AGP Executive Report
Last update: 8 hours agoTuna Supply Chain: StarKist says it has stopped buying from vessels identified in a forced-labor report and hired an outside firm to investigate. Indonesian fishers’ advocates are pressing the company to sign a binding labor agreement. Seabed Mining: A federal auction of 31.5 million acres off American Samoa is scheduled for Nov. 19, amid legal challenges and Pacific opposition. Separately, the U.S. is reviewing competing claims to seabed areas overseen by the U.N.-linked International Seabed Authority, raising questions about legal authority and environmental risks. Public Projects: A Tafuna behavioral health and rehabilitation center funded by ARPA is about 70% complete, but shipping and weather delays push some work to May 2027. Local officials are seeking more time before the Dec. 31 funding deadline. Forestry and Agriculture: A new extension agent position for American Samoa is open through Dec. 23, backed by a $2.8 million Pacific forest resilience partnership. Shipping Costs: Swire Shipping’s emergency fuel surcharge rises Nov. 15; standard containers on specified Pacific routes will face charges of $535 for 20-foot units and $1,070 for 40-foot units. Food Prices: American Samoa’s Basic Food Index slipped 0.2% in October, with lower banana, rice and sugar prices outweighing increases in fresh fish, milk and other items.
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