Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Runanga Takere Moana
Circular Cutaways Tumblr Banner (1).png

Research Priority 3

mega fauna logging

research priority 3

Investigating the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water column for better understanding.


At SBMA, we’re working to better understand what lives in our deep ocean — especially on our deep seabed.

Through licensed exploration and marine research, we’re using underwater video and sampling to document marine species particularly from the megafauna group (species larger than 2 cm).

This is important because:

  • It helps us know what’s out there before any activity happens

  • We can identify areas that may require protection or conservation

  • It ensures our decisions are based on real data, not assumptions

By building this kind of deep-sea knowledge, we’re making sure that Cook Islands marine life — even the ones we don’t often see — are respected and considered in how we manage our ocean space.

Megafauna logging from differen parts of the Cook Islands - below are from the Uunderwater Minerals Conference 2024