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International Seabed Authority

International Seabed Authority
AbbreviationISA
Formation16 November 1994 (1994-11-16)
TypeIntergovernmental organization
PurposeRegulate deep seabed mining and ensure the marine environment is protected from any harmful effects which may arise from mining activities
HeadquartersKingston, Jamaica
Coordinates17°57′53″N 76°47′30″W / 17.964767531°N 76.791708055°W / 17.964767531; -76.791708055
Membership (2018)
168 states parties[1]
Secretary-General
Leticia Carvalho
Main organ
Assembly of the International Seabed Authority
AffiliationsObserver to the United Nations General Assembly
Budget (2017 & 2018)
$17.1 Million[2]
Websitewww.isa.org.jm

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) (French: Autorité internationale des fonds marins) is a Kingston, Jamaica-based intergovernmental body of 167 member states and the European Union. It was established under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its 1994 Agreement on Implementation. The ISA's dual mission is to authorize and control the development of mineral related operations in the international seabed,[3][4] which is considered the "common heritage of all mankind",[5][6] and to protect the ecosystem of the seabed, ocean floor and subsoil in "The Area" beyond national jurisdiction. The ISA is responsible for safeguarding the international deep sea, defined as waters below 200 meters (656 feet), where photosynthesis is hampered by inadequate light.[7] Governing approximately half of the total area of the world's oceans, the ISA oversees activities that might threaten biological diversity and harm the marine environment.[8]

Since its inception in 1994, the ISA has approved over two dozen ocean floor mining exploration contracts in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.[9][10] The majority of these contracts are for exploration in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone between Hawaii and Mexico, where polymetallic nodules contain copper, cobalt and other minerals essential for powering electric batteries. To date, the Authority has not authorized any commercial mining contracts as it continues to deliberate over regulations amid global calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining. Scientists and environmentalists warn that such mining could wreak havoc on the ocean, a crucial carbon sink and home to rare and diverse species.[11][12]

Funded by UNCLOS members and mining contractors, the Authority operates as an autonomous international organization with its own Assembly, Council and Secretariat. The ISA was previously led by Michael Lodge from 2016 to 2024.[13] On August 2, 2024, the ISA voted 79-34 to remove Lodge from his position because of his ties to private industry.[11] Oceanographer Leticia Carvalho was elected to replace Lodge and is the current Secretary-General.[14]

  1. ^ "Member States". International Seabed Authority. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  2. ^ "Seabed Council Hears Report of Finance Committee; Approves by Decision US$17 Million Budget for Authority for 2017–2018; Recommends Working Capital Fund Increase to $660,000" (PDF). International Seabed Authority. 14 July 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2018.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "Documents and Publications". International Seabed Authority. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008.
  4. ^ Jon Copley (7 November 2020). "Deep-sea mining is making the seabed the hottest real estate on Earth". New Scientist. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  5. ^ "UNCLOS - Part XI, Section 2". www.un.org. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  6. ^ Chronological lists of ratifications of, accessions and successions to the Convention and the related Agreements. Archived 14 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine UN: regularly updated.
  7. ^ "What is the "deep" ocean? : Ocean Exploration Facts: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research". oceanexplorer.noaa.gov. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Home | International Seabed Authority". www.isa.org.jm. Archived from the original on 21 April 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  9. ^ "Secret deep sea mining data to reveal what lives in the abyss". Environment. 24 July 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  10. ^ "The International Seabed Authority and Deep Seabed Mining". United Nations. Archived from the original on 20 April 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  11. ^ a b "A race to the bottom: In the rush to mine the ocean floor for minerals used in EV batteries, who is looking out for the environment?". Los Angeles Times. 19 April 2022. Archived from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  12. ^ "Seabed Mining May Solve Our Energy Crisis. But At What Cost?". Time. Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  13. ^ "ISA Member States and contractors make contributions to the voluntary trust funds of ISA | International Seabed Authority". isa.org.jm. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  14. ^ "International Seabed Authority elects new secretary-general Leticia C arvalho". ABC Pacific. 4 August 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.

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