Riches in the depths of our ocean
The Cook Islands is a small, developing Pacific Island nation that is increasingly viewing
itself as a “Large ocean state”. Like many Pacific Island nations, the Cook Islands has
limited opportunities for sustainable economic growth and diversification. One of our
greatest natural resources has always been our ocean.
Forty years of ocean survey work suggests as much as 10 billion square tonnes of mineral rich
manganese nodules are spread over some 750,000 square kilometers of the Cook Islands
Continental Shelf. This seabed mineral (SBM) Resource offers a significant opportunity for the long term
sustainable economic and social development of the Cook Islands.
Contact
➤ LOCATION
Avarua, Rarotonga.
☎ CONTACT
caroline.tiria@cookislands.gov.ck
(+682) 29193
Our Legacy
Woven from the leaves of the coconut tree the green basket is known in the Cook Islands as a “kete” or “raurau” and is used to carry things that are of value to our people - such as fruits, fresh produce, fish etc. In this case it is carrying pieces of nodules that were collected during the 1960s exploration cruise in the Cook Islands EEZ by our very own Sir Tom Marsters, K.B.E. The three pairs of hands seen in this photo are those of Sir Tom Marster’s, his daughter’s, and his grandson’s - a symbol of the kind of legacy we want to pass down to future generations. We are to be wise stewards of our ocean which provide so much to our people and we will continue to be wise stewards so that the legacy we leave behind is enriched with promise and health.
latest news
under the sea, over the sea
July 13 2019
If the Cook Islands goes forward with seabed exploration Rima Browne would be on the front line.
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puna: ‘Conservation is in our blood’
June 21 2019
Cook Islands’ declaration of two million square kilometres of ocean as “sacred” captured the imagination of delegates at a major oceans conference in New Caledonia this week.
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MPS to sit more days each year
June 17 2019
Seabed Minerals 2019 Bill passed in last weeks sitting of parliament.
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Last updated: August 12 2019