024 Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming French Polynesia’s commitment to the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, tied to the planned surfing venue at Teahupo’o. Shark Research Funding: Two FIU graduate students received Guy Harvey Fellowships to study shark behavior and how recreational fishing affects sharks around spawning areas. Ocean Day in Tahiti: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Nainoa Thompson named ambassador of Tainui Ātea. Travel Spotlight: Mo’orea (French Polynesia) ranked No. 2 among Big 7 Travel’s “50 Best Islands,” reinforcing the islands’ global pull. Fashion Meets Surf: Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton SS27 menswear show in Paris used a giant wave set and surf-inspired tailoring—sparking both buzz and criticism, including questions about sustainability optics.

Marine Protection: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive activities, with no-catch and managed zones designed to protect sharks, turtles, and other key species while allowing artisanal fishing. Olympic Torch Relay: President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming French Polynesia’s planned Paris 2024 surfing venue at Teahupo’o will be linked to the Olympic Torch Relay, following Tony Estanguet’s visit and assurances on local preparations. Ocean Stewardship & Culture: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as the territory expands protected marine areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tourism & Cost Signals: A new travel-cost ranking places French Polynesia among the world’s pricier destinations for 2026, with travelers still willing to pay for premium, “bucket list” trips. Local Business Spotlight: A husband-and-wife team, Robin and Rosie Evans, launched an artisan chocolate brand, Epicurean Chocolatiers, trading from their kitchen in Bala—an upbeat reminder of small businesses thriving through markets and word of mouth.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it has expanded marine safeguards so 30% of its territorial waters are fully protected from extractive industries, with no-catch and managed zones that still allow artisanal fishing—aimed at protecting sharks, turtles, and other key species. Ocean Stewardship Recognition: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador for Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as protected zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands expand. Paris 2024 Torch Relay: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming French Polynesia’s commitment to the Olympic Torch Relay, tied to the planned Teahupo’o surfing venue on Tahiti. Regional Security & Fishing: France and South Pacific nations plan a South Pacific coastguard network to counter “predatory” illegal fishing as China’s maritime reach grows. Tahiti’s Colonial Milestone: June 29 marked the 1880 cession of Tahiti’s sovereignty to France, a turning point that deepened French control in the Pacific. Tourism & Costs: New travel data ranks French Polynesia among the world’s pricier bucket-list destinations for 2026, reflecting high luxury hotel costs.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has expanded marine safeguards so 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with no-catch and managed zones that still allow artisanal fishing—aimed at protecting sharks, turtles, reefs, and local livelihoods. Paris 2024 Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming French Polynesia’s planned Teahupo’o Olympic surfing venue will be part of the Paris 2024 Torch Relay, after Tony Estanguet’s visit. Ocean Stewardship Recognition: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador for Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as protected zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands expand. Climate Outlook for the Pacific: SPREP and partners say El Niño has been declared and outline what Pacific communities may expect in coming months, noting it can bring both risks and opportunities. Tahiti Tourism to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners are stepping up in Australia with a push tied to new direct flights, betting on cruise and luxury tourism growth. Travel Costs & Demand: New travel data shows French Polynesia ranks among the pricier destinations for 2026, while more travelers keep paying for premium “bucket list” trips. Fashion Spotlight (Local Angle): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-themed Paris show and pointed to Coral Gardeners reef restoration support in French Polynesia—drawing both praise and backlash online.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has expanded marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with no-catch and managed zones designed to protect sharks, turtles and other key species while allowing artisanal fishing. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming French Polynesia’s commitment to the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, tied to the planned surfing venue at Teahupo’o. Ocean Stewardship Recognition: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador for Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, highlighting traditional ocean stewardship. Tourism Outlook: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up efforts to attract Australian visitors, banking on new direct flights and a coordinated push across air, cruise and luxury tourism. Regional Security: France says it will help launch a South Pacific coastguard network to counter “predatory” illegal fishing as China expands maritime reach. Culture & Surf in Fashion: Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton SS27 show in Paris turned into a surf-themed spectacle, with a wave set and a stated reef-restoration link to French Polynesia.

Marine Security: France’s Macron says a South Pacific coastguard network will be launched to fight “predatory” illegal fishing, with information sharing, joint operations and training, as China expands its maritime reach. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to link the Teahupo’o Olympic surfing venue to the Paris 2024 Torch Relay, after Tony Estanguet’s visit reassured organizers about the Athletes’ Village. Marine Protection (30%): French Polynesia extended marine safeguards so 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with no-catch and managed zones while allowing artisanal fishing. Ocean Stewardship: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador for Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti. Tahiti Tourism Push: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up in Australia with direct-flight momentum and a coordinated push across air, cruise and luxury tourism. Teahupo’o Safety: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, with injuries linked to hitting the reef. Fashion (Local tie-in): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-themed Paris runway with a giant wave and pledged reef restoration support in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners.

South Pacific Maritime Security: France and South Pacific partners plan a coastguard network to fight “predatory” illegal fishing, with information sharing, joint operations and training as China expands its reach in the region. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include Teahupo’o in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, after Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet’s visit reassured organizers about preparations. Marine Protection Push (30%): French Polynesia extended marine safeguards so 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with no-catch and managed zones designed to protect sharks, turtles and other key species while allowing artisanal fishing. World Oceans Day Recognition: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, highlighting traditional stewardship and ocean education. Our Ocean Conference Follow-through: The Mombasa conference delivered 320 commitments worth $6.4B, including new French Polynesia steps to strengthen protections inside Tainui Ātea. Tahiti Tourism to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme is ramping up in Australia with direct-flight momentum and a coordinated push across air, cruise and luxury tourism.

Paris 2024 Torch Relay: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming Tahiti’s Teahupo’o will be part of the Olympic surfing venue and that the territory will take part in the Paris 2024 Torch Relay, following a visit by Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet. Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so 30% of its territorial waters are now protected from extractive industries, with no-catch and managed zones designed to support sharks, turtles, and artisanal fishing communities. Ocean Stewardship Spotlight: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, highlighting traditional ocean stewardship and Pacific collaboration. Tahiti Tourism to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up in Australia with a coordinated push tied to new direct flights, aiming to broaden visitors beyond the honeymoon market and boost cruise and luxury tourism. Teahupo’o Tragedy: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, suffering fatal injuries after hitting the reef.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with expanded no-catch and managed zones designed to protect sharks, turtles, and other key habitats while allowing artisanal fishing. Ocean Diplomacy & Funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, more than 300 voluntary commitments totaling $6.4 billion were announced to back marine protection, fisheries monitoring, climate resilience, and blue-economy projects, including follow-on work tied to French Polynesia’s Tainui Ātea Marine Protected Area. Voyaging & Stewardship: Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, highlighting traditional ocean stewardship and new collaboration across Pacific voyaging communities. Tourism & Access: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up a push into Australia with direct-flight momentum and coordinated air, cruise, and luxury tourism marketing aimed at bringing more repeat visitors beyond the honeymoon market. Local Safety Note: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, where the reef makes conditions especially dangerous.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with expanded no-catch and managed zones aimed at helping sharks, turtles, and other species recover while still allowing artisanal fishing. Ocean Stewardship Spotlight: Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as the region’s biggest marine protected area grows. Our Ocean Conference Results: The Our Ocean Conference in Kenya delivered 320 new commitments worth $6.4 billion for ocean conservation and blue-economy projects, including follow-on work tied to French Polynesia’s marine protections. Tahiti Tourism for Aussies: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up in Australia with new direct-flight momentum, pitching Tahiti as more than a honeymoon stop and pushing cruise-friendly access. Teahupo’o Safety Alert: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, where heavy waves and the reef make conditions especially dangerous. Fashion Meets Surf (and Backlash): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-themed SS27 show in Paris with a giant wave set and tied it to reef restoration in French Polynesia—while some critics questioned the water and timing. Cruise Watch: Luxury yacht Star Breeze made its first Cook Islands call, arriving in Rarotonga after weather blocked shore access in Aitutaki.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia is extending marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are fully protected, with new no-catch and managed zones aimed at shielding sharks, turtles, whales and other key species while keeping artisanal fishing possible. Ocean Commitments: At the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, more than 300 voluntary commitments worth $6.4 billion were announced to expand protections, improve fisheries monitoring and back blue-economy projects, with French Polynesia among the places tied to follow-up work. Tahiti Tourism Drive: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up in Australia with a coordinated push tied to new direct flights, pitching Tahiti as more than a honeymoon stop and positioning cruises and luxury travel as the next growth engine. Fashion Meets Surf (and Backlash): In Paris, Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton staged a surf-drenched SS27 menswear show built around a giant wave and sand runway, plus a Coral Gardeners reef-restoration tie-in in French Polynesia—while some online critics questioned the water and timing. Cruise News: Luxury yacht Star Breeze made its first Cook Islands call, docking in Rarotonga after weather blocked shore time in Aitutaki. Safety at Teahupo’o: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, underscoring the reef hazards at the world-famous big-wave break.

Marine Protection: French Polynesia has expanded marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with new no-catch and managed zones designed to protect sharks, turtles and other endangered species while allowing artisanal fishing. Our Ocean Conference: At the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, more than 300 voluntary commitments worth $6.4 billion were announced to boost marine protection, fisheries monitoring and blue-economy projects, with French Polynesia pointing to strengthened protections inside the Tainui Ātea Marine Protected Area. Tourism Push: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up efforts to attract Australians, betting on new direct flights and a coordinated push across air, cruise and luxury tourism. Fashion & Water Debate: In Paris, Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged SS27 with a giant artificial wave and sand runway, sparking backlash online over sustainability claims amid water-scarcity concerns. Ocean Safety: Reports say a 56-year-old American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, suffering fatal injuries after hitting the reef.

Marine Protection Boost: French Polynesia has expanded its no-extraction marine safeguards, bringing fully protected waters to about 30% of its territorial ocean—an added 520,000 km²—curbing industrial fishing and seabed mining while keeping room for artisanal fishing. Ocean Stewardship Recognition: Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO and Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador for Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as protected zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands push total protection to roughly 1.6 million km². Global Commitments for the Blue Economy: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, French Polynesia highlighted new steps to strengthen Tainui Ātea protections, as the event delivered 320 commitments worth $6.4 billion worldwide. Tourism Push to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme is ramping up its Australian push with new direct-flight plans and trade events aimed at growing cruise and luxury tourism beyond the honeymoon market. Surf Meets Fashion (with a Polynesia link): In Paris, Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton SS27 menswear show featured a 26-foot wave built with real circulating water, and the brand tied the spectacle to reef restoration support in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners. Safety at Teahupo’o: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, where the heavy “slab” wave and reef hazards remain a stark reminder of the risks.