SBMA coordinates a seminar meeting of world experts on seabed minerals extraction plumes
The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) yesterday hosted a hybrid seminar at the University of the South Pacific, Rarotonga campus, bringing together eight international experts from the United States, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, and China to discuss the latest advances in understanding seabed sediment plumes—clouds of particles that may be generated during seabed minerals extraction. Around 35 participants joined in person and online.
The seminar opened with remarks from newly appointed SBM Commissioner, Mrs Beverly Ataera, who welcomed participants and commended the gathering, recognising that “you are a critical part of our science-based approach to protecting and conserving our Marae Moana.”
“This is the second time we have been able to pull such a gathering together,” said seminar coordinator Rima Browne. “Today’s discussions were quite detailed and clearly show a significant increase in our understanding of these critical issues.”
Presentations covered a range of key themes, including:
The physics and mechanics behind plumes
How plume studies contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and ecosystem models
Real-world examples from shallower waters
Legal approaches to managing transboundary impacts
New modelling projects in areas with similarities to the Cook Islands
These insights are vital in helping SBMA strengthen its commitment to safeguarding the Cook Islands’ Ocean through ethical, science-based, and transparent decision-making.
Closing the seminar, SBMA Technical Advisor John Parianos highlighted, “This forum is an excellent example of the international collaboration SBMA contributes to. The knowledge shared today will help guide our path towards a responsible and science-based future for the Cook Islands.”
Seminar presentations are available online through SBMA’s website: www.sbma.gov.ck/conferences-seminars