We’ve taken a big step in our knowledge of our seabed minerals environment

The Cook Islands government has released its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Regional Environmental Management Plan (REMP) for seabed minerals.

This milestone is an important step in managing our marine environment while considering possible future development opportunities for our country. The SEA covers our entire Cook Islands Marae Moana Exclusive Economic Zone. It considers national and international laws and leading best practices.

Dede Mingi24 September 2025Cook Islands, SBMA, Marae Moana, Environmental Management, Marine Conservation, EBMF, SEA, REMP Consultations

SBMA coordinates a seminar meeting of world experts on seabed minerals extraction plumes

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.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi18 September 2025Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, Sediment Plumes, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Ocean Science, Marae Moana, Deep-Sea Minerals, International Collaboration, Pacific Islands Research, Sustainable Oceans

Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority Welcomes New Commissioner Mrs Beverly Stacey-Ataera

The 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.

CI NEWS, Media ReleaseKaitini Herman5 September 2025Cook islands, Seabed Minerals Authortiy (SBMA), SBMA Commissioner

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

Cook Islands children’s book on deep sea nodules is about facts, says author

A children's book exploring the idea of deep sea nodules was paid for by a charity established and funded by a Cook Islands seabed mining company. By RNZ Pacific journalist, Caleb Fotheringham.

Global Standards, Island Values: Cook Islands Marks Key Step Forward at ISA’s 30th Council Session

The Cook Islands continues to demonstrate leadership in global seabed minerals governance, with Acting Seabed Minerals Commissioner Beverly Stacey-Ataera participating in the 30th Session – Part II of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council, held from 7 to 18 July 2025.

Press ReleaseKaitini Herman12 August 2025SBMA, Cook islands, Rarotonga

Commercial extraction needs ‘extensive approvals’, clarifies Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), which governs seabed mineral activities under the Seabed Minerals Act 2019 (SBMA Act), emphasises that no commercial extraction can occur without extensive approvals.

International, CI NEWSDede Mingi11 August 2025Cook Islands, Seabed Minerals, SBMA, Ocean Stewardship, Blue Economy, Sustainable Future, Pacific Islands, Environmental Approvals, Deep Sea Mining, Global Partnerships

Cook Islands deal has ‘nothing to do with military or security agenda’, says Chinese ambassador

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 signed between the Cook Islands and China has ‘nothing to do with military or security agenda’, says the Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue.

US eyes deeper ties with Cook Islands, help businesses form ties

The United States is looking to build stronger ties with the Cook Islands following a historic diplomatic visit this week by its Chargé d’Affaires, David Gehrenbeck, who met with Prime Minister Mark Brown during the nation’s 60th anniversary of self-governance.

CI NEWSDede Mingi9 August 2025US Cook Islands relations, Us delegation Cook Islands visit, US Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck, Cook Islands 60th Anniversary, Strengthening US-Cook Islands ties, US-Cook Islands economic cooperation, Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann, Seabed minerals cooperation, Capacity building in the Pacific, Maritime cooperation Cook Islands US, Pacific Islands partnerships, Young Pacific Leaders programme, US Partnership, Cook Islands, Pacific Islands, Diplomacy, Blue Economy

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