AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning seabed mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a key enforcement lever: mining-linked vessels can’t use the Port Authority of Guam without “full consultation.” School Nutrition: Guam’s Department of Education won approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards, tightening what’s sold in public schools via vending, fundraisers, and student stores. Typhoon Preparedness: NWS officials say Guam and the CNMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before the end of 2026, with heavy rainfall followed by drought risk—so preparedness keeps getting emphasized. NOAA Budget Threats: A proposed 2027 NOAA budget would cut more than $1B and end or reduce programs tied to typhoon forecasting, coral protection, and coastal resilience—raising alarms for Pacific islands. Ocean Exploration: E/V Nautilus returns June 10 for deep-sea mapping missions around the Marianas, with local participants joining and a new sonar system expanding how much ocean can be mapped. Agriculture & Food Traceability: UOG is running a farmer-focused marketing workshop series (June 9–15) and a community gathering called “Hotnu Heals” (June 7) to help local producers sell Guam-grown, traceable foods. Marianas Environmental Permitting Fight: Multi-state AGs backed by industry groups are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect state/territory control over environmental permitting in the Guam EPA munitions case.

Typhoon Preparedness: NWS says Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s huge wind field—not just peak intensity—drove widespread impacts across the Marianas, with stations capturing tropical-storm to low-typhoon force winds before some went offline. Deep-Sea Mining: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a Guam ban on seabed mining in territorial waters, with up to $50,000/day fines and a key port leverage requiring “full consultation,” even as federal lease plans for the wider Marianas remain. School Nutrition: GDOE won Guam Education Board approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards, ending junk food sales across public schools during the school day. Ocean Exploration: E/V Nautilus returns June 10 for deep-sea mapping missions around the Marianas, with local participants joining and new sonar expected to more than double mapped area. Biodiversity Hope: Four Guam kingfisher chicks hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, a rare bright spot for a species wiped out in the wild by invasive brown tree snakes. Weather Outlook: NWS forecasts a drier Marianas pattern with spotty light showers, easing winds mid-to-late week, and a moderate rip-current risk. Recycling Push: DPW is seeking $12M to expand an abandoned-vehicles program via the Recycling Revolving Fund.

Ocean Exploration: E/V Nautilus is set to return to Mariana waters with a June 10–24 mapping run from Hawaii to Guam, using a new sonar system to map deeper and more widely, with eight local participants joining missions that target deep-sea habitats and biodiversity. Storm Readiness: The National Weather Service says Guam and the CNMI could see 3–5 more storms before the end of 2026, with officials urging steady preparedness as heavy rainfall and drought patterns continue to swing. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters and adding fines up to $50,000 per day, while also giving the Port Authority a key “full consultation” lever. School Nutrition: The Guam Department of Education won approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards, tightening what’s sold in public schools through vending, fundraisers, and student stores. Wildlife Conservation: Four Guam kingfisher chicks hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, a rare bright spot for a species wiped out in the wild by invasive brown tree snakes. Agriculture & Community: UOG’s “Hotnu Heals” launches June 7, pairing local food with farmer-focused community support and mental health stigma reduction.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning seabed mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a key port-access lever that could block mining-linked vessels unless there’s “full consultation.” School Nutrition: The Guam Department of Education won Guam Education Board approval to adopt federal USDA Smart Snacks standards, ending junk food sales across public schools during the school day, including vending and fundraisers. Historic Preservation Process: Prutehi Guåhan is hosting a community forum Saturday on the 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement, criticizing notice failures and arguing the draft still leaves major concerns unaddressed. Typhoon Resilience: Guam and CNMI leaders marked Typhoon Preparedness Month with recovery and infrastructure milestones, emphasizing shared logistics and readiness after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Ocean & Wildlife: NASA imagery tied Sinlaku’s intensification to atmospheric gravity waves, while conservation updates highlight rare Guam kingfisher chicks hatching in captivity. Local Cleanup & Planning: DPW is seeking $12M to expand an abandoned vehicles program, and Guam Memorial Hospital’s parking lot expansion is pushed to Nov. 25 after Sinlaku and heavy rain delays.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 253-38 into law (Public Law 38-129) banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters and nearshore areas, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a requirement for “full consultation” before mining-linked port use. Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: Guam and CNMI leaders met at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit to align recovery metrics and logistics, stressing stronger, shared resilience after Super Typhoon Yutu. NOAA Budget Threats: Proposed NOAA cuts for FY2027 would slash more than $1 billion and end or reduce programs tied to typhoon forecasting, marine observations, coral reef protection, and coastal resilience—raising alarms for Pacific communities. Local Recycling Push: DPW is seeking $12 million to expand an abandoned vehicles program, aiming to clear long-stalled storage and cleanup burdens. Wildlife Conservation Win: Four Guam kingfisher chicks hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, a major step for the sihek recovery effort after brown tree snakes wiped the species from the wild. Weather Watch: NWS Guam reports a drier pattern with spotty light showers and moderate trades, plus a moderate risk of rip currents this week.

Climate & Weather: NWS Guam says a dry pattern is holding across the Marianas with spotty, light showers and moderate trades, plus a moderate risk of rip currents this week. Disaster Recovery & Climate Change: Reporting from the Western Pacific notes Sinlaku’s rapid intensification was linked to unusually warm ocean waters, with climate change making such extremes more likely. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A Guam kingfisher (sihek) hatched at the National Aviary as part of the Sihek Recovery Program, aiming to restore the extinct-in-the-wild bird once brown tree snakes can be managed. Conservation Policy: American Samoa Democrats praised Guam’s deep sea mining ban push, calling it protection against irreversible ocean and environmental risks. Local Environment & Community: UOG’s Hotnu Heals gathers agricultural producers for culturally rooted community support—mixing local food with mental-health healing for farmers. Governance & Permitting: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey leads a multi-state amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states and territories’ environmental permitting authority in a Guam EPA case tied to Air Force hazardous waste disposal. Tourism & Nature Storytelling: A Guam Visitors Bureau forum tackled tourism’s “birdless and snakeful” narrative, arguing Guam’s real natural and cultural assets need better public framing.

Wildlife & Conservation: A Guam kingfisher (sihek) hatched at the National Aviary and is part of the Sihek Recovery Program aimed at bringing the species back to Guam once brown tree snakes can be managed. Agriculture & Resilience: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post–Super Typhoon Sinlaku soil testing for farmers in June and July to help rebuild long-term productivity. Community & Food Systems: UOG’s Hotnu Heals launches June 7 as a farmer-focused gathering blending cultural healing with support for local producers and food systems. Biodiversity Monitoring: NAVFAC Marianas and partners counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, using the results to guide conservation actions. Climate & Disaster Recovery: Coverage from the Western Pacific highlights how Sinlaku’s rapid intensification—linked to warmer ocean conditions—left thousands displaced and many still without stable housing or power. Local Governance & Environment Permitting: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey led a multi-state brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states’ authority in environmental permitting, tied to a Guam EPA case involving an Air Force hazardous waste permit. Military Footprint: The U.S. Air Force is relocating Global Hawk surveillance drones and personnel from Guam to Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, shifting regional monitoring capacity. Public Safety Infrastructure: A Guam letter warns that overcrowded, aging correctional facilities are an overlooked homeland security risk during crises like blackouts and typhoons.

Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: More than a month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Western Pacific communities are still rebuilding—Chuuk and Yap officials estimate over 7,000 homes damaged and more than 13,000 people displaced, with the regional death toll rising to 17; climate change is linked to the storm’s rapid intensification. Local Climate & Food Resilience: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for Guam farmers in June and July to help restore productivity after Sinlaku. Wildlife Monitoring: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, using the results to guide conservation actions for the threatened pollinator. Marine & Reef Collaboration: Palau joined the 51st U.S. Coral Reef Task Force in Puerto Rico to strengthen reef resilience and coordinated conservation. Governance & Environment Permitting: A Guam-related federal permitting fight is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, with West Virginia leading a coalition arguing states and territories should control permitting timelines. Tourism Infrastructure (Ecotourism): GVB approved about $118,000 in contracts and sponsorships, including a $55.5K Sella Bay Overlook trail project framed as sustainable, accessible ecotourism. Community & Accountability: Guam’s GVB faces a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault and institutional failures, prompting official reactions from the governor’s office.

Mariana Islands wildlife: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan and Tinian, using a coordinated survey to guide conservation for the threatened pollinator. Disaster recovery & food security: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July after Typhoon Sinlaku, with field visits and crop-specific recommendations to rebuild productivity. Local environment & tourism access: Guam Visitors Bureau approved contracts to improve the Sella Bay Overlook trail with a focus on safer, more accessible, “natural setting” ecotourism. Biodiversity win: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured what may be rare proof of ko’ko’ (Guam rail) mating in the wild, plus chicks seen with a parent. Regional reef resilience: Palau joined the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to strengthen coral bleaching response and watershed/fisheries coordination. Maritime environment risk: Owners of the M/V Mariana filed a federal action seeking to limit liability after the capsizing during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Climate signals: Coverage highlights Tropical Storm Jangmi impacts near Okinawa and points to a potentially active Super El Niño season affecting the Western Pacific.

Burden-Sharing Clash Hits Guam: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “partners, not protectorates” push for allies to pay more landed locally as Guam officials said the island is already central to U.S. Indo-Pacific operations and needs Washington to act like a true partner. Permitting Fight With Environmental Stakes: A coalition led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey urged the U.S. Supreme Court to stop activist groups from suing to block federal permitting before Guam EPA can review—an issue tied to the Air Force’s long-running munitions disposal. Wildlife Update: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, using the results to guide conservation actions for the threatened pollinator. Local Food Resilience: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July to help rebuild productivity after Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism & Trails: Guam Visitors Bureau approved about $118K in contracts and sponsorships, including a $55.5K Sella Bay Overlook trail project framed as sustainable ecotourism. Climate/Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Jangmi is battering Japan’s Ryukyu Islands with heavy rain and damaging winds, with evacuations and flight disruptions reported.

Fanihi Conservation Count: Volunteers identified 269 Mariana fruit bats (fanihi) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian in the 2026 annual count, with organizers saying the data will guide conservation actions for the threatened pollinator/seed disperser. Local Agriculture Resilience: After Typhoon Sinlaku, UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free soil-testing for farmers in June and July to help rebuild long-term productivity. Wildlife Recovery Milestone: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured photographic proof of ko’ko’ (Guam rail) mating in the wild, plus chicks seen trailing a parent—an encouraging sign for the native bird’s survival. Ecotourism Trail Upgrade: The Guam Visitors Bureau approved about $55,000 for the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, aiming for safer, accessible, “natural surface” hiking and trail biking. Drone Skills for Environmental Work: UOG Drone Corps applications are open for a new cohort, offering training toward FAA Part 107b licensing and hands-on use for environmental monitoring and agriculture. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Jangmi is battering Japan’s Ryukyu Islands with heavy rain and damaging winds, with evacuations and flight disruptions reported.

Storm & Climate Watch: Tropical Storm Jangmi is battering Japan’s Ryukyu Islands with damaging winds and heavy rain, prompting evacuations and flight cancellations—an added reminder for Guam’s weather readiness as forecasters warn the Pacific may be heading toward another Super El Niño summer. Agriculture Recovery: After Typhoon Sinlaku, UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free June–July soil testing for farmers, with field visits and crop-specific recommendations to help rebuild long-term productivity. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured Guam’s native ko’ko’ rail mating and chicks, while Smithsonian reports four new sihek (Guam kingfisher) hatchlings—both signals of rare wins for endangered island species. Sustainable Tourism & Trails: Guam Visitors Bureau approved about $118K in contracts and sponsorships, including a $55.5K Sella Bay Overlook trail project framed as ecotourism with safer, accessible natural-surface routes. Local Skills & Monitoring: UOG Drone Corps is accepting applications for its next cohort, training residents toward FAA Part 107b licensing for environmental monitoring and agricultural uses. Marine Environment: Port Authority talks move forward on an inflatable ocean park near Port Beach, with claims it’s designed to be environmentally conscious.

UOG Drone Corps: The University of Guam is opening applications for its 2026 Drone Corps cohort, offering training that can lead to an FAA Part 107b remote pilot license, with classes set for July 27–Aug. 7 and webinars June 12; fees are covered. Coastal & tourism projects: GVB approved a $55,000 contract to build the Sella Bay Overlook Trail, positioning it as an ecotourism hub with safer access and a natural-surface route. Wildlife wins: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured photographic proof of ko’ko’ (Guam rail) mating in the wild, plus chicks seen trailing a parent. Biodiversity conservation: NAVFAC Marianas and partners completed the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count, recording 269 bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. Energy & resilience: Guam’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant is expected to cut fuel oil use and reduce load-shedding vulnerability, supporting a cleaner transition. Storm outlook: The Atlantic hurricane season begins Monday, with forecasters watching Saharan dust and El Niño-linked conditions for 2026. Marine safety: Port Authority talks continue on an inflatable ocean park proposal near Port Beach, with claims it’s environmentally conscious and cleared by key federal agencies.

Wildlife & Invasives: Spanish researchers say a horseshoe whip snake has been swimming from Ibiza to Santa Eulària, confirming a new threat to endemic wall lizards. Local Conservation: Guam’s ko’ko’ rail may be reproducing on Cocos Island, with trail cameras capturing mating and chicks. Endangered Species: Four Guam kingfisher (sihek) chicks hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, adding to the tiny global breeding population. Ecotourism & Trails: GVB approved a $55,000 contract for the Sella Bay Overlook Trail, aiming for a safe, natural-surface route with accessibility and improved parking/safety. Energy & Environment: Ribbon cutting for the 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant promises major fuel-oil reductions and supports Guam’s cleaner-energy transition. Weather: Tropical Depression Jangmi (Invest 99W) brought record rainfall and localized flooding, though it posed no direct threat to the Marianas. Marine Life & Habitat: NAVFAC and partners logged 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian in the annual count. Port & Coastal Use: Port Authority leadership can negotiate a lease for an inflatable ocean park at Port property, with claims of environmental safeguards.

Power & Energy: Guam’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu plant is expected to cut fuel-oil use by about 3,000 barrels a day and reduce annual oil imports by roughly 1 million barrels, a major step for reliability and the island’s clean-energy push. Wildlife Conservation: NAVFAC Marianas and regional partners wrapped up the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count, recording 269 bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian—supporting protection of a threatened native pollinator. Disaster Recovery: A 30-day interagency vessel-removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina in CNMI begins June 1 to restore safe waterway access after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with road closures around the work zone. Climate & Weather: Guam saw record rainfall tied to Tropical Depression Jangmi (Invest 99W), triggering a flood advisory in northern Guam even though the system posed no direct threat. Agriculture & Resilience: UOG is taking its Farmer Focus conference to Chuuk on July 1 and is also running a new Drone Corps cycle to train licensed remote pilots for environmental monitoring and agricultural applications. Local Governance & Accountability: A Guam Legislature debate over crop disaster compensation highlights a gap between what farmers lost and what the current program covers after typhoons.

Sihek Conservation Breakthrough: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s Department of Agriculture hatched a new female sihek (Guam kingfisher) through artificial incubation, confirmed by DNA testing, bringing the captive population to seven birds—an important step for a species extinct in the wild since 1988. Disaster Relief Rules for Farmers: A crop relief debate is heating up after a northern Guam farmer said he waited for compensation following Sinlaku damage; the Department of Agriculture says current law covers production costs but not lost market value, raising calls to clarify or change disaster-compensation rules. Wildlife Monitoring Across the Marianas: NAVFAC Marianas and partners completed the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count, recording 269 bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, with the species still listed as threatened. Coastal Cleanup After Sinlaku: Federal and local partners begin a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina to restore safe waterway access, with road closures around the work area starting June 1. Energy & Resilience: Guam’s new Ukudu power plant ribbon cutting highlighted reduced fuel oil use and support for a cleaner transition, while broader regional weather and storm impacts continue to shape planning. Local Food & Markets: UOG is inviting farmers and food entrepreneurs to a marketing workshop series focused on product, price, place, promotion, and people—aimed at boosting sales for grown-in-Guam products.