Cook Islands seabed mining consultations raise fishery concerns

By Talaia Mika, Cook Islands News

Concerns over the potential impact of seabed mining on fish stocks - a vital food source and livelihood for outer islanders - dominated the recent consultations hosted by Moana Minerals in the Ngaputoru islands of Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro.

Despite initial scepticism and caution, the seabed mining company's effort to share their findings and address community concerns saw a generally positive reception across the three sister islands.

Moana Minerals, one of the licenced companies in the Cook Islands to explore deep sea mineral resources, conducted engagement tours across the Southern Group islands last week to inform communities and clarify "misconceptions" surrounding seabed mining.

In Atiu, questions from senior residents and youth alike focused heavily on the risks to marine life, especially fish - a primary food source and economic activity for the island.

"There's an old saying, what goes around comes around. Have you guys measured the currents and how it'll affect the fish?" a senior male resident asked during the meeting.

Hans Smit, chief executive of Moana Minerals, responded by acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

Smit reiterated that the mining activities would occur five kilometres beneath the ocean surface - far removed from fishing zones - and said data from international studies supported the low risk to fisheries.

"It's a very complicated long process but we have a very good team of experts in special fields to ensure the data is correct," Smit said.

Another senior Atiuan community member pressed further, raising concern about possible ocean damage during mining operations.

"What's the recovery damage in the event during the process? How can you recover that damage of the ocean?" he asked, citing the Christian belief that the deep ocean was not meant for human interference.

Smit addressed the risks, saying, "If we start seeing something that doesn't sit right then we have to stop. It's like the leak in the car. That part we can control and manage."

He added that the company had insurance in place: "It costs us about $150,000 USD annually ... if anything happens, we have to clean up our mess. This is what any ship operating in the world should have."

Youth from the island also raised generational concerns.

"Unless it won't affect the future for tomorrow and unless you give me proof," one said.

Smit acknowledged the importance of transparency and pledged to share data: "We already showed that ... when we study the soil of the Cook Islands, we cannot find poison in there. So even if we disturb it, it's not the poison that's going to kill the fish. What we need to do is come back to you with all that data so you can have your experts to confirm what we are saying."

In Mauke, the tone of the consultation was noticeably more supportive, though the importance of equitable benefits was a recurring theme.

Mayor Joane Rongoape told Cook Islands News, "I think it's a good idea. It's a gold mine ... Why not? The bigger countries are harvesting it, and it's in the Cook Islands zone."

Rongoape estimated that about 95 per cent of the island's residents supported the seabed mining initiative.

"Just a few who don't agree, which is okay ... everybody's got a choice."

She expressed confidence in the company's preparedness and planning, noting, "They do all their studies to make sure that it's the right thing to do … There's a lot of work put in this project and a lot of headaches too."

Mauke elder Teararoa Mani offered conditional support: "This was 50 years ago and now we are still talking about this. I don't have any problems with you going to get it so long as we benefit from it. God gave these resources for us but don't be greedy. Share it for us."

During the Mauke consultation, Smit reaffirmed the company's commitment to environmental protection and accountability.

"We do not want to be the people that go down in history as the ones that destroyed the ocean ... I do not want my children to have to live with the legacy that their father destroyed the ocean."

He also criticised "misinformation" that paints the company as careless.

"It's not helpful or healthy. We are always looking to make sure that whatever we are doing, we are doing it with care and proportion."

On the island of Mitiaro, the reception was overwhelmingly supportive, with a focus on economic opportunities and future benefit for the island.

Mayor Tati Tutaka told Cook Islands News, "The presentation was very successful to us and to me, and we all support seabed mining so long as we achieve something not just for us but for our future generations here in Mitiaro."

He admitted there were initial doubts but said the consultation helped ease those concerns.

"Everyone has a fair idea now and these are the kinds of information that we needed ... the more we understand, the better we make decisions based on these facts."

The consultation followed a similar session in Mangaia, where residents also raised concerns about the environment and fisheries. One of the main takeaways from that earlier consultation was that while some remained cautious, many welcomed the open dialogue and efforts to clarify the process.

Throughout all the consultations, the impact on fish stocks remained the most pressing concern. Across Ngaputoru, fishing is not just a tradition but an economic pillar and a source of sustenance for families.

The engagement tour concluded on Saturday with a tour onboard the Moana Minerals boat for the residents especially the children to see the boat that is exploring their seabed.

-This article was first published by Cook Islands News.