AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Discovery: Explorers have identified the missing bow of USS New Orleans, torn off by a torpedo in 1942, in Iron Bottom Sound near Guadalcanal. A seafloor-mapping vessel and underwater robot helped locate and inspect the wreck 675 metres deep during a 2025 expedition. Bellona Wharf: Foundation work is advancing on the SBD 55.8 million Ahanga Wharf, with piling, steel reinforcement and concrete testing underway. Completion is now expected in December. Science at Sea: A 2027 Swan Hellenic cruise from Auckland to Honiara will bring planetary scientist Ross Beyer to share research on planetary landscapes and remote sensing. Digital Learning: Australia has provided SINU with more than SBD2 million in computers, laptops and learning resources, including equipment for a new computer lab. Health Research: The Health Ministry is developing a 2026–2031 laboratory plan to improve diagnostics, disease surveillance and responses to public health threats. Climate and Fisheries: Pacific scientists warn warming seas and a developing El Niño could shift tuna stocks and fishing grounds, while the coming cyclone season may start early and bring heightened risks across the region.

Bellona Infrastructure: Work is progressing on the SBD$55.8 million Ahanga Wharf, with piling, steel reinforcement and foundation testing under way. The project is now expected to finish in December, improving sea access for Bellona residents. Skills and Digital Learning: Six Solomon Islands Chevening graduates have returned with expertise including tropical medicine and telecommunications. SINU has also received more than SBD$2 million in computers and learning resources, including laptops for students and a new computer lab. Health Technology: The Health Ministry is developing a five-year plan to strengthen laboratory testing, disease surveillance and responses to public health threats. Naha’s health centre has expanded to 24/7 service, with onsite pathology and X-ray supporting faster diagnosis. Climate and Fisheries: SPC says warming seas and marine heatwaves are reshaping Pacific tuna stocks, while a strong El Niño could disrupt fishing patterns and island economies into 2027.

Tuna and Climate: SPC warns that warming seas, marine heatwaves and shifting El Niño conditions are changing tuna stocks and fishing patterns, putting more pressure on Pacific fisheries management. Space Science: SETI planetary scientist Ross Beyer will join a 2027 expedition cruise from Auckland to Honiara, sharing insights into planetary science and the search for life beyond Earth. Health Research: Solomon Islands is developing a five-year plan to strengthen medical laboratories, disease surveillance and the country’s response to health threats. Digital Learning: Australia has given SINU more than SBD$2 million in computers and learning resources, including 50 laptops for a new computer lab and 200 laptops for trainee teachers. Cyclone Outlook: Forecasters expect seven to 11 named cyclones across the southwestern Pacific this season, with at least four potentially reaching Category 3 or higher.

Tuna and Climate: SPC says warming seas, marine heatwaves and shifting El Niño conditions are changing tuna stocks and fishing patterns across the Pacific, putting pressure on fisheries management and island economies. Health Diagnostics: Solomon Islands is developing a 2026–2031 laboratory plan to strengthen testing, disease surveillance and public-health readiness. Digital Learning: Australia has provided SINU with more than SBD$2 million in computers, ICT equipment and learning resources, including laptops for students and a new computer lab. Cyclone Outlook: Forecasters expect seven to 11 named cyclones across the southwestern Pacific this season, with at least four potentially reaching Category 3 or stronger; Solomon Islands is among the countries facing possible impacts. Science at Sea: A 2027 expedition cruise from Auckland to Honiara will host SETI planetary scientist Ross Beyer, who will share research on planetary landscapes and remote sensing.

Climate and Ocean Science: The Pacific is pressing for stronger climate action ahead of COP31. SPC reports US$129.9 million in new climate funding approvals, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health risks. Skills and Research: Six Solomon Islands Chevening scholars have returned with master’s degrees, including expertise in tropical medicine and telecommunications. Digital Learning: Australia gave SINU more than SBD$2 million in computers, ICT equipment and learning resources, including laptops for a new computer lab and student loans. Health Technology: MHMS is developing a five-year laboratory plan to strengthen diagnostics, disease surveillance and health security. Naha’s 24-hour centre also uses onsite pathology and X-rays to support faster diagnosis. Disaster Outlook: Forecasters warn cyclone activity may rise across the Southwest Pacific this season, while a strong El Niño could affect Solomon Islands rainfall and tuna fisheries.

Skills and Research: Six Solomon Islands Chevening scholars have returned with UK master’s degrees in tropical medicine, environmental law, human rights, commerce and telecommunications, bringing expertise home to support national development. Digital Learning: Australia has given SINU more than SBD$2 million in computers and learning resources, including 50 laptops for a new lab and 72 desktop computers for university libraries. Health Science: MHMS is developing a five-year laboratory plan to strengthen diagnostics, disease surveillance and responses to public health threats. Naha’s new 24-hour centre also offers on-site pathology and X-ray services for faster diagnosis. Climate Resilience: SPC reports US$129.9 million in new climate funding approvals for Pacific projects, while a regional outlook warns of elevated cyclone activity in the 2026–27 season, potentially affecting Solomon Islands.

Digital Learning: Australia has donated more than SBD$2 million in computers, ICT equipment and learning resources to Solomon Islands National University, including laptops for a new computer lab and teaching students. Health Science: The Health Ministry is consulting stakeholders on a five-year plan to strengthen laboratory diagnostics, disease surveillance and readiness for public health threats. Naha’s 24/7 health centre is also using onsite pathology and X-rays to support faster diagnosis. Cyclone Outlook: A regional forecast warns of an early start and increased cyclone activity during the 2026/27 season, with Solomon Islands among the countries at risk as a strong El Niño develops. Disaster Readiness: The government is urging families to prepare emergency plans and supplies, while new printing equipment for Makira/Ulawa’s disaster office and women’s council is expected to help share safety information with remote communities. Earthquake: A magnitude 6.1 quake struck Solomon Islands on Sunday, according to Germany’s GFZ research centre.

Digital Learning: Australia has donated more than SBD2 million in computers and learning resources to Solomon Islands National University, including laptops for student teachers and a new computer lab. Ocean Science: Pacific governments, scientists and finance partners are advancing research and policy on ocean acidification, a growing threat to the seas that sustain island communities. Health Services: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has moved to 24-hour care, with more than 8,400 visits in its first six weeks; Parliament is also seeking public submissions on C-section services at the National Referral Hospital. Fisheries and Climate: A strengthening El Niño could shift tuna distribution and fishing activity across the Pacific into 2027, with consequences for Solomon Islands fisheries. Agricultural Research: A rice trial at Dodo Creek has reached its first harvest, testing whether the crop can be grown locally. Disaster Readiness: World Vision has supplied printing equipment to Makira’s disaster office and Provincial Council of Women to help distribute preparedness information and coordinate responses.

Digital Learning: Australia has provided Solomon Islands National University with more than SBD2 million in computers, ICT equipment and learning resources, including laptops for teaching students and a new computer lab. Ocean Science: Pacific governments, scientists and finance groups are advancing research and policy on ocean acidification, a growing threat to marine life and communities that rely on the sea. Climate and Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna distribution and fishing activity across the Pacific into 2027, with implications for Solomon Islands fisheries. Agricultural Research: A rice trial at Dodo Creek has reached its first harvest, testing whether the crop can be grown locally. Disaster Readiness: World Vision has supplied printing equipment to Makira’s disaster office and provincial women’s council to help share safety information and coordinate emergency response. Seabed Research: Researchers used underwater robots to locate the 134-metre Japanese destroyer Teruzuki in Iron Bottom Sound, off Guadalcanal.

Disaster Readiness: Solomon Islands families are urged to make emergency plans, prepare essential supplies and identify evacuation options, while a 6.1-magnitude earthquake recently struck the country. Marine Research: Underwater robots and seabed mapping helped researchers locate the 134-metre World War II destroyer Teruzuki off Guadalcanal, 83 years after it sank. Health Services: Honiara’s Naha Centre has begun round-the-clock birthing and primary care; onsite pathology and X-rays support faster diagnosis, and more than 8,400 people have visited in its first six weeks. Fisheries and Climate: A strengthening El Niño could shift tuna fishing grounds and disrupt Pacific fisheries into 2027, with changing catch patterns posing challenges for Solomon Islands. Agricultural Science: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest, testing whether research, climate-smart techniques and mechanisation can support local rice production.

Marine Exploration: Researchers used seafloor mapping and underwater robots to locate the 134-metre Japanese destroyer Teruzuki in Iron Bottom Sound off Guadalcanal, 800 metres deep. The wreck was found in 2025, 83 years after it sank. Ocean Science: Pacific experts warn that warming and acidifying seas threaten marine life, while research into ocean plankton blooms could help reveal how storms and warmer waters affect ocean ecosystems. Health Services: Honiara’s Naha centre has begun 24/7 birthing and primary care six weeks after opening. On-site pathology and X-rays support faster diagnosis; more than 8,400 people have visited. Climate and Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna distribution and fishing activity across the Pacific into 2027, with implications for Solomon Islands’ fisheries. Agricultural Research: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest, testing whether local production can support food security and reduce reliance on imports. Seismic Activity: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Solomon Islands on Sunday, according to Germany’s GFZ research centre.

Health Technology: Honiara’s Naha Centre has moved to 24/7 birthing and primary care just six weeks after opening. On-site pathology and X-rays support faster diagnosis, and more than 8,400 people have visited. Climate and Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna grounds and catch rates through 2027, challenging fisheries management and Pacific economies. Solomon Islands fishing activity was low in July before rising in August. Earth Science: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Solomon Islands on Sunday, according to Germany’s GFZ research centre. Agricultural Research: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest. Researchers will use the findings to guide future rice production and assess whether the crop can be grown commercially. Disaster Readiness: World Vision has provided printing equipment to Makira’s disaster office and Provincial Council of Women to help share preparedness information and speed up reporting during emergencies.

Fisheries and Climate: A strengthening El Niño could shift tuna distribution and fishing activity across the Pacific through 2027, posing challenges for Solomon Islands fisheries and the communities that depend on them. Earthquake: A magnitude 6.1 quake struck Solomon Islands on Sunday, GFZ reported; its epicentre was offshore at a depth of 10 kilometres. Agricultural Research: A rice trial at Dodo Creek has reached its first harvest. The project is testing whether local production can work, using research, climate-smart techniques and mechanisation. Disaster Readiness: World Vision supplied printing equipment to Makira/Ulawa’s disaster office and provincial women’s council to help them share emergency information and coordinate responses. Technology and History: Researchers are using drone-mounted LiDAR and AI to map traces of the 1943 Battle of Munda in New Georgia, helping investigate a little-documented chapter of Solomon Islands history. Health Services: A new Honiara mobile clinic is offering free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing three nights a week, taking screening into communities.

Earthquake Monitoring: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the Solomon Islands at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to Germany’s GFZ research centre. Maritime Safety: More than 70 passengers remain aboard a disabled ferry in Temotu waters; rescue aircraft have dropped food, medical supplies and communications equipment. Agricultural Research: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest, giving researchers a chance to assess whether rice can be grown locally and support food security. Government Technology: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says work has begun on exploring an AI system to help the Treasury use real-time data for decision-making. Disaster Readiness: World Vision supplied printing equipment to Makira’s disaster office and provincial women’s council to speed up emergency information and reporting. WWII Mapping: Researchers are using drone-mounted LiDAR and AI to map remnants of the 1943 Battle of Munda Point, offering new ways to investigate the Solomon Islands’ wartime history.

Climate Science: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands communities are already facing sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion and damaged reefs, and warns the world is on track to pass the 1.5°C warming limit. Public Health: WHO warns that vaccine gaps across the Western Pacific are raising outbreak risks; three-dose coverage for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis fell to 89% in 2025, from 94% in 2019. Research and Technology: Researchers are using drone-mounted LiDAR, AI and field archaeology to map remnants of the 1943 Battle of Munda in New Georgia, potentially revealing new details of the overlooked campaign. Food Security: A rice trial at Dodo Creek has reached its first harvest. Researchers will use the results to assess whether local rice production can be expanded. Digital Government: The government is exploring an AI system to help Treasury officials make decisions using real-time financial data.

Vaccination: WHO warns that gaps in routine immunisation across the Western Pacific are raising outbreak risks; nearly 1.7 million babies missed their first vaccine dose in 2025. Heritage Technology: Researchers are using drone-mounted LiDAR and AI to map wartime remains at Munda Point, New Georgia, helping uncover details of a little-known 1943 battle. Health Services: Honiara’s Naha centre has begun round-the-clock birthing and primary care, after treating more than 8,400 people in its first six weeks. Agricultural Research: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest, with data from the project intended to guide future rice growing and food security efforts. Digital Government: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says work is under way to explore AI tools for Treasury management and faster decisions using real-time data.