You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
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.
Read MoreExploring the Hidden Treasure: Cook Islands' Polymetallic Nodules
When you think of the Cook Islands, a few things might come to mind—relaxed holidays, vibrant tivaevae, and, less excitingly, the high price of fish. But ask a marine geologist, and they will tell you that the Cook Islands are famous for something much more significant: a massive deposit of polymetallic nodules.
Read MoreWhen you think of the deep ocean, you might imagine mysterious creatures, sunken ships, and lost treasures. However, the reality is a bit more surprising—and a lot more cluttered. Shoes, plastic bags, glass bottles, fishing gear, and even entire shipping containers can be found scattered across the ocean floor. One particularly eye-opening discovery was a beer bottle found in the Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the ocean, over 10,000 meters down [1].
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