The Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) participated in a State Visit to China from February 10–14, 2025, alongside the Cook Islands Government Delegation. This visit focused on capacity building, research, and scientific collaborations.

Advancing Partnerships for Sustainable Marine Exploration

The SBMA delegation engaged in high-level discussions with several leading institutes:

1. 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.
2. 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;
3. The National Deep Sea Centre involved the group's marine and deep-sea experience and explored future joint research and capacity-building programs.

 Seabed Minerals Authority's Role in Technical and Research Development

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.
• Involve some of the latest modeling techniques in the prediction of long-term weather and climate.

Minister of Seabed Minerals, Hon. Mark Brown, 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.”

Scientific and Technical Capacity Building

SBMA Corporate Support Director Beverly Stacey underscored 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 maximize our understanding to best implement our exploration and management efforts.”

Looking Ahead

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 southwest Pacific, Europe, and North America. SBMA remains committed to transparent governance and environmental responsibility and to ensuring that Cook Islanders benefit from these strategic collaborations.