Poll: Cook Islanders oppose deep sea mining

A recent online opinion poll conducted in the Cook Islands revealed that 66 per cent of residents oppose deep sea mining, while 49 per cent disapprove of exploration.

The government regulator overseeing seabed minerals activities in the Cook Islands rejected the poll result saying that the methodology was flawed and “did not fully capture the breadth of the public’s views on this complex issue”.

The poll which was carried out last week by Te Puna Vai Marama (TPVM), the Cook Islands Centre for Research, had 775 responses of which 752 were valid.

According to TPVM, slightly more women than men participated, and the poll attracted a diverse age group of Cook Islands residents, ranging from teenagers to those in their eighties.

“Of those who do not support seabed mining their major reason was that mining may disrupt the habitat of animals in the deep sea,” TPVM said.

“Of those who support seabed mining, understandably, the economy was the main concern.”

The poll results also revealed that 85 per cent of respondents agreed that the deep ocean held cultural and spiritual significance for Cook Islanders. Further results will be made public as Te Puna Vai Marama analyses the data.

Professor Heather Worth, director of Te Puna Vai Marama, said: “We are quite surprised by the results.”

“We didn’t realise how many Cook Islanders are worried about the effect of seabed mining on the environment and who care deeply about the deep ocean”.

Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority expressed deep concern about the underlying assumptions and some of the questions posed in the poll, stating that they were fundamentally flawed when the poll was launched earlier this month.

“When the poll first came out, and we saw the questions it was clear that the poll methodology was flawed and did not fully capture the breadth of the public’s views on this complex issue,” the authority said yesterday.

“We ourselves received numerous comments from the public expressing that it was impossible for them to answer the survey, given how it was framed.”

Seabed Minerals Authority adds there needs to be responsible engagement with the public to achieve robust discussions, adding they are happy to collaborate on future polls “so that deficiencies can be addressed”.

“As the Government, we are deeply committed to ensuring that decisions about seabed minerals are informed by robust science, environmental sustainability, and the long-term benefits for our people. This is why we continue to engage with experts and stakeholders to further our understanding of potential impacts and benefits.

“We will continue with our programme of consultations with our Cook Islands communities for the best interests of our country and our Marae Moana.”

However, Professor Worth dismissed the Seabed Minerals Authority’s comments, saying that the poll was not flawed. 

“It was a simple opinion poll (not extensive research). ‘Consultations’ can also be flawed,” she said.

“The poll was designed by Ipsos – a prestigious EU/US polling company. We had 750 valid responses (once we had cleaned the data) which was one of the largest polls ever done in the Cook Islands.  This number indicates that a large majority of residents could understand and take part in the poll.”

Te Puna Vai Marama would be very keen to undertake more research into the public’s views on this topic, Professor Worth added.

“The poll showed very clearly that Cook Islanders do not support seabed mining (only 21% were in support) – this result surprised us. There was also not clear support for exploration. I think this is an important message to government.”

The Cook Islands has extensive coverage of polymetallic nodules in its exclusive economic zone. If harvested, these minerals could be used to make renewable energy infrastructure, such as turbines, cars and electronic devices. Currently, the Cook Islands is in a deep seabed exploration phase.  The Government has permitted three companies to research whether these minerals and metals could be mined economically. If so, they may be awarded a licence allowing them to begin mining the seabed in the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone.

“At the same time, the deep sea is an untouched ecosystem, about which scientists agree that little is still known. Some marine scientists warn that industrial scale deep-seabed mining could disrupt biodiversity at the bottom of our oceans and have far- reaching harmful effects,” said Te Puna Vai Marama, the Cook Islands Centre for Research, a joint venture between USP Cook Islands and the Cook Islands government.

Meanwhile, a second rally against deep-sea mining was held at the sacred grounds of Black Rock on Friday.

The protest started with a prayer, a traditional and respectful call to the spirits of the sacred grounds, and touching remarks by representatives of all ages.

Cook Islands United Party leader and Opposition MP Teariki Heather, who organised the protest, told Cook Islands News: “We feel that our ocean is very precious to the people of the Cook Islands so we’re here in protest against seabed mining. Leave our ocean alone.”

“Since Christianity came in 1821 and 2024, the ocean has provided not only our livelihood but also has something to do with our cycle of life, health, and many more.”

“Protect our ocean,” was the message prominently displayed on a gigantic banner at the scene, attracting many locals and tourists.

• Talaia Mika/Rashneel Kumar