A Deep-Sea Milestone: Cook Islands and China Partner on Sustainable Seabed Resource Development

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Blue Partnership in the Field of Seabed Minerals Affairs with the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, reinforcing a shared commitment to marine cooperation, sustainable resource management, and advancing deep-sea research.

Media Release, Press ReleaseDede Mingi21 February 2025Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands SBMA, Blue Partnership, Seabed Minerals Governance, Deep Sea Research, Sustainable Oceans, Marine Cooperation, Environmental Stewardship, Capacity Building, Technology Transfer, Scientific Collaboration, Blue Economy, Sustainable Development

Advancing Innovation: SBMA Expands Global Collaboration for Marine Research

The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is participating in the State Visit to China from 10-14 February, alongside the Cook Islands Government Delegation. This visit focused on capacity building, research, and scientific collaborations.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi13 February 2025Cook Islands, SBMA, Blue Economy, Scientific Research, Marine Conservation, Seabed Mining, Environmental Sustainability, Ocean Exploration, International Collaboration, Transparency And Accountability, Marine Science, Global Partnerships, Governance, Deep Sea Research, Public Engagement, Resource Management

SBMA Advances Regional Dialogue on Deep-Sea Governance in Tahiti

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) participated in the second meeting of the IRD Regional Dialogue Platform on the Deep-Sea in the Pacific, held in Tahiti from 10–12 December 2024. This significant event brought together diverse stakeholders from across the Pacific to deepen discussions on deep-sea knowledge and governance, building on insights from the inaugural meeting in Nouméa earlier this year.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi16 December 2024Cook Islands, Seabed, Seabed Governance, Deep Sea Dialogue, Pacific Oceans, SBMA Tahiti 2024, Pacific Partnerships, Regional Collaboration, Deep Sea Governance, Ocean Dialogue, Shared Ocean Resources, Future of Our Oceans, Deep Sea Science, Deep Sea Discussions, Regional Dialogue Platform, Oceans Together, UN Ocean Confererence

Resignation of the Seabed Minerals Commissioner

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) regretfully announces the resignation of Alex Herman as Seabed Minerals Commissioner, marking the conclusion of an impactful chapter in SBMA’s history.

SBMA Release: Strengthening Ties Through Seabed Minerals Consultations with New Zealand Communities

The Cook Islands Government, led by Prime Minister Honourable Mark Brown, recently completed a week-long series of consultations with Cook Islands communities across New Zealand. The delegation visited Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Tokoroa, sharing updates on the development of the Seabed Minerals (SBM) sector and fostering meaningful dialogue with the Cook Islands diaspora.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi25 November 2024Cook Islands, SBMA, Seabed Minerals, Community Consultations, Diaspora Engagement, Sustainable Development, Marae Moana, Diaspora Connections, Building Together

Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority Participates in the AELERT – INECE 2024 Global Summit on Implementing and Enforcing Environmental Law

Representatives from the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) recently attended the AELERT – INECE 2024 Global Summit on Implementing and Enforcing Environmental Law in Brisbane, Australia, from November 6th - 8th. This summit convened leaders and experts from various regulatory fields to discuss advancements in law enforcement and compliance practices.

Seabed Minerals Exploration Updates

We are committed to sustainably and responsibly developing our seabed minerals (SBM) sector for the benefit of our Cook Islands people. In line with the precautionary approach, any future decision on whether or not we will allow minerals harvesting to occur must be science based.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi2 November 2024Seabed Minerals, Cook Islands, Sustainable Development, Ocean Conservation, Marine Protection, Environmental Stewardship, Clean Energy, Marae Moana, Responsible Mining, Exploration, Deep Sea Research, Future Generations, Economic Diversification, Science Based, Community Engagement, Knowledge Advancement, SBM

Akakitekiteanga no te Porokaramu Rangaanga i te au Mīnera Takere Moana

Te anoano nei matou i te akamatutu e te akatere meitaki i te tuanga Mīnera Takere Moana kia riro ei akapuapinga i to tatou iti tangata Kuki Airani. Ei ravenga akapirianga ki te akatereanga matakite, ko tetai uatu tukuʻangā tika i te au ra ki mua no runga i te akatikaanga me kare patoianga i te kokotianga mīnera, ka anoanoia te reira tukuʻangā tika kia tangoia ki runga i te tuanga taieni.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi2 November 2024Cook Islands, Cook Islands EEZ, SBM, Deep Sea Research, Exploration Programme, Community Engagement

Seabed Science in Action: UMC’s Groundbreaking Trip To Cook Islands Nodule Field

The UMC marked its first-ever field trip to an active nodule field in the South Pacific. Many participants from around the world joined the crew aboard the research vessel Anuanua Moana. The field trip gave a unique opportunity to observe the actual scientific processes involved in deep-sea research, with a particular focus on the polymetallic nodules' environment.

Media ReleaseDede Mingi11 October 2024Seabed Science, Deep Sea Research, Polymetallic Nodules, Cook Islands, Anuanua Moana, Marine Exploration, Community Engagement, Environmental Impact, Research Vessel, UMC Field Trip

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