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.

SBMA strengthens regulatory oversight through inspector role at sea

For more than three weeks at sea, SBMA Inspector Tanga Morris Jr observed offshore exploration activities during Moana Minerals Limited's (MML) Benthic Expedition 7, helping strengthen the Seabed Minerals Authority's (SBMA) role as the independent regulator of seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands.

Media ReleaseRima Browne30 June 2026Seabed Minerals Authority, SBMA, Moana Minerals Limited (Moana Minerals), MML, Benthic Expedition 7, Anuanua Moana, Tanga Morris Jnr, SBMA Inspector, Inspector Role, Regulatory Oversight, Independent Regulator, Offshore exploration

Tanga Morris shares Cook Islands' environmental framework at Seabed Minerals 2026 conference in Bergen

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) was represented at the Seabed Minerals 2026 conference in Bergen, Norway, in late March, with Tanga Morris presenting online on recent Cook Islands work relating to environmental management. The conference was held from 24 to 26 March 2026 and brought together researchers, regulators, industry representatives, and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss developments in the seabed minerals sector.

Cook Islands’ Strategic Environmental Assessment Endorsed and Supported

The Seabed Minerals Authority and National Environment Service hosted a Regional Environmental Management Plan workshop that highlighted strong support for the nation’s science-based, precautionary approach to managing seabed minerals within Marae Moana.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi4 September 2025Cook Islands EBMF workshop, Ecosystem-Based Management Framework Cook Islands, Seabed minerals management Cook Islands, SBMA EBMF consultation, Seabed minerals decision-making framework, Tanga Morris Jnr, Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), Cook Islands communities, Stakeholders Cook Islands seabed minerals, Exploration licence phase, Science-led approach Cook Islands, Public access seabed minerals data, Online consultation SBMA, Stakeholder engagement Cook Islands, Success and failure indicators seabed mining

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