Majority of Cook Islands voters oppose seabed mining, poll shows Monday 10 August 2026 | Written by Losirene Dasalusalu | Published in Election 2026, Environment, National ShareA Cook Islands poll revealing majority opposition to seabed mining has prompted political leaders and environmental groups to urge caution, with the governing party emphasising that current efforts focus strictly on exploration and scientific research. A Cook Islands poll revealing majority opposition to seabed mining has prompted political leaders and environmental groups to urge caution, with the governing party emphasising that current efforts focus strictly on exploration and scientific research.