Cook Islands is collaborating with China on seabed minerals exploration following discussions led by Prime Minister Mark Brown during his state visit this week.

According to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), the delegation led by Brown, which included staff from the SBMA, engaged in high-level discussions with several leading institutes in China.

These institutions included Shanghai Jiao Tong University, First Institute of Oceanography and the National Deep Sea Centre.

“Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s recent deep water collector test highlighted the potential of working with young scientists and engineers in the multidisciplinary assessment of equipment operation and environmental monitoring in extreme environments,” SBMA said.

“First Institute of Oceanography, highlighted a wide range of collaborative opportunities involving new and established methods in the climate change, oceanographic monitoring, and seabed minerals areas.

“The National Deep Sea Centre involved the group's marine and deep-sea experience and explored future joint research and capacity-building programmes.”

The visit provided key opportunities for SBMA to expand its science and research capabilities, including:

• Learning and potentially working together in the leading-edge technology used in marine and deep-sea exploration, and sustainable ocean management.
• Collaborating with Chinese scientists to learn from their research methods and long-term data records, helping to enhance and advance our own marine research and understanding.
• Involving some of the latest modelling techniques in the prediction of long-term weather and climate.

PM Brown, who is the Minister of Seabed Minerals, reflected on the progress made, stating: “As we progress through this State Visit, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved so far and the exciting opportunities ahead for the Cook Islands. These conversations have opened the door to new areas of collaboration.”

SBMA corporate support director Beverly Stacey highlighted the importance of these engagements, stating: “Our constructive and positive discussions are paving the way for productive and transparent collaboration in scientific research and capacity building, bringing benefits to all.”

SBMA knowledge management director Dr John Parianos added: “Scientific research is crucial in developing knowledge and understanding of our marine environment. Strengthening our cooperation with leading institutions ensures that we maximise our understanding to best implement our exploration and management efforts.”

According to SBMA, the state visit to China marks another significant step forward in fostering international research partnerships and advancing the Cook Islands’ Blue Economy vision.

“It builds on existing relationships in the south-west Pacific, Europe, and North America.

“SBMA remains committed to transparent governance, environmental responsibility, and ensuring that Cook Islanders benefit from these strategic collaborations.”