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 Marae Moana
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
SBMA Knowledge Management team prepares for 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
SBMA Knowledge Management team prepares for 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

The Seabed Minerals Authority’s Knowledge Management team is preparing to take part in the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, a 26-day scientific cruise taking place from 19 July to 13 August 2026 in deep waters off the Cook Islands. 

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSeabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, NOAA Ocean Exploration, Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Deep-Sea Exploration, Research Cruise, ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), Remotely Operated Vehicle, ROV, ROV Research Cruise, Deep Discoverer, Seirios, Seafloor Mapping, Oceanographic Research, Water Column Science, Deep-Sea Biology, Marine Geology, Deep Ocean Science, Knowledge Management Team, Dr John Parianos, Rima Browne, Tanga Morris Jnr, Chloe Ann Wragg, Cook Islands Scientists, National Capacity Building, Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone, Manihiki Plateau, Extended Continental Shelf (ECS), Abyssal Plains, Seamounts, Marae Moana, Pacific Ocean
Marae Moana moves to Environment Service to strengthen ocean management
Marae Moana moves to Environment Service to strengthen ocean management

The Cook Islands Government has completed the transition of the Marae Moana Coordination Office (MMCO) from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to Te Tu’anga Taporoporo National Environment Service (NES), following the passage of the Marae Moana Amendment Act 2026 earlier this year.

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CI NEWSDede MingiMarae Moana, National Environment Services, NES, Office of the Prime Minister, OPM, Marae, Marae Moana Amendment Act 2026, Ocean Governance, Marine Spatial Planning, Ecosystem Based Management, Environmental Policy, Government Reform, Policy Coordination, Sustainable Ocean Management, Conservation Policy, Cook Islands Government
Clear Facts, Careful Process: Where the Cook Islands Stands on Seabed Minerals
Clear Facts, Careful Process: Where the Cook Islands Stands on Seabed Minerals

Public discussion on seabed minerals has raised questions about transparency, representation, science, and decision-making. Here is where the Cook Islands currently stands, what the law requires, and why the country remains in an exploration-only phase. Those questions are fair. People should expect answers that are clear, straight, and respectful. 

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSeabed Minerals, Cook Islands, SBMA, Ocean Governance, Exploration Phase, Science Based Decisions, Environmental stewardship, Marae Moana, Public Consultations, Transparency, Policy and Regulation, Licensing Process, National Environment Service (NES), Advisory Committee, Community Engagement, Ocean Nation, Cook Islands Government, Deep Sea, Marine Policy, Evidence Based Approach
Cook Islands declared ‘world leader’ in seabed sector
Cook Islands declared ‘world leader’ in seabed sector

Seabed mining is no longer a distant ambition for the Cook Islands, as at last week’s Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity summit in Hawaii, it was pushed into the geopolitical spotlight with Cook Islands leaders declaring global leadership, clearing diplomatic roadblocks and indicating that movement, not moratorium, is the direction ahead.

The two-day summit was held behind closed doors with Pacific media, including Cook Islands News, present at the event.

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CI NEWSDede MingiCook Islands, Seabed Minerals, Seabed Mining, Pacific Agenda Summit, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Henry Puna, Beverly Ataera, Marae Moana, Ocean Governance, Science Led Approach, Environmental Research, Regulatory Frameworks, Exploration Licences, Critical Minerals, Regional Cooperation, Investment, Pacific Geopolitics