Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Runanga Takere Moana
A sustainable minerals future for Cook Islanders (4).png

Home

Agency responsible for the regulation of seabed minerals activities undertaken in areas under the jurisdiction of the Cook Islands.


Latest News

SEE ALL NEWS

📢 SBMA PSA: Join a Live Ship-to-Shore Interaction

with the E/V Nautilus

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), in partnership with NOAA and the Ocean Exploration Trust, invites schools, students, and communities to join live, interactive sessions with the crew of the E/V Nautilus during the Deep-Sea Habitats of the Cook Islands Expedition (1–21 October 2025).

These Ship-to-Shore Interactions are:

  • ✅ Free to participate

  • ✅ 30 minutes long

  • ✅ Available from 2 to 20 October 2025

  • ✅ Tailored to your classroom or community group

  • ✅ Delivered through Zoom or Google Meet

What you’ll experience:

  • Expedition updates from Marae Moana

  • Behind-the-scenes science and technology

  • Q&A with scientists, engineers, and Cook Islands participants onboard

How to join:

  1. Register via the Nautilus programme here: Live Ship-to-Shore Interactions

  2. Choose your preferred time slot.

  3. Prepare your questions and be ready to connect live from the Cook Islands to the deep sea!

This is a unique chance for Cook Islanders — at home, in schools, and across the diaspora — to explore Marae Moana together.

 
 

The Birth of a Vision | Cook Islands Seabed Minerals (1965–1985)

Kia orāna e te katoatoa. Across Te Moana-nui-o-Kiva, fifteen islands drew their sea lines—12 nautical miles, 50 nautical miles, 200 nautical miles—and a modern ocean state took shape. Our first Prime Minister, Sir Albert Henry, argued before the world that the sea could lift our people—if managed with fairness and care. In the deep, early voyages by the United States, the Soviet Union, and Japan revealed cobalt-rich nodules and set a course for evidence over haste.

Produced by the Seabed Minerals Authority for the 60th Legacy Series under National Identity, this film shares a consistent promise: mana tiaki at the centre, science before steps, and a precautionary approach that protects our moana while we prepare for tomorrow. The Birth of a Vision – Cook Islands Seabed Minerals (1965–1985) starts now.

our sector goals

 
 

our history

The Cook Islands has long recognised the potential of its deep-sea resources. Our journey into seabed minerals began with early scientific research in the 1960s and 70s.

Learn more about our history here.