International Seabed Authority (ISA)

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

About International Seabed Authority (ISA):

• The ISA was established upon the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1994.
• It is an autonomous international organization authorized by UNCLOS to manage mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction.
• Its mandate includes:
  • Regulating all mineral-resources-related activities in the Area to ensure they benefit humanity.
  • Ensuring effective protection of the marine environment from the harmful effects of deep seabed activities.
  • Encouraging marine scientific research.
• Headquarters: Located in Kingston, Jamaica.
• Governed by the 1982 UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement on Implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS.
• Includes 168 Member States and the European Union. All nations that ratify UNCLOS automatically become members of ISA.
• Structure:
  • Comprises an Assembly of all members and a Council of 37 members elected by the Assembly.
  • Under the Council, there are two advisory bodies: the Legal & Technical Commission and the Finance Committee.