The number of Okinawan vessels fishing in Palau's waters has dropped from 32 in 2020 to five this year and could reach zero by 2026. Photo: RNZI / Giff Johnson
Palau - fisheries
Palauans are divided as Japan lobbies for more fishing grounds.
A visiting delegation of Okinawan and Japanese fishing representatives has urged Palau to reduce its protected ocean area from 80 percent to 50 percent.
The proposal to reopen more of its waters to commercial fishing has reignited national debate over the future of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary and the economic role of Palau's pristine environment.
The Island Times reported the number of Okinawan vessels fishing in Palau's waters has dropped from 32 in 2020 to five this year and could reach zero by 2026.
Fiji - manslaughter
Fiji police say a health and safety inspector has been charged with manslaughter arising from breach of duty, following a woman's death more than two years ago.
A 21-year-old woman died after falling from a ferris wheel in Suva in June 2023.
A second person is also set to be charged.
Northern Mariana Islands - land leases
Social media in the Northern Marianas has erupted in criticism over a proposal to extend private land leases from 55 to 99 years.
Many residents are warning it could strip future generations of their inheritance and turn the CNMI into "the next Hawaii or Guam", where indigenous people face homelessness despite land protections.
One man, blunt in his opposition, said: "It belongs to CNMI blood people. Leave it alone."
While another local, expressed frustration about reopening such a divisive debate.
Despite the backlash, Senator Manny Castro is pressing ahead with the Senate Legislative Initiative, a constitutional amendment that would give persons of Northern Marianas descent the option to enter leases of up to 99 years.
