Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Runanga Takere Moana
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News & Press Releases

 
 

You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.

 
Posts tagged Cook Islands Law
Cook Islands welcomes Okeanos Explorer as deep-ocean research builds national knowledge
Cook Islands welcomes Okeanos Explorer as deep-ocean research builds national knowledge

The Government of the Cook Islands formally welcomed NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to Rarotonga following the completion of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration, which brought new scientific information, imagery, maps, and observations from deep waters within the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone. 

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSeabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, NOAA Ocean Exploration, Okeanos Explorer, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration, Cook Islands EEZ, Deep Ocean Research, Ocean Science, Seafloor Mapping, ROV Exploration, Deep Sea Science, Water Column Science, Argo Floats, Telepresence, Cook Islands National Waters, Marae Moana, Our Moana, Cook Islands Research, Ocean Knowledge, Scientific Exploration, Knowledge Management, Environmental Understanding, Cook Islands Law, Public Awareness, Cook Islands Capability
SBMA clarifies regulatory process on proposed overseas corporate transaction
SBMA clarifies regulatory process on proposed overseas corporate transaction

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.

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSeabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals, Seabed Minerals Regulation, Cook Islands Law, Exploration Licences, Regulatory Process, Marae Moana, Cook Islands EEZ, Ocean Governance, Public Information, National Interest, Corporate Transaction, AOMC Odyssey Transaction, Seabed Minerals Exploration, Responsible Regulation, Public Scrutiny, Environmental Assessment, Public Consultations, Cook Islands Jurisdiction
Cook Islands strengthens regulatory capability at ISA Council in Kingston
Cook Islands strengthens regulatory capability at ISA Council in Kingston

The Seabed Minerals Authority’s Policy and Regulatory Oversight team represented the Cook Islands at the International Seabed Authority Council meetings in Kingston, Jamaica, from 13 to 24 July 2026. 

Policy and Regulatory Oversight Director Latishia Maui-Mataora and Policy and Legal Officer Lynn Mataora attended the second part of the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority Council, where Member States continued discussions on the international rules and responsibilities for seabed minerals activities in the Area. 

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSBMA, Seabed Minerals, Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, International Seabed Authortity (ISA), ISA, ISA Council, 31st Session, Kingston Jamaica, Policy and Regulatory Oversight, Latishia Maui-Mataora, Lynn Mataora, Seabed Minerals Regulation, Draft Exploitation Regulations, The Area, UNCLOS, Sponsoring States, Responsibilities, Environmental Management, Environmental Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement, Inspections, Regulatory Capability, Legal Capability, Policy Development, Ocean Governance, Deep-Sea Minerals, Science-Based Decision Making, Cook Islands Law, Exploration and Research Phase, Responsible Stewardship