Ocean Protection & Research: Samoa’s new marine protected areas are set for a four-week survey by National Geographic Pristine Seas, aiming to build a scientific baseline for managing 30% of Samoa’s ocean under its Marine Spatial Plan. Fisheries Science in Samoa: The WCPFC Scientific Committee is meeting in Apia with delegates from 26 countries to review tuna stock data and guide science-based management, with next steps in monitoring and compliance. Tuna Management Call: Samoa is also pushing for stronger, credible science to protect Pacific tuna stocks as decisions made in the meeting will affect coastal communities. Agriculture Breakthrough (USP): A USP PhD candidate is studying how Fiji’s ant-plant farming works, including how ants and plant microbes may suppress disease—potentially boosting sustainable agriculture across the Pacific. Health Targets: Samoa’s development pathway sets a goal to reduce non-communicable diseases by 5%, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity, with monitoring via health data systems. AI & Culture: The Tiama’a band is urging people to stop using AI to reproduce its songs without permission, warning mispronunciations can distort Samoan language and meaning. Fintech & Remittances: A new look at Samoa’s digital payments argues the real starting point is diaspora remittances—turning fast, cheaper transfers into a broader everyday financial system.