International Seabed Authority (ISA)

Latest News (Crucial Update - July 2025):

• Negotiations Deadlock: After two weeks of intensive talks, the ISA Council failed to finalize regulations governing the exploitation (mining) of deep-sea minerals (like polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese) in the international seabed area.
• US Pressure a Key Factor: The stalemate occurred despite heightened pressure, significantly driven by US efforts to fast-track deep-sea mining. The US, although not a party to UNCLOS, exerts influence through sponsoring state contractors and geopolitical interests.
• Core Conflict: The impasse revolves around balancing the demand for critical minerals (for green tech) against potentially severe and irreversible environmental damage to poorly understood deep-sea ecosystems. Key sticking points include environmental standards, liability, benefit-sharing, and inspection mechanisms.

A the International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• Establishment: Created by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement (modifying Part XI). Came into force on 16 November 1994.
• Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica.
• Jurisdiction Area: The "Area" - defined as "the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof, beyond the limits of national jurisdiction".
  • Covers approximately 54% of the world's ocean floor.
• Core Mandate (Dual):
  1. Organize and Control Mineral Activities: Regulate all mineral-resource-related activities (exploration & exploitation) in the Area.
  2. Ensure Environmental Protection: Ensure effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects arising from these activities.
• Guiding Principle: Activities in the Area shall be carried out "for the benefit of mankind as a whole" (Common Heritage of Mankind - CHM principle).

Membership

• Automatic Membership: All States Parties to UNCLOS are members of the ISA.
• Current Membership: 169 Members (168 Member States + the European Union).

Structure (Key Organs)

Organ	Composition	Key Functions
Assembly	All ISA Members	Supreme Organ. Sets general policies, approves budget, elects Council, considers reports, establishes general policies.
Council	36 Members (Elected by Assembly based on equitable geographic representation & interest groups)	Executive Organ. Approves exploration/exploitation contracts, adopts regulations (including environmental rules), supervises implementation, establishes subsidiary bodies.
Secretariat	Headed by Secretary-General (Elected for 4 years by Assembly from Council nominees)	Administrative body. Implements decisions, provides technical/administrative support.
Legal and Technical Commission (LTC)	Experts appointed by Council	Advises Council on technical/legal matters (especially environmental impact assessments, mining regulations), reviews applications.
Finance Committee	Experts appointed by Council	Advises on financial matters, budgets, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Key Facts about UNCLOS

• Full Name: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Adopted: 1982. Entered into Force: 16 November 1994 (same as ISA).
• Nickname: "Constitution for the Oceans".
• Scope: Comprehensive legal framework governing all ocean uses and resources.
• Key Zones Defined:
  • Territorial Sea (TS): Up to 12 nm from baseline. Coastal state sovereignty.
  • Contiguous Zone (CZ): Up to 24 nm. Coastal state can enforce customs, fiscal, immigration, sanitary laws.
  • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Up to 200 nm. Coastal state has sovereign rights over resources (living & non-living) and jurisdiction re: marine science/environment.
  • Continental Shelf (CS): Natural prolongation of land territory up to 350 nm (or 100 nm beyond 2500m isobath). Coastal state has sovereign rights over non-living resources & sedentary species.
  • High Seas: Waters beyond EEZs. Freedom of navigation, overflight, fishing, research (subject to regulations). Open to all states.
  • The Area: Seabed beyond national jurisdiction (CS limits). Governed by ISA. Common Heritage of Mankind.