LETTER: ‘Responsible ocean stewardship is our common goal’
"The recent statements by the Government and Opposition on seabed minerals (SBM) development, and the NGO reactions it garnered is a watershed moment."
Dear Editor,
The recent statements by the Government and Opposition on seabed minerals (SBM) development, and the NGO reactions it garnered is a watershed moment.
It revealed that we all support the same thing: exploratory environmental research before any decision is made on future harvesting/mining activities.
We agree that exploration is a fundamental key to understanding the marine environment, and any impacts potential harvesting operations may have. Without exploration, we have no realistic way of gaining a better understanding of our marine environment. However, gathering scientific data and information is a costly venture – tens of millions of dollars to conduct thorough baseline studies of the seafloor and water column.
Who is it anticipated would pay for this much-needed generation of scientific data and analysis? If anyone has alternative and adequately funded solutions by which to undertake exploratory research in our waters, I invite them to contact the Seabed Minerals Authority (Authority).
Some environmental NGOs have called for ‘independent scientists’ to undertake the exploratory research, claiming that a company cannot be trusted to undertake that research.
The Authority is currently assessing four applications for exploration licences, and I can share that some applicants are already intending to utilise reputable academic institutions and scientists as part of their research programmes.
A key factor to ensuring the independence of results from the scientists working on projects is that they will be free to (and encouraged to) publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. Such reviews are unpaid, made by scientists selected by the editorial boards of the journals for their expertise in the subject matter, and have for many years served to produce objective, science-based findings in all fields of scientific endeavour.
There appears to be a level of mistrust by certain individuals of the Government’s intentions in this sector. All I can say is that the Authority takes its role as the regulator of SBM activities in the Cook Islands very seriously. We have technical experts advising us to ensure that we have robust frameworks and decision-making processes in place. This includes setting up an effective observation, monitoring and compliance programme over any companies operating in our waters, as well as ensuring that internationally accepted data collection standards are complied with and the analysis of that data by accredited laboratories. Along with other dedicated government officials, we are giving our best effort to ensure this sector is developed responsibly.
At the end of the day, we all care deeply about our Marae Moana and want to ensure that we are good ocean stewards. Let us keep that common interest in mind, and try to work together towards better outcomes for our people and country.
Kia Manuia and God Bless,
Alex Herman
Seabed Minerals Commissioner