AGP Executive Report

Beach Safety: Guam EPA says 12 beaches are polluted above bacteriological standards based on June 10 sampling, warning swimming, fishing, and play could cause illnesses—especially for kids, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. Disaster Recovery for Farmers: The Governor’s Office says the first batch of Super Typhoon Sinlaku crop-loss checks has gone out—$239,000 total—so farmers can restart after the storm. Marine Research at Risk: University of Guam marine and reef programs face possible shutdown in FY2027 as NOAA budget proposals target ocean research and conservation funding. Wildlife Monitoring: Volunteers and partners completed the annual Fanihi Count across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, recording 269 Mariana fruit bats—an effort aimed at tracking recovery for a threatened species. Kids & Conservation: Guam DAWR is gearing up for the June 27 Kids Fishing Derby at Ypao Beach Park, with a June 20 clinic teaching safe, responsible angling tied to marine preserve education. Space & Weather: Officials say a cloud formation over the Marianas was linked to space debris breaking apart high in the atmosphere, with no public threat reported.

Emergency Preparedness & Cybersecurity: Sixty Airmen, Sailors, and Soldiers trained June 1–12 to strengthen Guam’s emergency radio and cyber networks, decommissioning old gear, testing response communications across installations and the governor’s office, and upgrading network equipment with the Government of Guam Office of Technology. Wildlife Conservation: Volunteers and partners completed the annual Fanihi Count across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, recording 269 Mariana fruit bats (241 on Guam), supporting long-term recovery tracking for the threatened, endemic pollinator. NOAA Funding Risk: Guam’s ocean research and reef protection programs face possible shutdown in FY2027 as NOAA budget cuts target marine grants and climate resilience work that the University of Guam relies on. Marine Protection Policy: Trump restored commercial fishing access in parts of three Pacific marine national monuments, including the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument off Guam—raising concerns for protected ecosystems. Community & Youth Outdoors: DAWR announced a Free Annual Kids Fishing Derby June 27 at Ypao Beach Park, with a June 20 clinic teaching knot tying, safety, and responsible angling tied to marine preserve education. Coastal Recovery After Sinlaku: Guam’s shoreline vegetation is visibly rebounding months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with new growth returning to coastal plants and habitats.

Space & Atmosphere: A confirmed space-debris breakup over Saipan produced high-altitude noctilucent clouds visible across Guam and CNMI, with officials saying there was no public threat. Marine Protection vs Fishing: President Trump restored commercial fishing access in parts of three Pacific marine national monuments, including the Mariana Trench area near Guam—raising new questions for ocean protection and local fisheries. Local Resilience & Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a bill unlocking $77M for GDOE, including typhoon-damage and school repairs, while vetoing a measure expanding licensing pathways for internationally trained doctors into Guam’s private sector. Typhoon Aftermath: Guam’s government says it’s nearing the end of Super Typhoon Sinlaku emergency spending, with about $10M expected to return for reuse. Food Safety Capacity: DPHSS says staffing shortages mean only about half of required high-risk inspections are getting done. Aquaculture & Food Security: UH Hilo joined a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) to strengthen U.S. seafood supply and expand sustainable marine aquaculture. Community & Environment: After Sinlaku, coastal plants are visibly rebounding—green shoots and beach morning glory returning along Guam shorelines.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Guam’s deep-sea mining ban is now in law, but experts warn U.S. rules for any future seabed leasing are “bare bones” and may weaken environmental oversight as lease sales are planned for places like American Samoa, the CNMI, and Alaska. Storm Outlook: The National Weather Service in Guam says El Niño could mean 3–5 more typhoons and up to 7 named tropical cyclones affecting the Marianas by year’s end, with higher chances of storms reaching the region (not guaranteed landfalls). Sinlaku Recovery & Costs: Guam is nearing the end of Super Typhoon Sinlaku emergency spending, with nearly $10M likely to return to GovGuam coffers. Coastal Resilience: After Sinlaku, shoreline vegetation is visibly rebounding, with species like beach morning glory and ironwood returning in patches. Seafood & Aquaculture: UH Hilo is joining a new $13.5M NOAA aquaculture research effort to strengthen U.S. seafood supply and expand sustainable marine farming. Food Safety Staffing: DPHSS says only half of required high-risk facility inspections are being completed due to a shortage of fully trained inspectors.

Coastal Recovery After Sinlaku: Guam’s shoreline plants are bouncing back months after Typhoon Sinlaku, with species like Nigas (Phemphis acidula) and beach morning glory regrowing even after being stripped or buried. Storm Outlook for 2026: The National Weather Service Guam says El Niño could mean 3–5 more typhoons and up to 7 named tropical cyclones affecting the Marianas by year’s end, with higher odds of storms reaching the region (not guaranteed landfalls). Public Health Enforcement: DPHSS is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen imports and coordinating with Customs to stop misbranded/adulterated products, with potential fines and removal from commerce. Food Safety Staffing Strain: Guam’s DPHSS says only three fully trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility inspections, completing about half of required checks. Aquaculture Funding Boost: UH Hilo is joining NOAA’s $13.5M CIFARM consortium to expand sustainable marine aquaculture and strengthen the U.S. seafood supply. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: Experts warn U.S. deep-sea mining regulations are outdated and may weaken environmental review and public input as seabed leasing moves forward. Ocean Mapping in the Marianas: Ocean Exploration Trust is launching a two-week seabed mapping expedition around the Mariana Islands, streaming live as it studies habitats and biodiversity. Defense Footprint Debate: The U.S. Air Force plans to permanently relocate Global Hawk drones and personnel from Andersen to Yokota, adding fuel to Guam’s ongoing discussion about who carries the defense burden.

El Niño Storm Outlook: Guam and the CNMI face a more active 2026 as El Niño develops, with the National Weather Service in Guam forecasting 3–5 more typhoons and 4–7 tropical cyclones of tropical-storm strength or higher through year’s end—no guarantee of landfall, but a higher chance storms affect the region. Public Health Enforcement: DPHSS says it’s investigating violations of Guam’s banned, coral-harming sunscreen rules (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), working with Customs to stop shipments and requiring removal, return, or disposal of confirmed products. Food Safety Staffing Gap: With only three fully trained inspectors, DPHSS is completing about half of required high-risk facility inspections—26 of 52 for Category 4 food facilities and 62 of 124 for Category 4 institutional facilities. Aquaculture & Seafood Supply: UH Hilo is a core partner in NOAA’s new $13.5M CIFARM effort to expand sustainable U.S. marine aquaculture and strengthen seafood supply. Deep-sea Mining Oversight Debate: Experts warn U.S. deep-sea mining rules are outdated and could weaken environmental review and public input as seabed leasing moves forward. Typhoon Recovery Updates (CNMI): CNMI officials report progress restoring power and water after recent storms, with most primary power lines re-energized on Saipan. Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific, with Guam monitoring and advisories later lifted.

Typhoon Outlook for the Marianas: The National Weather Service in Guam says El Niño could mean a busier 2026, with 3–5 more typhoons and 4–7 named storms of tropical-storm strength or higher affecting the region before year’s end—no guarantee of landfall, but higher odds of storms impacting Guam and the CNMI. Aquaculture & Seafood Supply: The University of Hawaiʻi is joining a $13.5M national aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) led through NOAA, aiming to expand sustainable marine aquaculture and strengthen U.S. seafood supply. Coral-Safe Sunscreen Enforcement: Guam’s Public Health is investigating violations of the ban on coral-harming sunscreen chemicals (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), working with customs to stop banned products at ports and pursue removal and fines. Deep-Sea Mining Rules Under Fire: Experts warn U.S. deep-sea mining regulations are outdated and may weaken environmental review and public input as the government moves toward seabed leasing. Disaster Reminder from the Region: A 7.8 earthquake in the Philippines triggered tsunami warnings across parts of Asia and the Pacific, underscoring how quickly hazards can escalate. Ocean Stewardship Message: Pacific Navigator Larry Raigetal urged people to treat the ocean as a “grandmother” that nurtures—and demands respect—as environmental change intensifies.

Deep-Sea Mining Oversight: U.S. experts warn proposed federal rules for deep-sea mining would weaken environmental review and public input, with critics saying outdated safeguards could be easier to bypass. Nuclear Microreactors: A Guam-based security think tank says new congressional language could expand what counts as a “microreactor,” raising alarms about nuclear deployment in the Western Pacific. Coral-Safe Sunscreen Enforcement: Guam Public Health is investigating banned coral-harming sunscreen ingredients (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene) and says violators face removal from commerce and civil fines. Typhoon Season Readiness: NOAA/NWS outlooks for 2026 warn Guam and the Marianas could see up to seven named storms, with El Niño linked to stronger systems—urging residents to keep emergency plans and supplies ready. Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts: A 7.8 quake hit Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific; Guam and Japan saw advisories that were later lifted after monitoring. Ordot Dump Settlement: GovGuam is reviewing a federal settlement proposal tied to remaining CERCLA response-cost claims in the Ordot dump case.

Marianas Weather: The National Weather Service says the Marianas should stay in a dry pattern through the week, with about an inch of rain expected over the next 10 days and seas around 3 to 5 feet, plus a moderate risk of rip currents. Coral-Safe Sunscreen Enforcement: Guam Public Health is investigating violations of Guam’s ban on coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), working with Customs to stop shipments and requiring banned products be removed, returned, or disposed of. Tsunami After Philippines Quake: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami alerts across the region, Guam and Japan warnings were lifted after buoy monitoring showed only small sea-level changes; officials say tsunami waves occurred in the Philippines but matched forecasts. Ocean Security & Mapping: A new analysis says China is expanding undersea mapping across major oceans, potentially improving submarine navigation and locating undersea infrastructure. Guam EPA Compliance: Guam International Country Club faces a Guam EPA notice of violation and compliance order over underground storage tank documentation and leak-detection records. Storm Season Prep: NWS outlooks for 2026 warn the Marianas could see a busier storm season tied to El Niño, with multiple typhoons possible.

Disaster Preparedness: Guam and CNMI officials are urging residents to stay ready after a 7.8 quake hit Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Asia and the Pacific, while the NWS says Guam’s “fair weather” is a narrow window before a more active season. Storm Outlook: The Joint Guam/CNMI Typhoon Preparedness Month briefing projects 3–5 more tropical cyclones for the Marianas in 2026, with several reaching typhoon strength as El Niño shifts storm formation eastward. Local Environment & Compliance: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order to Guam International Country Club over missing records and problems tied to diesel and gasoline underground storage tanks. Ocean & Science: Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus returns June 10 for multiple deep-sea missions, including mapping runs around the Mariana Islands with upgraded sonar. Community & Food Systems: UOG’s Famagu’on Farmers Program and a separate agricultural marketing workshop series aim to strengthen Guam-grown food businesses and local identity. Ocean Policy: Guam and CNMI pushed federal officials to include the Philippines in a visa waiver exemption for island travel, tying mobility to regional economic resilience.

Disaster Preparedness: A powerful 7.8 earthquake struck off Mindanao, Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia—and even Guam—prompting coastal alerts and evacuation guidance while officials assess damage and aftershocks. Energy & Resilience: Guam’s nuclear microreactor push is back in Congress, with a 2030 Indo-Pacific deployment requirement in the FY2027 defense bill drawing opposition from Guam’s delegate over transparency and engagement. Ocean & Climate Policy: Guam signed a deep-sea mining ban, but the fight is “just beginning,” as seabed minerals remain tied to global competition and local self-determination. Local Environment Enforcement: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order to Guam International Country Club over diesel and gasoline underground storage tank documentation and leak-detection requirements. Storm Outlook: NWS says Marianas could see 4–7 named storms later in 2026, with 3–5 typhoons and up to two major systems, tied to an El Niño shift. Food Systems: UOG is running farmer-focused marketing and traceability workshops to help Guam-grown products reach more buyers, plus GDOE adopted USDA Smart Snacks standards to curb junk food in public schools.

Ocean Justice Push: More than 400 ocean policy and environmental justice advocates met in Washington for Upwell 2026, with Guam’s María Hernandez urging continued action on climate and deep-sea mining. Storm Season Watch: The National Weather Service says Guam and the Marianas could see 3–5 more typhoons in the second half of 2026, with up to 2 major systems, tied to an El Niño shift eastward. Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters and threatening fines up to $50,000 per day, while also tightening how the Port Authority can be used without community consultation. School Nutrition & Health: Guam’s education board approved USDA Smart Snacks standards to keep junk food out of public schools, including vending and fundraisers. Local Food Market Boost: UOG’s Land Grant Extension is running a 5P Agricultural Marketing workshop series to help Guam farmers and food entrepreneurs sell more of their traceable, locally grown products. Recycling & Cleanup Funding: DPW is seeking $12M from the Recycling Revolving Fund to restart an abandoned vehicles program. NOAA Budget Risk: A proposed 2027 NOAA cut could reduce Pacific weather forecasting, coral protection, and coastal resilience programs that Guam and CNMI rely on. Ocean Exploration: E/V Nautilus returns to Mariana waters with new sonar mapping and local participation, aiming to expand knowledge of deep-sea habitats. Ocean Protection Allies: Guam also sought regional support for stronger ocean protection efforts.

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.