SBMA strengthens dialogue with Tourism Council on seabed minerals
The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has welcomed continued engagement with the Cook Islands tourism sector following two constructive sessions with the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council on seabed minerals, economic value, environmental safeguards, and national decision-making.
The first session was held at the SBMA office on 2 June 2026, after the Tourism Council reached out to the Authority for a discussion on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector.
SBMA acknowledges the Tourism Council for initiating the conversation and for bringing forward questions from the tourism private sector on matters that are important to the Cook Islands economy, environment, and national interest.
The meeting covered a wide range of issues, including the current exploration phase, the legal and regulatory framework, possible future economic returns, tourism impacts, environmental considerations, licence holder obligations, governance, transparency, and the role of public consultation.
SBMA’s Partnerships and Cooperation Director Edward Herman said the discussion was a valuable opportunity to engage with the tourism sector.
“Tourism is central to the Cook Islands economy and to the livelihoods of many of our people. It is important that the tourism sector has space to ask questions, raise concerns, and understand the process around seabed minerals,” Herman said.
“These conversations help us identify where more explanation is needed. They also re-enforce our approach that responsible decision-making considers the wider national picture, including our environment, our economy, our people, and our international reputation.”
Following the June meeting, the Tourism Council invited SBMA to take part in a second session on 21 July 2026 at Muri Beach Club.
This session was designed to provide a balanced approach, with presentations from both Te Ipukarea Society and SBMA. The format allowed those attending to hear from a non-government environmental perspective and from the Government agency responsible for regulating the seabed minerals sector.
The session was well received, with open and engaged discussion from tourism operators and private sector representatives.
Questions and discussion focused on the economics of seabed minerals, environmental risk, the potential impact on the Cook Islands tourism, the current legal framework, governance safeguards, future research opportunities, and how the public and private sector can remain involved as the country continues through the exploration phase.
SBMA said the discussions reinforced the importance of clear public information, especially around the difference between exploration and commercial minerals harvesting.
The Cook Islands remains in an exploration and research phase. Current exploration licences do not allow commercial minerals harvesting. No decision has been made to allow harvesting in the Cook Islands.
Any future proposal to move beyond exploration would require separate legal, environmental, technical, and public processes. This would include further assessment, environmental approvals, economic consideration, and public consultation.
SBM Commissioner Beverly Ataera said this distinction remains important.
“Exploration is about learning. It allows the Cook Islands to build the information needed to understand the deep ocean environment, the mineral resource, and the questions that must be answered before any future decision could be considered,” she said.
“It does not mean commercial harvesting has been approved. It does not mean tourism will be replaced. The aim is not to trade one sector for another. The aim is to make sure the Cook Islands has the knowledge, safeguards, and public process needed to make careful decisions in the national interest.”
SBMA acknowledged that tourism impact questions require careful consideration and said continued engagement with the sector will be important.
The Authority also noted that a reliable assessment of possible economic returns from seabed minerals depends on further work, including technical and economic studies that have not yet been completed by licence holders. SBMA said this is one reason the exploration phase remains important.
Policy and regulatory matters were also discussed, including company ownership, licence conditions, environmental information, inspection arrangements, and the role of the National Environment Service in environmental approvals.
The Authority said it remains open to further discussions with the Tourism Council and the wider private sector.
“We thank the Tourism Council for approaching SBMA directly and for creating space for respectful and informed discussion. These are the kinds of conversations that help build public understanding and support better decision-making for our country.”
SBMA said it will continue to engage with communities, the private sector, civil society, and other Government agencies as the Cook Islands continues to gather information and strengthen its understanding of the seabed minerals sector.
Stay Informed & Get Involved
Follow us on Facebook and visit online for the latest updates, publications, and opportunities.
🔹 SBMA— Leading the way in responsible seabed minerals development.
Follow Us & Stay Updated
Never miss an update—connect with us across multiple platforms:
🔗 Visit our website | 📱 Follow us on Facebook | 📧 Sign up for our Newsletter
For further information or media queries, please contact: sbma.media@cookislands.gov.ck