Building capability, not dependence | Why the Cook Islands works with international partners, and why that does not mean giving up control of our own decisions

Recent attention on one international science fellowship has raised a fair question: how should a small island State like the Cook Islands work with international partners while protecting its own decision-making authority?

As Seabed Minerals Commissioner, my answer is simple: we build capability, not dependence.

Perspective PieceDede Mingi30 September 2026Seabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, Beverly Ataera, Cook Islands Government, National Environment Services, NES, NOAA, US Embassy, International Partnerships, Capacity Building, Regulatory Capability, Ocean Governance, Deep-Sea Science, Cook Islands Sovereignty, Knowledge Exchange, Science Partnerships, Marae Moana

Cook Islands-led science strengthens deep-sea habitat understanding

Cook Islands scientists have completed a major review of more than 11,000 deep-sea observations, working with research partners in Hawai‘i to improve how seabed habitats are classified and analysed for future environmental management.

The work was advanced during meetings at the Deep-sea Animal Research Centre at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in September 2026, where Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) Knowledge Management staff Chloe-Ane Wragg and Dr John Parianos presented a revised Cook Islands approach to classifying deep-sea substrates and geological features.

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.

News & Press Releases

Recent attention on one international science fellowship has raised a fair question: how should a small island State like the Cook Islands work with international partners while protecting its own decision-making authority?