Wildfire Response: SFESA battled two bush fires in Savai‘i, including a recurring blaze at Samalaeulu that reignited after earlier outbreaks, with dry vegetation and windy conditions driving rapid spread and extra crews and tankers sent from Upolu. Marine Litter & Plastics: Samoa is set to join a €6 million SPREP-backed Pacific project (with Fiji, Marshall Islands and Tonga) to tackle marine litter and strengthen plastic waste management, funded with support from Germany’s GIZ. Ocean Protection Survey: Samoa’s new marine protected areas will be surveyed for four weeks by National Geographic Pristine Seas to build baseline data for biodiversity and long-term monitoring across reef, mid-ocean and deepwater sites. Whale Protection Reminder: MNRE says humpback whales are migrating through Samoa’s warm waters and urges the public to keep at least 100 metres away and not interact with protected whales. Climate Risk Update: El Niño conditions are established, with a 60–70% chance of below-normal rainfall and higher heat and wildfire risk, adding pressure to water, agriculture and ecosystems. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 identified 16 vessels of interest (including Samoa) and apprehended four, covering 27.5 million sq km and monitoring 3,000+ vessels. Science for Tuna: Samoa called for stronger, credible science to guide tuna management as WCPFC Scientific Committee work begins in Apia. SPREP Leadership in Apia: Samoa hosts SPREP’s Executive Board meeting focused on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, plus priorities ahead of COP31.