A recent incident in Avaavaroa Passage has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger safety measures in this high-risk marine environment.

While most turtle tour operators follow best-practice safety guidelines, a small number continue to operate outside these standards, putting visitors, locals, and guides at risk. Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT) is taking further action to ensure safety remains a priority.

While CIT does not have direct enforcement powers, it has actively worked with the industry to establish safety guidelines and encourage accountability. However, voluntary compliance alone is not enough—preventable near-misses continue to occur, and action is needed.

"The majority of operators are committed to best-practice safety standards, but a small number continue to put lives at risk. That is unacceptable," said CIT CEO Karla Eggelton. "CIT is taking further steps to ensure safety expectations are upheld across the board, working alongside responsible operators, government agencies, and community stakeholders to find a sustainable solution. Unfortunately, we have also had to escalate certain repeat offenders to the Cook Islands Police, as their ongoing disregard for agreed safety measures is putting people in danger."

Over the years, CIT has engaged with turtle tour operators to develop agreed safety guidelines. Many have shown leadership in adopting these measures, but gaps remain.

"We want to acknowledge those operators who have consistently upheld the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and safety guidelines," said Eggelton. "Their commitment to responsible tourism and visitor safety has been invaluable, and overall, safety and conservation standards have improved dramatically. Their efforts should not be undermined by those who choose to operate outside safe and agreed guidelines."

At the same time, government agencies such as the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) and the National Environment Service (NES) continue to advance their own initiatives, particularly focusing on biodiversity and marine ecosystem protection.

"We are pleased to see the support of other government agencies who recognise the need to elevate and prioritise safety," added Eggelton. "We are all working together to ensure a solution that balances environmental protection and public safety."

Strengthening safety through a permit programme

A number of government agencies, led by CIT, have been reviewing the feasibility of implementing a permit programme to manage entry into Avaavaroa Passage for turtle tour operators. This would establish clear safety expectations and ensure that only operators meeting best-practice standards are permitted to conduct tours in the area.

CIT is working with relevant authorities and industry stakeholders to determine the best approach. This includes consultation with operators, safety experts, and government agencies to ensure a transparent and fair process.

Unfortunately, formal regulation changes take time, and we recognise that governance and enforcement efforts need to move faster to keep up with safety concerns. While this process is underway, CIT will continue to push for stronger safety measures and accountability.

The safety of visitors, locals, and our marine environment is a shared responsibility. CIT remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a responsible, sustainable, and safe tourism industry.

CIT invites feedback from industry and community members as we work towards a safer future for marine-based tourism. Further updates will be provided as the review progresses.

If you’re planning a tour, CIT strongly recommends choosing an operator who has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - a voluntary code of conduct guiding best-practice surrounding safety and conservation. Release