Tonga WTO & Fisheries Governance: Tonga has submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the World Trade Organization, supported by the WTO Fish Fund, after a Nuku’alofa workshop built a fisheries subsidy inventory and improved reporting coordination—an important step under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Tonga Politics & Accountability: Tonga’s coalition faces fresh pressure after the Supreme Court convicted a third cabinet minister for election bribery; Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty after donating a Starlink terminal to his constituency, with sentencing and possible by-election implications now in focus. Budget Watch: Parliament’s budget debate zeroed in on fuel prices and household costs, with MPs questioning whether the budget tackles rising fuel (including June prices up to $6/litre in the Niuas) and how spending priorities and overtime allocations align with economic relief. Pacific Clean Shipping Pact: Pacific transport ministers formalized the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to coordinate a cleaner, more equitable maritime transition—low-carbon vessels, resilient ports, and skilled workers—while Tonga is expected to sign. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Stakes: New ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber cases were filed by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd., challenging ISA compliance processes and seeking provisional measures as exploitation rules and benefit-sharing terms remain unsettled. Pacific Peace Appeal: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a global appeal for peace, urging UN Charter principles and dialogue as tensions rise and fuel and freight shocks hit small economies. Crypto Scam Warning: Regulators renewed warnings about crypto investment scams targeting Pacific communities, including Tonga, highlighting how “trust” and community networks are used to pull victims into fake trading apps.