You can read all the latest news and updates on the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector here.
SMARTEX (Seabed Mining and Resilience to Experiment Impact) aims to provide the critical scientific understanding and evidence-base to reduce risks of deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules in the central Northeast Pacific Ocean. The project aims to better understand the ecosystem in the Pacific abyss and how the different components interact and interconnects.
Read MoreParliament unanimously approved the Seabed Minerals Amendment Bill 2024 yesterday.
The purpose of the amendments were to improve the overall seabed minerals regime. This included making the intent of some sections clearer, as well as changes to enable the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) to fulfil its functions more effectively.
Read MoreThe Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) manages a Research Permit for small environmental programs in the Cook Islands waters, granted by the National Research Council (rpSEP).
Read MoreSBMA has recently commissioned its Seabed Minerals Data Repository (CSD), which includes a public area (CSD Public). The CSD stores data collected through SBM activities. We are making all environmental data publicly available. You can access CSD Public on our website.
Read MoreTwo remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives and four boxcore deployments later, the Artex 2023 team disembarked in Aitutaki after completing a research expedition of the deep ocean plains shared with Rarotonga.
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands concluded last week. Milestones included the endorsements of the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) and the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility.
Read MoreThe Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is pleased to announce a short deep sea research expedition between Rarotonga and Aitutaki. ARTEX 2023 (Aitutaki Rarotonga Transect Expedition) is a 2 day expedition run by SBMA. It is a pilot for locally led and managed marine science research, setting new ground in terms of low-cost collaborative and independent research.
Read MoreThe Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, witnessed an unexpected development. The Cook Islands will host the 52nd edition of this prestigious gathering, which has been the foundation of the marine minerals’ community since 1970!
Read MoreThe Cook Islands recently participated in the 28th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Jamaica, which included meetings of the Council and Assembly. The ISA is the body responsible for seabed minerals (SBM) activities in international waters, while the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) is responsible for managing SBM activities in Cook Islands waters.
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