Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) have filed new UNCLOS cases at ITLOS, challenging the International Seabed Authority’s “specific attention” compliance approach and seeking provisional measures—an early test of how exploration contractors protect their future exploitation rights. Energy & Water Security: Tonga is installing four new automatic weather stations under the EU ClimSA programme to strengthen forecasts and early warnings for farmers, fishers and outer islands, while a solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water daily for Hunga and Matamaka. Fuel Prices & Household Pressure: In Tonga’s budget debate, MPs questioned how rising fuel costs will be handled, with the government pointing to global drivers and noting electricity subsidies, as households feel the squeeze. Fisheries Transparency: Tonga has supported its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, with a Nuku’alofa workshop building coordination capacity for ongoing reporting. Maritime Cooperation: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including assistance to Tongan Royal Navy safety checks in Tonga’s EEZ. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing for stronger action ahead of major climate talks, including calls for endorsement of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Local Governance: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly passed emergency Public Service Amendment Bill 2026, updating ministry names after Cabinet changes. Legal & Land: Tonga’s Supreme Court ordered a family to vacate a Kolofo’ou town allotment after a dispute between brothers over an unauthorised house.