Ocean protection funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in grants to protect 625,000+ sq miles of ocean across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to manage waters sustainably and protect at least 30% by 2030. Sea survival and health checks: Three Bougainvilleans rescued after 69 days at sea survived on fish, cocoa beans and rainwater and are now in Kiribati for medical checks. More rescues at sea: Another 11 passengers were rescued after 19 hours adrift, also receiving initial medical care and supplies. Pacific health gap: New analysis says Pacific life expectancy gains are uneven, with Naoero falling furthest behind and now at the lowest level in the region. Water and gender voice: Pacific research ahead of COP31 highlights that women are often excluded from water decision-making, worsening climate and water insecurity impacts. Kiribati at UNGA: President Taneti Maamau urged stronger international action on climate, ocean protection and the nuclear legacy, stressing Kiribati’s dependence on healthy marine resources. Kiribati-linked search effort: A major expedition plans to investigate a lagoon anomaly on Nikumaroro, Kiribati, as part of the search for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane.