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.

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.

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

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.

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.

CI NEWSDede Mingi22 April 2026Marae 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

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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