A Cook Islands environmental NGO has reported that footage captured by the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus highlights a “biologically diverse deep seabed ecosystem” in local waters, revealing numerous marine species that remain largely unknown. The E/V Nautilus docked in Rarotonga on Tuesday and will be officially welcomed at Avatiu Wharf on Wednesday.
The Te Ipukarea Society praised the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) for its partnership with Nautilus, emphasising the importance of this dedicated scientific research into the region’s seabed biodiversity. They expressed disappointment that such research is occurring as the current five-year exploration contracts with three mining companies draw to a close.
Earlier reports indicated that the expedition, dubbed “Deep-Sea Habitats of the Cook Islands,” was a collaboration between the SBMA and several international partners aimed at understanding the hidden depths of Marae Moana, a marine protected area encompassing the entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Cook Islands. The expedition was operated by the US-based Ocean Exploration Trust, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The 21-day mission focused on both imaging and cataloging seabed biodiversity, aiming to enhance understanding of the Cook Islands’ expansive EEZ. All data collected during the expedition is expected to be made publicly available, facilitating informed, science-based decision-making regarding future seabed exploration and potential mining activities.
The SBMA confirmed that the deep-sea expedition successfully documented diverse habitats and species using state-of-the-art technology, noting that high-quality images were critical for identifying species like deep-sea corals. Rima Browne, SBMA’s knowledge management senior technical officer, remarked on the high-quality results, underscoring the advancement in identifying larger species present on the seabed.
Te Ipukarea Society highlighted the findings from the Nautilus as indicative of their region’s rich biodiversity and suggested further steps, including conducting DNA sampling and environmental DNA (eDNA) studies, which could provide insights into unobserved marine species.
The environmental group emphasized that while the exploration has revealed exciting discoveries, more research must be undertaken before decisions are made on whether to proceed with mining operations in these ecologically sensitive areas. They indicated that the current expeditions merely scratch the surface of understanding the Cook Islands’ deep-sea biodiversity.
Meanwhile, the official welcoming of the E/V Nautilus at Avatiu Port is set for 10 AM local time, with a public tour planned for later in the day.
As the Cook Islands navigates these important discussions on seabed exploration, there remains hope that continued scientific research and community engagement can harmonise the potential for economic growth and environmental preservation. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to ensuring informed decision-making in the face of rising international interest in deep-sea resources.
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