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 Science First
THE TRUTH ABOUT EXPLORATION LICENCES | From the Seabed Minerals Authority
THE TRUTH ABOUT EXPLORATION LICENCES | From the Seabed Minerals Authority

We’d like to explain what a deep-sea minerals exploration licence actually means for the Cook Islands — and equally important, what it does not mean. Some people worry that, by granting exploration licences, we have already agreed to mining. 

We have not. Exploration does not give anyone permission to begin minerals harvesting. 

This overview sets out the facts, the process, and the safeguards in place so our country can understand what is really happening in our waters today.

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Media ReleaseDede MingiScience First, evidence based, decision making, Public Consultations, Governance, Regulations, Five Year Licences, Licence Renewal, Technical Feasibiliy, Financial Viability, Social Sustainability, Impact Assessment, Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME), habitat mapping, Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ), Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Global Research, Technology Testing, Data Transparency, National Interest
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