Rarotonga, Cook Islands – 10 October 2025 - The Government of the Cook Islands is pleased to announce the formal receipt of the recommendations of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) regarding the Cook Islands’ revised submission on the limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in respect of the Manihiki Plateau.
This significant milestone clears the way for the Cook Islands to become the first Pacific Island country to finalise all of its maritime boundaries (the territorial sea, contiguous zone and the exclusive economic zone) and now, the outer limits of its continental shelf, in full accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It reaffirms the Cook Islands’ commitment to securing legal certainty over its maritime jurisdiction and advancing peaceful, rules-based ocean governance.
The revised submission for the Manihiki Plateau— lodged in 2021—built upon the initial 2009 submission and incorporated enhanced scientific and technical data and analysis developed through sustained national effort and regional/international collaboration.
The Manihiki Plateau is a very large shield-shaped submarine geological formation located within the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends out into the area of international waters due north of the EEZ. It holds significant ecological, geological, and strategic importance for the Cook Islands. With the CLCS recommendations now received, the Cook Islands can move forward and formally define, with final and binding effect under international law, the outer limits of its continental shelf in this area. In practical terms, the successful recognition of the Cook Islands claim represents an area of approximately 350,000 square kilometres of additional seabed ‘shelf’, extending into the high seas north of the EEZ - now forming part of the Cook Islands maritime jurisdiction.
“This is a proud and historic moment for the Cook Islands, as we celebrate our 60th Anniversary of Self Governance,” said Mr. Joshua Mitchell, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We have demonstrated that even the smallest of small island developing states can lead on ocean diplomacy and legal certainty, while upholding the highest standards of international law and ocean stewardship.”
The Government views this outcome as a reaffirmation of its long-standing commitment to upholding the international rules-based order, and to UNCLOS as the universal legal framework governing all ocean space. The process reinforces the importance of science-based decision-making, transparency, and equity in the management of maritime zones and ocean governance more broadly.
For the Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands, Ms Elizabeth Wright Koteka, "This result is a wonderful testament to the cooperation between our government, regional and international partners, since this journey started with our initial submission in 2009.”
The Government of the Cook Islands wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UN DOALOS) for their guidance and support throughout this process. Special thanks are also extended to our technical experts, regional partners, and international collaborators, including the Commonwealth Secretariat (COMSEC) for their invaluable assistance.
In particular, the Government wishes to acknowledge the substantial contribution of Mr. Alain Murphy of GeoLimits Consulting, whose technical expertise and steadfast support from the very beginning of this journey have been critical in guiding the Cook Islands through the complex scientific and legal processes required to reach a successful conclusion.
This achievement highlights what is possible through strategic cooperation, sound science, and the principled exercise of sovereign rights under international law. It also reflects the shared Pacific vision of a region that leads with integrity, resilience, and a deep respect for the ocean that sustains us.
For enquiries related to this release, please email: [email protected]