Cook Islanders strengthen knowledge and capability in deep-sea resource management

Twenty-three Cook Islanders have returned from China with new knowledge and perspectives on deep-sea resource management after a 10-day training programme designed to strengthen local knowledge and capacity in this area.

The China–Cook Islands Training Programme on Deep-Sea Resource Management took place in Hangzhou and Changsha from 24 August to 2 September 2026.

The programme brought together Cook Islanders from different backgrounds, including government officials, professionals, and students from local colleges and universities in New Zealand. Participants also represented communities from both the Northern and Southern Group islands.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi10 September 2026SBMA, Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals, China-Cook Islands Training Programme, Deep-Sea Resource Management, Capacity Building, Staff Development, People Development, Knowledge Sharing, Cook Islands Capability, Cook Islanders, Northern Group, Southern Group, Second Institute of Oceanography, SIO, Ministry of Commerce China, Ministry of Natural Resources China, MOU for Blue Partnership, Hangzhou, Changsha, Central South University, Changsha Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Polymetallic Nodules, Marine Ecosystem, Marine Biodiversity, Environmental Monitoring, Seafloor Survey Methods, Underwater Robotics, Detection Technology, Resource Assessment, Ocean Governance, Deep-Sea Science, Science-Based Decision Making, Knowledge and Research, Public Engagement, Our Moana, Marae Moana, Responsible Stewardship

SBMA contributes to deep-sea biodiversity research through SIO collaboration

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has contributed to a joint deep-sea biodiversity research project with the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO), supporting work to strengthen scientific knowledge of deep-sea habitats and biodiversity data.

SBMA participated in the Synthesis and Analysis of Biodiversity Data in Deep-Sea Habitats of the Northwest Pacific project, known as SADiNP, a collaboration with the Second Institute of Oceanography.

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.

Cook Islands strengthens international engagement and women’s leadership at ISA Assembly

The Cook Islands continued its engagement in international ocean governance at the International Seabed Authority Assembly in Kingston, Jamaica, from 27 to 31 July 2026.

Seabed Minerals Commissioner Beverly Ataera attended the Assembly as part of the Cook Islands delegation, with support and coordination across Government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

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.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi31 July 2026SBMA, Seabed Minerals Authority, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands Tourism Council, Tourism Council, Tourism Sector Engagement, Tourism and Seabed Minerals, Private Sector Engagement, Public Consultations, Public Information, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Engagement, Te Ipukarea Society, TIS, Muri Beach Club, Exploration Phase, Exploration Not Harvesting, Commercial Minerals, Harvesting, Commercial Minerals Harvesting, Environmental Safeguards, National Environment Service, NES, Licence Holder Obligations, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Governance Safeguards, Transparency, Economic Value, Economic Assessments, Tourism Impacts, National Decision Making, Cook Islands Economy, Cook Islands Environment, National Interest, Marae Moana, Our Moana, Responsible Stewardship, Science Based Decision Making

Cook Islands children’s book on deep sea nodules is about facts, says author

A children's book exploring the idea of deep sea nodules was paid for by a charity established and funded by a Cook Islands seabed mining company. By RNZ Pacific journalist, Caleb Fotheringham.

PM Brown leads seabed minerals dialogue in Australia

Prime Minister Mark Brown will lead a 11-member delegation to Australia this week for an “open dialogue” on seabed exploration activities.

Consultation Process for Strategic Environment Assessment Commences

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) and the National Environmental Service (NES), in collaboration with international maritime environmental consultancy BMT, have successfully completed the technical phase of the seabed minerals Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA).

Deep-sea ‘promotion not consultation’

Opposition leader Tina Browne has claimed that the meaning of the word “consultation” is lost on the Government, following a government-led seabed minerals meeting that was held in New Zealand last week.

CI NEWSDede Mingi25 November 2024Deep Sea Mining Debate, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals, Opposition Leader Tina Browne, Environmental Risks, Economic Impact, Marine Conservation, Sustainable Alternatives, Public Consultation Criticism, Seabed Mining Roadshow

News & Press Releases