Seabed Minerals Commissioner a Deep Sea Hero
Seabed Minerals Commissioner Alex Herman has been selected as a Deep Sea Hero.
Environment and Coastal & Offshore (ECO) magazine asked the international research community to nominate Deep-Sea Heroes to recognise the individuals and groups making a significant contribution to deep-sea research, policy, and exploration, and Herman is one of the 9 selected.
ECO magazine is a leading international scientific publication that covers marine science, and is followed by the marine community including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and the European Union.
See below for Herman’s bio:
Theme 3: Innovation for the depths
Alex Herman was an intern of the International Seabed Authority in 2014. In 2020, she was appointed Seabed Minerals Commissioner of the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and is now leading the development of a responsible seabed minerals sector and licensing process in the Cook Islands EEZ for the exploration of polymetallic nodules.
Herman has expertise in the Law of the Sea and is driven by her passion for her country (Cook Islands) and the welfare of her people. She has contributed immensely to all deep-sea minerals initiatives led at the national, regional and international levels.
She has shown exemplary commitment to ensuring the protection of the marine environment and the rights for her country to benefit from the promises of the Blue Economy, as set up in the international law through UNCLOS.
“Sustainability is a key priority for me. The seabed minerals sector needs to demonstrate its commitment to the preservation of fragile and unique ecosystems, through the application of best environmental principles and creating career pathways for Cook Islanders as a global leader in a ground breaking yet sensitive sector,” wrote Herman for an article on the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority website.
“It is indeed an honour and privilege to be selected. One which I’m not sure I quite deserve considering all the amazing deep sea heroes out there!” said Herman. “In saying that, I am pleased that this brings more attention to the work that the Cook Islands is doing in developing a responsible seabed minerals sector. Although, the credit needs to be shared with all of the government officials who are working hard behind the scenes. It is through our joint efforts, together with our stakeholders, that I believe we will be able to lead the way in this sector”
Congratulations to all the Deep Sea Heroes!
Read more about the Deep Sea Heroes here.