Stewardship & Science: Cook Islands’ Focus on ISA’s 30th Council Session
The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) continues to champion a science-first, precautionary approach to seabed minerals, as its senior representatives join international delegates at the 30th Council Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), held in Kingston, Jamaica, from 17 to 28 March 2025.
Acting Seabed Minerals Commissioner Ms. Beverly Stacey-Ataera and Director of Policy and Regulatory Oversight Ms. Latishia Maui-Mataora represented the Cook Islands at this pivotal session, which is helping to shape the future legal and regulatory framework for potential seabed mineral exploitation in international waters.
Global Conversations, Local Values: Navigating the Future of the Ocean
The ISA is the international body, established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), mandated to organise and control activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction—known as “the Area.”
The 30th Council session has brought together member states, observer organisations, and civil society groups to continue shaping regulations for deep-sea mineral exploitation. Delegates are reviewing the latest version of the draft Exploitation Regulations and engaging in high-level discussions on environmental standards and operational guidelines.
Image Credit: ISBA HQ | Flicker - ISA 30th Council Sitting
As part of this gathering, Ms. Stacey-Ataera and Ms. Maui-Mataora participated in a side event on Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), co-hosted by the Tetiaroa Society, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS), Maui Nui Makai Network, and the Deep-Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC). The event created space for Indigenous and cultural perspectives on ocean governance to be shared and discussed.
“We deeply respect and value the work being done to highlight Underwater Cultural Heritage” said Ms. Stacey-Ataera. “These discussions are vital in ensuring that all perspectives are acknowledged as we navigate the future of ocean stewardship. We appreciate the insights shared and remain committed to approaches that recognise both cultural and environmental responsibility.”
Setting the Record Straight: Clarifying the Cook Islands’ Approach
Despite the positive dialogue at the UCH event, a public statement made by the President of TIS, Ms. June Hosking, claimed that the Cook Islands Prime Minister had approved seabed mining to commence within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by 2026.
The Seabed Minerals Authority wishes to clarify that no commercial seabed minerals harvesting or mining will commence or proceed within Cook Islands waters in 2026. The Cook Islands remains fully committed to a science-first, precautionary approach. We are currently in year four of a five-year exploration licencing phase, which began in 2022. This phase is focused solely on collecting robust scientific and environmental data and research to inform future decision-making.
Within the context of the ISA, the Cook Islands remains consistent with its National values, which are in line with the precautionary approach and principle; a robust regulatory framework must be put in place, based on scientific evidence, that ensures the effective protection of the marine environment before any decisions on the exploitation of seabed minerals can occur.
Grounded in Ethical Science and Dialogue
SBMA reaffirms that any future decisions about seabed minerals development will be made only after a thorough, inclusive, and nationally appropriate process has been followed.
This includes extensive consultation with the Cook Islands' traditional, religious, and governmental authorities through the governance framework of Te Kuru Pou Toru (The Three Pillars), as well as broader community engagement.
Ms. Mataora added, “Any pathway forward will only happen once scientific, environmental, and national assessments have been carried out transparently and meaningfully, in line with our legislative frameworks and Cook Islands priorities.”
Image Credit: ISBA HQ | Flickr—Director of Policy and Regulatory Oversight Ms. Latishia Maui-Mataora &
Acting Seabed Minerals Commissioner Ms. Beverly Stacey-Ataera
Standing Strong on the Global Stage
The participation of SBMA at the ISA Council reaffirms the Cook Islands’ active role in the development of global seabed minerals governance. As the ISA works to finalise the legal regime for the Area, the Cook Islands continues to advocate for sustainable, transparent, and equitable approaches that respect the unique relationship Pacific peoples have with the ocean.
In her opening remarks, ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho called for trust, inclusivity, and transparency—values the SBMA is proud to promote.
The SBMA team remains focused on ensuring that the Cook Islands’ interests, values, and national perspectives are reflected in these global decisions. As the world moves closer to determining the future of deep-sea exploitation, SBMA will stay at the table—providing leadership grounded in science, guided by sovereignty, and accountability to our people.
Key Messages:
The Cook Islands has not approved seabed harvesting or mining to commence in 2026.
The country is currently in an exploration phase (2022–2027) to collect scientific and environmental data.
Any future decisions will be made cautiously, inclusively, and only after thorough assessment.
SBMA remains committed to international cooperation, environmental stewardship, and transparent regulation.
For further information or media queries, please contact: [email protected]