Ocean Governance & Climate Action: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr urged urgent ocean governance and climate action at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, warning that sea-level rise, coral bleaching, ocean acidification and extreme weather are already hitting island states hardest. Regional Ocean Policy: As the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) transitions, Palau says it will support the Koror-based office but cautions that the institution must stay independent enough to coordinate growing ocean and policy needs. Sovereignty at Sea: Palau formally protested a Chinese research vessel’s unauthorized entry into its EEZ, saying the ship may have been collecting data or conducting research without permission. Public Safety Staffing: Palau’s Bureau of Public Safety says it’s short 45 officers, with patrol shifts sometimes running on just four, affecting crime prevention as theft and burglary rise. Atmospheric Science in Palau: A decade-long Palau-Germany atmospheric research partnership is advancing understanding of ozone chemistry, El Niño impacts and stratospheric air movement, while also teaching physics locally. Coral Reef Science & Training: PICRC continues coral outreach in Angaur and strengthens regional monitoring via ReefCloud AI training in Kosrae. Food Safety for Pacific Fisheries: EU rules on freezer-vessel temperatures are set to affect most EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with regional training in Suva to help authorities meet new requirements.