Ministry of Marine Resources Cook Islands

BBNJ, New York, March 27, 2026 - The Ministry of Marine Resources is part of the current Cook Islands delegation participating in the Third Preparatory Commission of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). MMR joins the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the National Environment Service (NES) as part of the Cook Islands delegation.

The 3rd Preparatory Commission for the BBNJ Agreement is being held at the UN Headquarters in New York from 23 March to 2 April. This important preparatory meeting is seeking to finalise the various institutional arrangements and procedural requirements for the BBNJ Agreement. The BBNJ Agreement entered into force on 17 January 2026 and will hold its first Conference of the Parties in January 2027. The current negotiations are therefore critical for ensuring the effective operationalisation of the Agreement.

The Cook Islands continues to collaborate and engage with all global partners in progressing BBNJ Agreement design and implementation. In particular, the Cook Islands maintains its strong cooperation with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to ensure SIDS special requirements are fully recognised in the implementation of the Agreement.

Pamela Maru, Secretary of Marine Resources, noted the critical need to establish fair, efficient and effective institutional and governance frameworks that recognise existing ocean governance frameworks:

“As we design and implement the BBNJ system's governance framework, it is essential that it respects and interacts with existing regional and global ocean governance frameworks. The Cook Islands continues to invest in, and lead within, these processes, for example within a range of regional fisheries bodies with mandates over the high seas. By ensuring strong linkages, we can draw on established scientific and technical expertise and deliver more effective and efficient BBNJ implementation.”

“In practice, many of the Agreement’s implementation and monitoring obligations will rely on existing fisheries monitoring frameworks developed by regional fisheries bodies. Recognising and utilising these systems will be critical to ensuring that the BBNJ is effective and grounded in operational realities.”

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1379867467513183&set=a.358145806352026

𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐁𝐄 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞

MMR recently welcomed back scientists from CRIOBE (Moorea, French Polynesia) Gilles Siu and Yannick Chancerelle who came to undertake joint reef monitoring activities as part of an established programme that has been operating continuously since 2009. This year MMR’s marine scientists Michael Parrish and Liam Clegg worked alongside the CRIOBE team learning more about their monitoring work and their depth of experience from monitoring reefs around the world.

During their two days in Rarotonga, Gilles and Yannick collected and replaced a wave/temperature sensor and conducted coral and fish monitoring. Fish monitoring was conducted via Underwater Visual Census by Gilles, in essence counting and estimating the sizes of all fish along a set pathway on the reef. Coral was monitored by taking photographs of 1m x 1m frames (known as a photoquadrat) along a fixed transect (or line). These photographs will be analysed using software back in the CRIOBE lab. Finally, photogrammetry was used to generate a 3D model of the reef. This is done by swimming back and forth with a dual camera system, kind of like mowing the lawn!

The number of fish species recorded over the years has been between 71-93, with 75 species recorded in 2026. The total number of fish was 348, with a range from 229-397 observed in previous years. These results indicate that the fish population has remained relatively stable over time. Since 2009 coral cover has increased from less than 10% at this site to over 50% in 2024 which is very encouraging. We look forward to seeing the coral results from 2026.

This long-term monitoring programme includes sites all around the Pacific and provides valuable long-term data from which we can use to observe changes in reef health over time.

The data from these surveys can be found at: https://observatoire.criobe.pf/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=Rarotonga%20(Cook)%20EN

𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 🦪🦪🦪

The UNFAO is advertising for the role of National Aquaculture Specialist to support MMR with aquaculture development projects here in the Cook Islands.

If you are interested please visit the site below.

Applications close 13 February 2026. Apply now!

UN in Samoa

National Aquaculture Specialists Click the link provided to see the complete job description.

𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐒

Artisanal fishers across the Cook Islands sustain coastal communities and local economies. Alongside their daily fishing activities, encounters with sharks are inevitable. Sharks are a valuable part of marine ecosystems, helping to control prey and herbivorous fish populations, providing balance and health in coral reef ecosystems, and supporting biodiversity.

However, sharks are sensitive to human interaction. When sharks are caught incidentally, proper care in handling and releasing them helps to ensure their survival. Some shark species in the Cook Islands are classified as vulnerable or threatened, meaning their populations are at risk and require careful management and protection.

𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬
To minimize stress and injury to sharks:
• Keep the shark in the water whenever possible, removing hooks or cutting lines as close to the hook as possible, while it is submerged.
• Use appropriate tools such as line cutters, de-hookers, or dip nets to reduce physical damage. Avoid trying to dislodge a deeply ingested hook that is not visible.
• Never pull on the line or cut the shark’s tail, fins, or other body parts.
• Handle carefully: avoid lifting sharks by their tail, head, or gills, and do not put hands into gill slits.
• Release quickly to improve the shark’s chances of survival.

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧–𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Respectful interactions protect both sharks and fishers’ livelihoods. Stress or injury to sharks can affect local populations, fishery health, and long-term food security. Mindful practices include:
• Remaining calm and deliberate when handling sharks.
• Educating all crew members on safe release techniques.
• Recognizing that every shark safely returned contributes to a healthier ecosystem and a sustainable fishery.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
During consultations on the National Tuna Management and Development Plan in 2025, MMR heard from fishers in Manihiki, Penrhyn, Aitutaki and some other islands who are experiencing increasing shark interactions. Sharks are biting into catches, damaging fishing gear, and causing losses that directly affect livelihoods, fuel efficiency, and access to remote fishing equipment.

While fishers respect sharks for their ecological role, repeated losses have in some cases led to culling. 𝐌𝐌𝐑 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥, 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

MMR is committed to working with fishers to address these concerns and explore technologies and methods to reduce shark interactions while respecting the important role sharks play in the ocean. MMR continues to engage with fishers, seeking balanced solutions that protect both livelihoods and marine ecosystems.

For more information and resources on shark handling and release, contact MMR at 𝐫𝐚𝐫@𝐦𝐦𝐫.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐜𝐤.

🎯 [𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍] 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐧𝐞́𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜̧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐈̂𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐬𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞́𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞̂𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬

Moetai BROTHERSON, Président de la Polynésie française, et Taivini TEAI, ministre des Ressources marines, ont rencontré Pamela MARU, cheffe de l’Agence du ministère des Ressources marines des Îles Cook. Cette rencontre a été l’occasion d’échanger sur les enjeux actuels et à venir de la gouvernance des pêches dans le Pacifique.

Les échanges ont principalement porté sur les défis économiques du secteur halieutique, dans un contexte marqué par la baisse des taux de capture. Les participants ont souligné l’importance de trouver un équilibre entre la rentabilité des activités de pêche, la prise en compte des intérêts locaux et la stabilité des filières.

👉 Lire l'intégralité : https://www.presidence.pf/rencontre-entre-la-polynesie-francaise-et-les-iles-cook-sur-la-gouvernance-regionale-des-peches/

BETWEEN THE OCEAN AND THE SKY: MMR TRIBUTE, CAPTAIN WILL ROWE

Outside of our offices in Rarotonga, the MMR team is uniquely spread across 12 of the 15 stars of the Cook Islands flag. Amongst the bright lights of our pa-enua team, we are missing an exceptional officer — a qualified aviator whose decision to settle down between ocean and sky and raise his beloved family in Palmerston Island, brought lasting benefit and service to Marine Resources and the people of this nation.

It is therefore with immense gratitude and sorrow that we extend, on behalf of his MMR colleagues and friends, our deepest condolences to the Rowe and Valintine families on the passing of our dear colleague, Captain William Allan Rowe (Ld Will Rowe), who left us on December 5, 2025, at Middlemore Hospital.

The youngest son of Ken Rowe and Barbara Valintine, Captain William served as the Assistant Fisheries Officer for Palmerston, dedicating his skills and his heart to these beautiful isles and the community he proudly called home. Beyond his official role, William played a vital part in tracking and sharing information about Palmerston and its surrounding waters, keeping voluntary vigil over nearby weather systems and threats, alongside many other essential duties that safeguarded his people and their livelihoods.

Captain William Allan Rowe joined MMR on 31 May 2021 as Assistant Fisheries Officer for Palmerston Island, where he was based at the local government office, leading key inshore fisheries programs including TAILS catch data collection, fuel subsidy coordination, FAD maintenance, Fisheries Small Grants, and the Raui project at Lucky School Beach.

MMR Inshore Director Koroa Raumea recalls Rowe over his five-years of service as a dedicated professional. “Will came in with so much vision and aroa for the work, the people and the island of Palmerston. He was such a knowledgeable IT user and strong communicator, a humble professional, eager to help and take on any task,” said Raumea.

“He consistently submitted reports despite Palmerston’s remote challenges, and worked well with community partners such as Te Ipukarea Society and the National Environment Service to strengthen marine conservation. His professionalism, service, and love for Palmerston will be fondly remembered by all of us, his MMR family both in Rarotonga and across the Cook Islands,” he said.

Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Terupea Rowe, his cherished son, William Allan, and to all members of the Rowe and Valintine families during this time of profound loss. Our love, prayers and appreciation for the support of Kings Representative Sir Tom Marsters and the people of Palmerston continues as the family accompanies Captain Will from Rarotonga this week for the final leg home.

Na te Atua e akapuma'ana mai ia tatou katoatoa i teia tuatau tumatetenga.

Aere ra, Captain!

𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰!

Last Friday on December 12th, Dr Phoebe Argyle MMR’s Marine Ecologist, alongside Dr Ben Moran from UC Davis and volunteers Alex, and Gem from Te Ara o te Akau, witnessed a mass spawning event of corals in the lagoon in Rarotonga!

After preliminary observations last summer, our team narrowed the spawning window down to just a few nights when it was most likely to occur. Over several evenings, the team was out in the lagoon after dark, carefully observing the corals in the hope of catching them in the act — and their patience paid off!

Coral spawning is a highly synchronised event, with many coral colonies releasing eggs and s***m at the same time. This timing is not random. Spawning is informed by a combination of environmental cues, including sea temperature, day length, and lunar cycles. In many parts of the world, corals spawn a few days after a full moon, once water temperatures have reached a seasonal threshold.

Here in the Cook Islands, this spawning event occurred eight days after the full moon, which is a little later than our neighbours on the Great Barrier Reef. At least five species of Acropora spawned during this event, beginning at 11 pm, with the water quickly becoming an absolute extravaganza of egg bundles!

By releasing their reproductive cells simultaneously, corals increase the chances of successful fertilisation and help ensure the next generation of reef-building corals. Dr Ben’s research is focused on the behaviour and reproduction of Acropora hyacinthus, a common species within the lagoon and on the reef. MMR’s new biology lab, Te Ivi Moana, was the perfect workspace to conduct his experiments, and we look forward to hearing the results.

Events like this are critical for reef resilience and recovery, making these observations in Rarotonga an exciting and valuable step forward in understanding our local coral populations.
A big meitaki ma’ata to our volunteers for persevering into the early hours to assist with this research!

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐂𝐏𝐅𝐂 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

WCPFC22, Manila, Dec 5, 2025—At 5pm on the 5th of December in Manila, the final plenary of the WCPFC22 erupted into a moment of applause, following a historic milestone – the adoption of the first‑ever Management Procedure for South Pacific albacore.

A spate of celebratory online posts via official and industry accounts quickly followed, citing the consensus decision as a landmark achievement for Pacific Island countries, industry, and the wider region. For the FFA member nations for whom the Southern Albacore Tuna fishery is vital, the journey to this point has spanned decades of twists and turns in tuna diplomacy.

In the buildup to WCPFC22, FFA members supported the South Pacific Group (SPG) and Australia on the Management Procedure proposal, and together developed an accompanying Implementation Measure to ensure the new rules‑based framework capping albacore catches can give greater certainty to longline and troll fleets and coastal economies. The investment, compromise and careful balancing of interests in the development of these proposals highlighted the importance of regional solidarity.

Niue Fisheries Director Poi Okesene, as Chair of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) and an SPG member, paid tribute to Pacific solidarity at the Commission table. “Niue welcomes the adoption of the South Pacific albacore management procedure as the culmination of years of collective Pacific effort. As one of the smallest coastal states in the region, this fishery is our lifeline. Small island developing states and territories banded together - SPG with PNA+, followed by New Caledonia, French Polynesia, American Samoa, Guam and CNMI spoke with one voice, and the
Commission heard our call in adopting this measure. For industry and for WCPFC, this sends a powerful signal that all decisions on effort and catch will now follow clear, pre‑agreed rules linked to the health of the stock– the very core of why this commission exists.”

SPG Chair Dr Siola’a Malimali of Tonga emphasised the long journey to adoption and the importance of the decision for Pacific communities: “As Chair of the South Pacific Group, Tonga came to WCPFC22 determined to leave with this commitment to better albacore management. We are proud that FFA’s SPG caucus has done the hard work in this regard, with the result of a united Commission consensus for the first-ever management procedure for South Pacific albacore under a harvest strategy approach,” he said.

For Fiji, the new albacore management procedure gives new hope to the longline industry. Director for Fisheries Nanise Kuridrani noted the significance of the outcome for domestic fleets and shore‑based investment. “With this long-awaited milestone and the forthcoming implementation measure, Fiji looks forward to working closely with industry partners and other Commission members to implement this procedure effectively, so that improved stock status translates into real economic gains for Pacific Island fleets as well as responsible distant‑water operators.”

Samoa Head of Fisheries Dr Roseti Imo credited member-industry partnerships and the role of the SPG negotiators driving the value of transparent rules. “Samoa sees this management procedure as a turning point for how WCPFC partners with industry. By locking in a transparent harvest strategy for albacore, we reduce uncertainty and send a clear message that long‑term sustainability and viable business models go hand in hand. We stand ready to engage with vessel owners, traders, and processors to make sure the new rules are clearly understood and consistently applied across the fleet.”

The Cook Islands Secretary for Marine Resources Pamela Maru stressed the balanced approach needed to ensure small and larger fishery participants were accommodated, and the next steps for the implementation measure that will operationalise the procedure. “The Cook Islands views the adopted albacore management procedure as a practical expression of where we need to manage this fishery. Over the next year, we will need national level investment to enhance the use of emerging technologies and build systems and processes that allow for flexible and innovative management arrangements”. Implementing measure discussions will have to start early in the new year, with Maru emphasising “that cooperation among all Commission decision-makers must remain strong, and that we continue to build understanding, demonstrate flexibility and continue to make meaningful progress to ensure that no single group - least of all SIDS - is left out”.

For French Polynesia’s Adviser Mahanatea Garbutt the “unity, partnerships and persistent voice of the majority was able to deliver the historic milestone witnessed in Manila this week. We will all remember WCPFC22 for this standout decision and we must ensure that the momentum gained powers our next steps It is essential that this dynamic continues into the future as implementation will require similar efforts, especially since each commission members must meet its social priorities and sustain its economy, making the discussions on implementation all the more pivotal for our communities”.

New Caledonia’s Head of Fisheries Manuel Ducrocq could not over emphasise the importance of setting a total limit that ensures domestic fleet survival “good catch rates means good economic performance for our boats. We have a healthy albacore tuna stock, but we need management measures that will ensure SIDS fleets can profit from fishing. We believe that with SIDS needs and collaboration driving this work, we will achieve long-term benefits for all Commission members”.

Chairing the WCPFC small working group that helped broker consensus on the procedure, Australia’s Mat Kertesz welcomed the WCPFC adoption of the albacore management procedure as “a key step forward for both the science and the economics of albacore fishing. Australia has seen first‑hand the willingness of coastal States, SIDS and distant‑water fishing nations to compromise in order to reach an outcome that cements science-based decision making and balances the need to maintain economic viability and reasonable levels of total catch, and provide stability in fishing levels,” he said, “The task now is to move quickly into implementation —embedding the new harvest rules in national and regional systems, ensuring high‑quality data, and working with operators to deliver the effective management WCPFC has committed to”.

This has been a three year journey for the SPG. With assistance from the Pacific Community’s Oceanic Fisheries Programme (SPC-OFP), FFA and the Australian Government, they’ve been able to build the focus back on albacore. Back on to the fisheries that matter most to these Pacific coastal states.

The SPG caucus collectively paid tribute to the unity and determination shown by FFA members, and all WCPFC members at all levels, territories, and observers, in reaching agreement. The SPG focus is now on supporting delivery and adoption of the management procedure’s implementation measure throughout 2026. –ENDS/SPG

RELEASES: Tuvalu, RMI, FSM and Cook Islands first up for FFA payout on U.S. Treaty funds

Friday 5 December 2025, Manila – Four Pacific parties to the U.S.–Pacific Fisheries Treaty today welcomed signing of the latest schedule for their share of a regional fund worth USD 60m annually, or USD 600m for the decade to 2033. Renegotiated over the years, the signing of documentation today by the Cook Islands, FSM, RMI and Tuvalu means FFA can now process their annual allocations under 2023-2033 payment schedule for the US Treaty. Other FFA members will also be able to receive their funds once their paperwork is also received.
The annual payments for the decade 2023–2033 provide a critical and predictable source of public revenue for participating Pacific economies and support regional efforts to manage tuna resources sustainably.

Today’s formalities track a long history between Pacific nations and the US -- the 1988 US-Pacific Fisheries Treaty is the only multilateral tuna fisheries agreement of its kind in the world, allowing access for US tuna fishing in the EEZs of FFA members – home to some of healthiest tuna stocks in the world.

Speaking on behalf of Tuvalu following the signing formalities, Hon. Sa’aga Teafa, Minister of Natural Resources Development, underlined how central fisheries are to his country’s economy, “Fisheries revenues are the backbone of Tuvalu’s economy, contributing a very large share of government income and underpinning essential public services for our people. This schedule under the U.S.–Pacific Fisheries Treaty helps us to safeguard that vital revenue stream while we work with partners to manage tuna sustainably for future generations.”

Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority Director, Glen Joseph, stressed the importance of Treaty funds for jobs and resilience. “For the Marshall Islands, fisheries contribute a significant share of our GDP and are one of the main drivers of jobs and export earnings. The continued U.S. Treaty payments channelled through FFA are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they are a direct investment in our communities, our infrastructure and our long‑term economic resilience,” he said.

From the Federated States of Micronesia, Acting Executive Director of NORMA, Jamel James, highlighted the role of tuna in national development for his nation. “In the Federated States of Micronesia, tuna and other oceanic fisheries account for a substantial portion of national output and public revenue, making this sector central to our development plans. This Treaty schedule gives us greater certainty over fisheries income so we can plan investments in jobs, services and climate‑resilient growth with more confidence.”

Cook Islands Secretary for Marine Resources, Pamela Maru, emphasised the contribution of tuna fisheries and related revenues to economic growth, food security and livelihoods. “For the Cook Islands, fisheries make an important contribution to GDP and are a key pillar of our blue‑economy strategy. The U.S. Treaty funds, alongside our own access revenues, help us to maximise the value of tuna while strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance across our vast ocean space.”

As the session ended, FFA confirmed Niue had also completed the final signatures ahead of transfer of funds. With their updated documentation now in place, the five Pacific Island Parties jointly reaffirmed their commitment to regional solidarity under the Treaty, and ensuring that tuna resources continue to generate sustainable economic benefits for their peoples, and for future generations. —ENDS