Deep-Sea Mining Deadline: The American Samoa Governor’s 60-day review of BOEM’s proposed deep-sea mining lease sale is set to end Sept. 15, with BOEM expected to issue a final leasing notice in October and a potential Nov. lease sale on the table. Local Governance & Community Input: Residents and the Port Administration met with the Aunu’u Community on wharf expansion and boat ramp repairs, with safety concerns tied to the June 2026 tidal surge and calls to repair the eastern wave absorber. Fisheries Management: The Western Pacific Fishery Council meets Sept. 15–17 and will decide on the Large Vessel Prohibited Area around Muliāva (Rose Atoll), including whether to keep, exempt, or reduce restrictions affecting American Samoa longline access. Food Safety Enforcement: The Department of Health shut down two retail food stores—Gold Conda Store (Vaitogi) and JKL Food Center (Futiga)—after sanitation and public health violations. Ocean Science for Industry: NOAA dives east of Rose Atoll and in the Samoa Basin found polymetallic nodule fields and deep-sea life, adding new detail as exploration and potential leasing move forward. Policy Pushback: Conservation groups filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mining lease actions tied to American Samoa and the Marianas, arguing endangered species impacts were improperly dismissed. Freight Costs: Maersk added a $500 container surcharge for Gulf-bound shipments, with regulated-country timing that includes American Samoa. Cultural Education: The American Samoa Visitors Bureau launched “Our Paogo,” a children’s book aimed at preserving the territory flower and teaching growing and conservation.