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.

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

Cook Islands strengthens regulatory capability at ISA Council in Kingston

The Seabed Minerals Authority’s Policy and Regulatory Oversight team represented the Cook Islands at the International Seabed Authority Council meetings in Kingston, Jamaica, from 13 to 24 July 2026.

Policy and Regulatory Oversight Director Latishia Maui-Mataora and Policy and Legal Officer Lynn Mataora attended the second part of the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority Council, where Member States continued discussions on the international rules and responsibilities for seabed minerals activities in the Area.

Voyaging North: SBMA continues community dialogue across Enua Pae Tokerau

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently completed korero outreach to the Northern Group, revisiting the islands of Tongareva, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Pukapuka as part of its ongoing commitment to community dialogue, public awareness, and relationship-building across the Cook Islands.

Seabed Authority clears air on ‘box ticking’ consultation

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has dismissed claims that the lack of timely notices on critical matters, such as seabed mining, was a waste of taxpayers’ money by SBMA during their recent consultations in Aitutaki last month.

Economic potential of Cook Islands polymetallic nodules ‘overstated’, suggests study

A new study suggests the economic benefits of seabed mining in the Cook Islands have been exaggerated, countering government claims that the industry will generate millions in revenue.

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