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 NOAA Ocean Exploration
Cook Islands–U.S. science partnership delivers new maps, samples and deep-ocean knowledge
Cook Islands–U.S. science partnership delivers new maps, samples and deep-ocean knowledge

More than 52,000 square kilometres of seafloor mapping, almost 500 scientific samples and extensive deep-sea imagery collected during the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration are now supporting continuing research involving Cook Islands scientists and international partners. 

EX2605, the 26-day expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer from 19 July to 13 August 2026, was a partnership between the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), NOAA Ocean Exploration and scientific partners. Cook Islands scientists contributed directly to ROV operations, mapping, sample collection and processing, and science planning. 

For SBMA, the value of the expedition did not end when the vessel left Cook Islands waters.

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Media ReleaseDede MingiSeabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, NOAA Ocean Exploration, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, Cook islands, Rarotonga, Marae Moana, University of Hawai'i, United States Geological Survey, Smithsonian Institution, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, University of Rhode Island, National Museum of the Cook Islands, Deep-Ocean Science, Ocean mapping, Marine Biodiversity, Environmental DNA, Bathymetry, Polymetallic Nodules, Ocean Research, Deep-Sea Exploration, Science Partnerships
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 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
E/V Nautilus Expedition Deepens Cook Islands Understanding of our Marae Moana
E/V Nautilus Expedition Deepens Cook Islands Understanding of our Marae Moana

Collaborative expedition combines local knowledge and global expertise to study deep habitats in Cook Islands waters. The E/V Nautilus has completed a 21-day research cruise across priority deep-sea areas of the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana and wrapped up its portside engagements in Rarotonga before departing our shores.

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Media ReleaseDede MingiE/V Nautilus, NA 176 Deep Sea Habitats of the Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), Marae Moana, Marine Scientific Research, Deep Sea Habitat, Cook Islands Ocean Stewardship, Ocean Exploration Trust, NOAA Ocean Exploration, Telepresence, ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), Manihiki Plateau, Aitutaki Deep Sea, Environmental Baselines, Science led decision making
Cook Islands Welcomes E/V Nautilus for 21-Day Deep-Sea Science Research Cruise
Cook Islands Welcomes E/V Nautilus for 21-Day Deep-Sea Science Research Cruise

Later this week, the Cook Islands will welcome the arrival of the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus, a world-class platform for deep-sea discovery. Over the course of a 21-day science mission beginning 1 October 2025, the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) and its partners will work alongside the Nautilus team to explore and better understand the hidden depths of Marae Moana.

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Joint ReleaseDede MingiCook Islands, Rarotonga, SBMA, Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), E/V Nautilus, National Environment Service (NES), NES, Deep Sea Science, Marae Moana, Cook Islands Science, Ocean Exploration, Ocean Exploration Trust, NOAA Ocean Exploration, International Partnerships, Science Collaboration, Pacific Research, Marine Biodiversity, Seabed Research, Ocean Stewardship, Sustainable Oceans, Science First, Precautionary Principle, Pacific Oceans, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, Marae Moana Leadership