AGP Executive Report

Falklands UN push: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Islanders deserve self-determination, with Gould stressing lived experience and local funding for health and university education, and Goss making the legal case while renewing an invitation for a UN visiting mission. Polar heritage in 3D: A Shackleton shipwreck model is going on public display at Dundee’s Discovery Point until November 2026, letting visitors explore the Endurance wreck in detailed 3D for the first time. Underwater archaeology, digitised: An expedition starting this week will create high-resolution digital twins of the Quest and Terra Nova wrecks, using Canadian imaging tech to document fragile sites rather than recover them. Antarctic life under the microscope: A British doctoral study on Signy Island found “surprisingly rich” algae communities on snow and glacier surfaces, challenging assumptions that Antarctic ecosystems respond uniformly to warming. Polar travel plans: Quark Expeditions launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028-29, adding a Guided Photography Program, new Expedition Extensions, and a Northwest Passage voyage, with the Falklands included in the Antarctic season. Local tech: Adapto South Atlantic says it’s helping Falklands businesses use AI more effectively.

Polar Heritage in 3D: A new 21-day expedition will create ultra-detailed digital twins of the Shackleton-era wreck Quest (and then Terra Nova), using Canadian underwater imaging tech to document fragile sites instead of recovering them. Falklands & Antarctica Science: A British academic reports “surprisingly rich” algae communities on Antarctic snow and glacier surfaces, challenging the idea that cold ecosystems respond uniformly to warming. Polar Travel Tech & Culture: Quark Expeditions launches Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028-29 with a Guided Photography Program, new Expedition Extensions, a Northwest Passage voyage, and the return of Tundra to Table (with Greenland’s Igapall). Falklands Self-Determination at the UN: Legislative Assembly members Dot Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Islanders’ right to self-determination should be respected, inviting a visiting mission. AI for Local Firms: Adapto South Atlantic says it’s helping Falklands businesses use AI to improve day-to-day work. Health & Community: A UK sailor serving off the Falklands plans a 69km stroke-awareness challenge for the Stroke Association. Maritime Memory: Shackleton’s Endurance wreck model goes on display in Dundee until Nov 2026, bringing public 3D access to the ice-ship story.

Underwater Heritage Tech: A Royal Canadian Geographical Society-backed expedition will start this week to create ultra-detailed digital twins of the 1962 Shackleton-era wreck Quest (nearly 400m down) and then survey Scott’s Terra Nova, using Canadian underwater imaging tech from Voyis—part of a wider shift toward documenting fragile wrecks instead of recovering them. Polar Science & Life: A British Antarctic mission on Signy Island found “surprisingly rich” communities of snow and glacier algae, showing Antarctic ice ecosystems don’t respond uniformly to warming—raising new questions for cold-environment biology. Falklands Link to Polar Travel: Quark Expeditions has launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons, adding a Guided Photography Program (small groups, photo guides), new “Expedition Extensions,” and a Northwest Passage voyage; its Antarctic routes include the Falkland Islands. Local Innovation: A Falklands tech firm, Adapto South Atlantic, is helping Island businesses explore practical uses of AI. Island Governance: Falklands Legislative Assembly members Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Decolonisation Committee (C24) that self-determination should be respected and urged a visiting mission. Marine Health Watch: Scientists in South Georgia tracked H5N1 bird flu’s spread via seabirds and seal deaths, highlighting how fast the outbreak can move through subantarctic ecosystems.

Falklands Self-Determination at the UN: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Islanders’ right to self-determination should be respected, renewing an invitation for a visiting mission that has never happened since the UN began considering the issue in 1965. Falklands Fisheries Watch: The illex squid season has closed, with catches running well below the ten-year average and fuel costs rising, but the Fisheries Department and FIFCA say it’s not an immediate crisis and point to familiar multi-year cycles. AI for Local Business: A new Falklands technology firm, Adapto South Atlantic, is helping Island businesses explore practical ways to use AI at work. Polar Science in Focus: A Bristol PhD researcher reports “surprisingly rich” communities of microscopic algae on Antarctica’s snow and glacier surfaces, challenging assumptions that cold ecosystems respond uniformly to warming. Polar Travel Updates: Quark Expeditions launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29, adding a guided photography programme, new expedition extensions, and a Northwest Passage voyage. Bird Flu in the Subantarctic: Scientists on a South Georgia expedition tracked the spread of H5N1, describing heavy impacts on seals and scavenging seabirds.

Falklands Self-Determination at UN: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Islanders should choose their own future, renewing calls for a visiting mission and stressing local funding of healthcare and university education. Antarctic Microbes: A Bristol PhD researcher found “surprisingly rich” algae communities on Signy Island, challenging the idea that Antarctic ice life responds uniformly to warming. Polar Travel Push: Quark Expeditions opened bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028-29 with 70+ departures, adding a small-group guided photography programme, new expedition add-ons, and a Northwest Passage voyage that also includes the Falklands. Bird Flu in the Subantarctic: Scientists on a South Georgia mission reported widespread H5N1 impacts, with dead fur seals and seabirds feeding on carcasses. Local Tech for Island Firms: Adapto South Atlantic says it’s helping Falklands businesses use AI to improve day-to-day work. Illex Squid Season Watch: The illex season closed with catches below the long-term average and higher fuel costs, but officials say it’s not yet a major cause for concern. Heatwave Disruption (UK): Extreme heat kept hundreds of schools closed, with guidance focused on keeping pupils safe and comfortable.

Polar Travel & Field Skills: Quark Expeditions has launched its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons with 70+ departures, its earliest-ever season release, plus a new Guided Photography Program (16 guests per trip, priority Zodiac positioning, slower field time, daily workshops and image reviews), Expedition Extensions before/after select voyages, a new Northwest Passage itinerary, and the return of Tundra to Table with Greenland’s Igapall. Falklands in the Spotlight: Falklands Legislative Assembly members Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss addressed the UN Committee of 24, defending self-determination and renewing an invitation for a visiting mission. Wildlife & Disease Watch: A multi-national team studying H5N1 bird flu reported heavy impacts around South Georgia, describing extensive seal deaths and scavenging seabirds feeding on carcasses. Local Science & Industry: The illex squid season has closed with catches below the 10-year average and rising fuel costs, but fisheries officials say it’s not an immediate cause for alarm. AI for Island Businesses: A Falklands tech firm, Adapto South Atlantic, is helping local companies explore practical uses of AI.

Polar Travel & Skills: Quark Expeditions has opened bookings for its earliest-ever Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029 seasons, with 70+ departures plus a new Guided Photography Program (small groups of 16, photo guides, Zodiac positioning, daily reviews), first Expedition Extensions, a new Northwest Passage voyage, and the return of Tundra to Table in partnership with Greenland’s Igapall. Bird Flu Watch: Scientists on a South Georgia expedition tracked how H5N1 spread through seabird and seal populations, describing mass die-offs and the role of scavenging wildlife in the chain of transmission. Falklands Governance at the UN: Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly members Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Decolonisation Committee on self-determination and renewed calls for a visiting mission. Local Industry Pressure: The Illex squid season has closed with catches well below the ten-year average and rising fuel costs, but fisheries officials say it’s not yet a major cause for concern. Heat & Safety: A UK heatwave continues to disrupt schools, with hundreds closed or partially shut as extreme temperatures and health risks drive decisions.

UN Self-Determination Push: Falklands Legislative Assembly members Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Islanders deserve the right to self-determination, renewing an invitation for a visiting mission that has never happened since 1965. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Scientists studying H5N1 bird flu in the South Atlantic report devastating seal and seabird impacts around South Georgia, with carcasses and heavy mortality seen during fieldwork. Maritime Heritage in 3D: Shackleton’s Endurance wreck is now on display in Dundee in highly detailed 3D, created through a Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust partnership, running until November 2026. Falklands Fisheries Update: The illex squid season has closed, with catches below the ten-year average and fuel costs rising, but fisheries officials say the low catch isn’t an immediate cause for alarm. Local Tech for Local Firms: A new Falklands technology company, Adapto South Atlantic, is helping businesses explore how AI can support day-to-day work. Extreme Heat Disruption (UK): A UK heatwave continues to force widespread school closures, with Met Office red warnings and hundreds of schools shut or partially closed. Polar Travel Bookings: Quark Expeditions opened early bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029, adding a guided photography programme and new expedition extensions.

Falklands UN push: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Islanders should be able to choose their own future, renewing calls for a visiting mission and stressing local self-funding for health and education. Bird flu in the South Atlantic: A multi-national science team studying H5N1 in sub-Antarctic wildlife reported heavy impacts on seals and seabirds around South Georgia, with scavenging species feeding on large numbers of carcasses. Shackleton’s Endurance in 3D: Dundee’s Discovery Point is hosting a highly detailed 3D model of the Endurance wreck, created with Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust support, running until November 2026. Falklands fisheries update: The illex squid season has closed, with catches below the long-term average and fuel costs a key concern, though officials say it’s not yet a major cause for alarm. Local tech for local firms: Adapto South Atlantic says it’s helping Falklands businesses explore practical uses of AI. Heatwave disruption (UK): Extreme heat continues to force widespread school closures and cancellations, including hundreds of sites shutting or shortening days.

Falklands UN push: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Islanders’ right to self-determination must be respected, renewing an invitation for a visiting mission that has never happened since 1965. Bird flu in the South Atlantic: A multi-national team including Falklands scientists reported H5N1’s grim impacts around South Georgia, with fur seal deaths and scavenging seabirds still piling up despite the outbreak entering its third year. Polar heritage goes 3D: Shackleton’s Endurance wreck is being shown in unprecedented 3D detail at Dundee’s Discovery Point via a Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust collaboration, with the model on display until November 2026. Local tech for local firms: Adapto South Atlantic says it’s helping Island businesses use AI in practical ways. Falklands fisheries update: The illex squid season has closed, with catches low and fuel costs rising, but officials say it’s not yet a major cause for concern. Heatwave disruption (UK): Extreme heat continues to force widespread school closures, with Met Office red warnings and hundreds of schools shutting or shortening days.

Bird flu in the South Atlantic: A multi-national science expedition near South Georgia has reported widespread H5N1 impacts on wildlife, with scientists finding hundreds of giant petrels feeding on large numbers of freshly dead fur and elephant seals—showing the virus is still causing major mortality even after several years of spread. Local diplomacy: Falklands Legislative Assembly members Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss have taken the Islanders’ self-determination case to the UN Committee of 24, renewing an invitation for a visiting mission that has never happened since the UN began considering the issue in 1965. Falklands fisheries watch: The illex squid season has closed, with catches running well below the ten-year average amid higher fuel costs; Fisheries Department and FIFCA say the low catch fits a longer cycle and is not an immediate cause for alarm. AI for island businesses: A new Falklands technology firm, Adapto South Atlantic, is helping local companies explore practical uses of artificial intelligence. Extreme heat ripple effects (UK): A UK heatwave has driven large-scale school closures, including hundreds more shut on Friday as temperatures push toward the high 30s, with health and comfort measures highlighted for pupils. Polar travel planning: Quark Expeditions has opened early bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029, including a new guided photography programme and new itinerary options.

UN Self-Determination Push: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Falkland Islanders have the right to self-determination, inviting a UN visiting mission and stressing local testimony, community life, and how the territory funds health and university education from its own economy. Falklands Fisheries Watch: The illex squid season has closed, with catches running well below the ten-year average and fuel costs rising; Fisheries Science head Dr Andreas Winter says the low catch looks like part of natural cycles rather than an immediate cause for alarm. Local Tech for Local Firms: Adapto South Atlantic says it’s helping Falklands businesses explore practical ways to use artificial intelligence, while acknowledging challenges. Heatwave Disruption (UK): A UK-wide extreme heatwave has driven hundreds of school closures, with 711 schools confirmed shut for Friday so far and the Met Office issuing rare red warnings as temperatures push toward 38C. Maritime Fundraising: A Portsmouth sailor serving on HMS Medway is taking on a 69-kilometre endurance challenge to raise money for the Stroke Association in honour of his mum’s 69th birthday. Polar Travel Bookings: Quark Expeditions has opened early bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029, including a new guided photography programme and new expedition add-ons.

UN Diplomacy: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss told the UN Committee of 24 that Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination must be respected, sharing personal testimony and legal arguments and renewing an invitation for a UN visiting mission. Local Economy & Fisheries: The illex squid season has closed, with catches running well below the 10-year average and fuel costs rising; Fisheries and FIFCA say the low catch fits a longer cycle and isn’t an immediate crisis. AI for Island Business: Adapto South Atlantic says it’s helping Falklands firms explore practical uses of artificial intelligence, aiming to turn new tech into real workplace benefits. Extreme Weather: A UK heatwave continues to disrupt schools, with hundreds more closures and guidance focused on keeping children safe and comfortable. Polar Travel Tech & Tourism: Quark Expeditions opened early bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029, adding a guided photography programme and new expedition options. Maritime Heritage: The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust is set to showcase a 3D model of Shackleton’s Endurance at an Expedition Cruise Network conference, alongside expert keynote talks.

Heat & Health: The UK heatwave is still biting, with forecasts of around 38C on 26 June and more disruption as 711 schools confirm closures for Friday, while the Met Office warns of health risks from extreme heat and humidity. Local Tech for Island Business: A new Falklands technology firm, Adapto South Atlantic, says it’s helping local companies explore practical uses of artificial intelligence to support day-to-day work. Falklands Fisheries Watch: The Illex squid season has closed, with Fisheries Science and industry figures pointing to low catches (about 62,000) and higher fuel costs, but arguing it’s part of a longer cycle rather than an immediate crisis. Polar Travel Planning: Quark Expeditions has opened early bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029, including a Guided Photography Program and new expedition extensions. Maritime Heritage: The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust is set to feature in the Expedition Cruise Network Conference, with a 3D model display tied to the Shackleton ship Endurance.

Falklands Fisheries: The illex squid season has closed, with catches running well below the 10-year average (about 62,000 reported, among the lowest in the past decade) and fuel costs a key pressure point, but Fisheries and industry say the low catch looks like part of longer cycles rather than an immediate crisis. Health at sea: HMS Medway offshore off the Falklands is hosting a personal 69-kilometre endurance fundraiser for the Stroke Association, built around a 40 km cycle, 20 km rowing and a 9 km walk to mark the sailor’s mum’s 69th birthday. Maritime heritage: St Helena marked International Day of the Seafarer with tributes and memories from retired bosun Patrick Williams, reflecting on decades aboard the island’s lifeline vessel RMS St Helena. Polar travel planning: Quark Expeditions opened early bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029, adding a guided photography programme and new expedition extensions, including a Northwest Passage itinerary. Extreme heat impacts UK schools: A UK heatwave with Met Office red warnings has driven widespread school closures, with 859 shut on Thursday and over 1,200 affected across England and Wales.

Heatwave & School Closures: England and Wales face a rare Met Office red warning for extreme heat, with at least 1,200 schools and nurseries closed or partially closed on Thursday, and 859 schools confirmed shut for the day as temperatures push toward 37–38C; some pupils are allowed to wear PE kit to stay safe and comfortable. Falklands Fisheries: The illex squid season has closed, with catches reported well below the 10-year average (about 62,000 tonnes, the lowest since 2023) and fuel costs a key concern, but fisheries officials say the low catch isn’t an immediate cause for alarm. Polar Travel & Learning: Quark Expeditions opens early bookings for Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029, adding a Guided Photography Program (small groups) plus new expedition extensions and a Northwest Passage itinerary. Maritime Heritage & Science Tourism: The Expedition Cruise Network Conference (29–30 Sept) will feature marine archaeologist Mensun Bound and trends analyst Dr Antonia Ward, with support from the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust including a 3D model of Shackleton’s Endurance.