SBMA strengthens regulatory oversight through inspector role at sea

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.

Serving aboard Anuanua Moana from 18 May to 12 June 2026, Tanga represented SBMA as the Authority's inspector while MML carried out exploration work within its licensed exploration area. Her role was to independently observe activities, monitor how operations were carried out, and provide SBMA with firsthand knowledge of offshore exploration. 

The expedition operated across several sampling sites, with work activities continuing around the clock alongside vessel crew and technical teams. Tanga observed sampling operations, equipment deployment and retrieval, and how the crew responded to changing weather, equipment performance, and other operational challenges while carrying out the approved work programme.

Despite rough weather, hard seabed conditions, and some equipment redeployments, the expedition was successfully completed. The voyage also provided useful observations that may help improve future offshore operations. Tanga Morris Jr said the experience provided valuable practical understanding of offshore operations from a regulatory perspective. 

“Being on board allows me to see how exploration activities are carried out in real time. I gained a much better understanding of the planning, teamwork and care that goes into every operation and how decisions are made when conditions change at sea." 

SBMA says experiences like this help build the practical expertise needed to provide informed, independent oversight of seabed minerals activities in Marae Moana, ensuring exploration is carried out responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the Cook Islands.