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.
Read MoreYou can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) yesterday hosted a hybrid seminar at the University of the South Pacific, Rarotonga campus, bringing together eight international experts from the United States, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, and China to discuss the latest advances in understanding seabed sediment plumes—clouds of particles that may be generated during seabed minerals extraction. Around 35 participants joined in person and online.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Beverly Stacey-Ataera as the new Seabed Minerals Commissioner, marking an important chapter in the nation’s ongoing stewardship of its vast ocean resources.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands is increasing efforts to protect and sustainably manage its marine environment through its involvement in the Pacific Biodiversity and Sustainable Land‐Seascapes Programme (Pacific BioScapes), a regional initiative funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Read More