Licensing process for seabed exploration
From left: Eusenio Fatialofa (CIIC), Rima Browne (SBMA), Chloe Wragg (MMR) Junior Tapoki (NES) in October 2019 on the MV Grinna II scientific voyage. 20101917
Members of the public are invited to attend the launch of the Seabed Minerals Authority licensing process for exploration research in Cook Islands’ waters on Thursday morning.
Prime Minister Mark Brown will open the licensing to allow seabed minerals activities in Cook Islands waters. Companies will be able to apply for Exploration Licenses to undertake seabed minerals research in the local waters.
Exploration activities on the seabed includes the collection of information/samples of seabed minerals, the measurement of water currents and the gathering of material about marine life in the water.
The research prepared during the exploration phase will allow a better understanding of the marine environment, and the potential environmental impacts.
Seabed Minerals Commissioner Alex Herman said: “An opportunity for independent researchers to participate in the exploratory cruises will be made, as transparency and decision-making based upon the best available science are two key principles for Government and the Seabed Minerals Authority, and are essential in ensuring the success of any exploratory programme.”
Only particular areas of the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be permitted for the Seabed Minerals Exploration.
Through Marae Moana, there is an exclusion zone of 50 nautical miles (approximately 100 kms) around each of the 15 islands, this means that no seabed activities can take place in the exclusion zones, Herman said.
No mining activities will take place during the exploration stage.
Herman said the research needs to completed in order to acquire more information about the marine environment and the potential impacts that commercial recovery may have on the environment.
“After the findings, this will give Government the necessary information to be able to make a decision on whether or not commercial recovery can go ahead without causing serious harm to the marine environment,” she said.
Seabed Minerals Authority is the Government agency responsible for regulating seabed minerals activities in Cook Islands waters, it manages the licensing process, and will also monitor the activities of any companies undertaking the activities in the Cook Islands.
A Seabed Minerals Advisory Committee has also been formed. It is made up of community leaders that represent groups of religious, aronga mana, environmental, private sector, sporting, youth and academic perspectives, they include: Bishop Tutai Pere, Makiuti Tongia, Makiroa Mitchell, Maru Mariri, George Williamson and Sam Napa along with Herman.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about what is happening in the seabed minerals sector is welcome to attend the event at 11.45am at the Domes, National Auditorium.
Written by Melina Etches Cook Islands News | Published in Environment