US-Cook Islands Minerals Push: New U.S. ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now a top priority, citing rapid agenda movement over the past year and linking the push to reducing reliance on China-linked supply chains. Fisheries Monitoring: Cook Islands renewed its FFA aerial surveillance partnership under the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme, boosting EEZ patrols to spot and deter illegal fishing and support enforcement. Election Timing in Realm Relations: Cook Islands United Party leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand can wait until after the 12 August election, aiming to reset relations after New Zealand’s own election in November. Nuclear-Free Debate: Novelly also floated the idea of hosting a basketball game on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Auckland, while stressing he won’t change New Zealand’s nuclear-free law. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: New reports warn deep-sea mining could mobilise naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising concerns for marine ecosystems and the food chain. Cook Islands Census: The 2026 Census reaches its reference day (July 1), with enumerators visiting households through July 24 to guide planning and policy. Blue Economy Angle: A feature highlights marine biotechnology as a growing Pacific investment frontier beyond traditional fisheries. Conservation & Compliance: CITES enforcement news notes large coral and clam seizures tied to holiday travel, underscoring permit rules for protected species. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Pacific leaders and traditional governance groups meet on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with Cook Islands among participants.