Teahupo’o Tragedy: An American surfer, 56, reportedly died after wiping out at Tahiti’s Teahupo’o big-wave break, hitting his head on the reef and breaking two neck vertebrae; he was taken to Taravao Hospital then CHPF in critical condition before passing away on June 19. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it has expanded fully protected waters to about 30% of its EEZ, adding 520,000 sq km with limits on industrial fishing and seabed mining, while keeping artisanal fishing access. Our Ocean Conference Commitments: The 2026 Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa secured 320 commitments worth USD 6.4B; French Polynesia highlighted new protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area, including regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones and seamount protections. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: A Pasteur Institute entomologist warns that climate change is widening the range of tiger mosquitoes that can spread dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever—raising outbreak fears. El Niño Health Risks: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts now underway, stressing early action to protect families and reduce health and community risks. Disaster Response Readiness: Exercise MARARA 26 in Tahiti showcased multinational humanitarian and disaster response training, including medical support and logistics, with the Pacific Response Group strengthening regional coordination.