The Chinese ocean research vessel Da Yang Hao has arrived in Rarotonga following a deep-sea research mission conducted in collaboration with a Cook Islands team to enhance local ocean science capability.

The public has been invited to tour the vessel at Avatiu Port today between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

According to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), a group of Cook Islanders joined Da Yang Hao, one of China’s leading ocean research vessels, for a marine scientific research voyage from Suva, Fiji, to the Cook Islands.

The mission was aimed at strengthening national marine research capacity and improving understanding of the Cook Islands’ deep-sea environment.

Led by the SBMA, the Cook Islands delegation included Edward Herman, Dr John Parianos, Rima Browne, and Tanga Morris Jr, as well as representatives from the House of Ariki, the Government of the Cook Islands, and Te Ipukarea Society, Philip Vakatini Ariki, Troy Penno, and Alanna Smith.

After a three-day transit from Fiji, the vessel undertook a three-day scientific programme in the waters northeast of Rarotonga. The activities included demonstrations of marine research techniques, use of ocean data collection tools, and seabed mapping technologies.

The SBMA stated that all data and insights from the mission remain under Cook Islands’ jurisdiction and would be publicly available through its platforms to promote open science and evidence-based decision-making.

Edward Herman, partnerships and cooperation director at SBMA, said the voyage was an opportunity for the local team to learn through active participation, building their skills and understanding of their marine environment and its cultural connections.

The Da Yang Hao, operated by the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA) under the Ministry of Natural Resources, is among China’s premier ocean research vessels.

It is equipped with advanced laboratories and systems designed for environmental observation, seabed mapping, and marine ecosystem studies. The mission took place under Cook Islands authority and in accordance with national marine research protocols.

SBMA Commissioner Beverly Stacey-Ataera acknowledged reports suggesting the vessel’s previous links to military data collection but stated that all marine research in Cook Islands waters is subject to government approval procedures.

The Da Yang Hao’s arrival follows increasing international interest in the Cook Islands’ deep-sea mineral resources. Vast areas of seabed surrounding the islands are covered in polymetallic nodules that contain critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, materials essential for technologies including electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy systems.

Earlier this year, the Cook Islands signed a deep-sea mining cooperation agreement with China. The United States also secured its own research partnership with the Cook Islands in August.

The Chinese vessel’s visit comes less than a month after a deep-sea research voyage supported by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While deep-sea exploration activities have advanced in recent years, no nation has yet begun commercial mining.

Environmental groups and marine scientists continue to warn that large-scale operations could damage fragile ecosystems, disrupt migratory species, and cause long-term harm to ocean biodiversity.

International discussions are still under way to establish environmental and operational regulations for deep-sea mining.

The SBMA stated that its ongoing collaborations with universities, research institutions, and regional agencies are designed to build local expertise and ensure that decisions regarding ocean resources are guided by scientific evidence rather than speculation.

The public open day aboard Da Yang Hao is expected to offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about marine science, deep-sea research activities, and life at sea.

References: Cook Islands News, hongkongfp