International Seabed Authority

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently in the midst of negotiations regarding the extraction of metals from the high seas, particularly as U.S. efforts to fast-track this practice have led to heightened pressure on the discussions.

About the International Seabed Authority (ISA)

1. Establishment:

   • The ISA is an autonomous international organization created under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement that clarifies the implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS.

   • It was officially established on November 16, 1994, following the entry into force of UNCLOS, and its headquarters are located in Kingston, Jamaica.

2. Mandate:

   • The ISA's core responsibility is to regulate mining and related activities in the international seabed area, which lies beyond national jurisdiction.

   • This region, which accounts for about 54% of the world's oceans, includes seabeds and the ocean floor along with its subsoil.

3. Purpose:

   • The ISA’s mandate is to organize and control mineral-resource-related activities in this international seabed area for the benefit of humankind as a whole, as per UNCLOS.

   • A crucial aspect of its mandate is to ensure the protection of the marine environment from harmful effects arising from deep-seabed mining activities.

4. Membership:

   • All States Parties to UNCLOS are automatically members of the ISA, which currently has 169 members, including 168 member states and the European Union.

5. Structure:

   • The Assembly is the supreme body of the ISA and is composed of all its members.

     • It sets general policies, approves budgets, and elects a 36-member Council, which functions as the executive authority.

     • The Council plays a crucial role in approving contracts with private corporations and government entities for exploration and mining in specific areas of the seabed.

     • The Council also oversees the implementation of UNCLOS seabed provisions and establishes provisional rules to regulate these activities.

   • The Secretary-General of the ISA is nominated by the Council and elected by the Assembly for a four-year term.

Major Initiatives of ISA

1. Marine Scientific Research Action Plan (MSRAP):

   • The Marine Scientific Research Action Plan supports the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

   • This initiative emphasizes the importance of scientific research in understanding the ocean's ecosystems, resources, and environmental health, ensuring that future exploitation of seabed resources is based on solid, evidence-based knowledge.

2. Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative:

   • This initiative aims to describe over 1,000 new deep-sea species, increasing understanding of the biodiversity of the deep-sea ecosystems.

   • By documenting and researching these species, the ISA hopes to highlight the importance of protecting marine life and ensure that seabed mining activities do not disrupt the delicate ecological balance.

3. Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs):

   • REMPs are designed to provide region-specific frameworks to manage environmental impacts of seabed mining.

   • Following the success of the first REMP for the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), the ISA is now developing additional plans for the following regions:

     • Mid-Atlantic Ridge: A major underwater mountain chain.

     • Indian Ocean: A rich and diverse marine area.

     • Northwest Pacific Ocean: A region known for its ecological significance and seabed mineral resources.

   • These plans aim to provide a comprehensive environmental management strategy that promotes sustainable seabed resource use while minimizing ecological damage.

India's Role and Engagement with ISA

India plays an important role in the governance and regulation of seabed resources under the ISA framework.

1. Permanent Mission to ISA:

   • India is one of 38 countries that maintains a permanent mission to the ISA. This reflects India's commitment to sustainable seabed resource management and its active participation in shaping international policies concerning the exploration and utilization of seabed minerals.

2. Recent Submissions by India:

   • India has submitted two applications for seabed exploration in two regions of the Indian Ocean:

     • Polymetallic Sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge: Polymetallic sulphides are rich in valuable metals like copper, gold, and silver. The Carlsberg Ridge is a tectonically active region that could provide new sources of such materials.

     • Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts of Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount: These crusts are rich in cobalt and rare earth metals, which are critical for modern technologies, including batteries and electronics.

3. Current Exploration Contracts:

   • India holds two active exploration contracts for seabed mining in the Indian Ocean:

     • Polymetallic Nodules Exploration in the Central Indian Ocean Basin: Polymetallic nodules contain a mix of valuable metals, such as nickel, copper, and cobalt, that are critical for various industrial applications.

     • Polymetallic Sulphides Exploration in the Indian Ocean Ridge: This is aimed at exploring the potential of mineral-rich deposits found on the Indian Ocean Ridge, especially focusing on sulphide-rich deposits.

Key Facts about the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

1. UNCLOS Overview:

   • UNCLOS, often referred to as the Law of the Sea Treaty, is an international agreement that provides a legal framework for marine and maritime activities.

   • UNCLOS defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in the use of the world's oceans, including the conservation of marine resources, environmental protection, and the settlement of disputes.

2. Major Provisions of UNCLOS:

   • It defines various maritime zones, such as the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), continental shelf, and contiguous zone.

   • It outlines the rights and duties of coastal states and flag states in regulating maritime activities.

   • UNCLOS also covers the conservation and management of marine resources and the protection of the marine environment.

   • It provides mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes related to maritime issues.

Conclusion:

The ISA's role in regulating mining activities in international waters is essential to protect marine ecosystems and ensure that the resources from the seabed are utilized sustainably for the benefit of all humanity.