Regional
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A landmark agreement to protect our oceans, known as the United Nations High Seas Treaty, has been officially approved and is set to become international law.
The treaty comes amid the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, attended by global leaders and...
Apia, SAMOA — (September 18, 2025) A Treasury Office report has revealed that the government has just enough funds left in the salary item of the national budget to cover one more week of wages for public servants.
However, the report noted that these funds do not include outstanding overtime...
HONOLULU — Prompted by a Proclamation and Executive Order from President Trump, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council deliberated on the impacts of commercial fishing within the boundaries of the Pacific Islands Heritage, Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench and Papahānaumokuākea Marine...
Pago Paago, AMERICAN SAMOA — French Polynesia's president wants Pacific countries to agree to a moratorium on deep sea mining despite the wide range of views on the issue in the region.
Moetai Brotherson represents one of the Pacific countries calling for a moratorium, alongside the likes of Palau...
Apia, SAMOA — September 18, 2025 — At a time when anti-Semitism is surging worldwide and millions are accusing Israel of committing genocide and deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza, Israel has found an unexpected yet steadfast ally in the Pacific.
Samoa’s newly elected Prime Minister, Rt....
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The New Zealand government is pausing the recognition of some international adoptions, primarily affecting Samoa, due to concerns over child abuse in cases involving adoptions from overseas.
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says efforts are underway with Samoa...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — There has been a significant new funding boost for the Pacific-led effort to protect our oceans.
The Bezos Earth Fund has announced just over US$37 million in grants to support marine protection efforts across 12 countries and territories.
The fund, owned by Amazon's...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Head of State Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaleto’a Sualauvi II at the opening of the 18th Parliament Address on September 16, 2025, Apia, Samoa, where he delivered special remarks, congratulating Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi, who has now been “entrusted with the...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Independent State of Samoa welcomed its eighth Prime Minister since gaining independence in 1962, as Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi took the oath of office on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in a historic ceremony that lasted nearly five hours.
The swearing-...
HONOLULU — (September 15, 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) concluded its 157th meeting this week, providing key scientific recommendations to the Council on bottomfish management, climate impacts, bycatch and new ocean...

![Palau's President Surangel S Whipps Jr says he is proud of the island nation being the first country to ratify the High Seas Treaty. [photo: Reuters / David Dee Delgado] Palau's President Surangel S Whipps Jr](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/pres_whipps_jr.jpeg?itok=tGVWpvxb)

![In this SN file photo, Taulapapa Will Sword mans the knot tying station on during the IGFA Passport to Fishing program, teaching participants how to tie different types of knots to ensure secured hooks on the line. [courtesy photo] will sword](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/07_captain_will_sword_knot_tying.jpg?itok=OoDsXtXr)
![French Polynesia's President Moetai Brotherson in Honiara for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from 8-12 September 2025.: [Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb Fotheringham] French Polynesia's President Moetai Brothers](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/french_polynesia_president.jpeg?itok=LTDZm9-j)
![American Samoa Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula (right) congratulates Samoa’s new Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi, after Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Am Samoa gov and samoa PM](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_3590.jpg?itok=8iwBqjWw)

![Goldlined emperors with colorful reef in Tuvalu in June 2025. [Photo: Manu San Félix / National Geographic Pristine Seas]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/4k0xz63_tuvalu_manu_san_fe_lixmsf_1410_mejorado_nr_avif.jpg?itok=ojJDp7hm)
![“Our canoe cannot move forward if each person or faction paddles in a different direction. It is imperative that we paddle together, for the good of our country and people, and for the glory of our God,”the Head of State said. [courtesy photo] Samoa Head of State](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/0833.jpg?itok=FTpEGaAc)
![The an unfamiliar sound of the 'shofar,' a traditional Hebrew horn made from a goat’s horn was heard as the Prime Minister-elect and members of the FAST Party entered the venue where the swearing-in ceremony and official opening of the 18th Parliament of Samoa took place on Tuesday.It was blown by a man dressed in traditional Hebrew attire, his head covered with a 'tallit' or prayer shawl. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] the 'shofar,' a traditional Hebrew horn](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_3542.jpg?itok=vSHzuAw7)
