Marine Wildlife Protection: Samoa’s MNRE says humpback whales are migrating through Samoa’s warm waters from August to November, urging people to keep at least 100 metres away and not chase or interact as new marine protected areas help safeguard key routes. Ocean Science for Conservation: National Geographic Pristine Seas will survey Samoa’s newly protected marine areas over four weeks, using reef-to-deepwater sampling to build a scientific baseline for managing 100% of Samoa’s ocean under the Marine Spatial Plan. Regional Environment Governance: Samoa is hosting SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Apia, with SPREP DG warning Pacific communities “bear the brunt” of the triple planetary crisis as members review progress and set priorities toward COP31. Fisheries Science: Samoa is also hosting the WCPFC Scientific Committee meeting, calling for stronger science-based management to protect Western and Central Pacific tuna stocks. Climate & Gender: Pacific leaders at CSW66 pushed for women and girls to be at the centre of the global climate fight, linking resilience to gender equality and disaster risk reduction. Green Finance: Samoa’s banks and partners met at a Green Banking and Sustainable Finance workshop to expand renewable-energy lending, while tackling capacity and climate-risk management gaps. Disaster Preparedness: The US is supporting Samoa’s tsunami readiness, upgrading warning centre systems and training staff, alongside community “Tsunami Ready” work. Court & Politics: Former PM Tuilaepa was arrested and charged for allegedly breaching court orders after adverse social media comments, with a court appearance set for 25 August.