The Seabed Minerals Authority recognises the public interest in recent comments about the proposed AOMC–Odyssey transaction and what it may mean for seabed minerals exploration in the Cook Islands.

The questions raised highlight why the Cook Islands has established a regulatory framework to oversee seabed minerals activities and protect the interests of Cook Islanders.

The Seabed Minerals Authority’s Knowledge Management team is preparing to take part in the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, a 26-day scientific cruise taking place from 19 July to 13 August 2026 in deep waters off the Cook Islands. 

For more than three weeks at sea, SBMA Inspector Tanga Morris Jr observed offshore exploration activities during Moana Minerals Limited's (MML) Benthic Expedition 7, helping strengthen the Seabed Minerals Authority's (SBMA) role as the independent regulator of seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands.

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has continued its Rarotonga community kōrero sessions across Titikaveka, Avatiu, and Ngatangiia, building on earlier sessions held in other parts of the island and creating further space for open discussion, shared learning, and direct engagement with communities on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) was represented at the Murihiku Regeneration: Energy, Infrastructure and Opportunities Wānanga in Invercargill, New Zealand, on 27–28 May 2026, with Partnerships and Cooperation Director Edward Herman attending on behalf of the Authority. According to Herman, the gathering brought together a wide mix of New Zealand businesses, community organisations, government agencies, and iwi representatives, with more than 200 people attending.

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has continued its Rarotonga community kōrero sessions across Takuvaine/Tutakimoa, Tupapa Maraerenga and Nikao, creating space for open discussion, shared learning, and direct engagement with local communities on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) was represented at the Pacific Small Island Developing States Regional Workshop on Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative, held in Suva, Fiji, from 19 to 21 May 2026.