International Seabed Authority - Overview, Background, Governing Bodies, Functions, Aim & Activities

The International Seabed Authority was formed on 16th November 1994 as an initiative for organizing, controlling, and regulating all the mineral-related activities in the International Seabed Area which are beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. It is an autonomous intergovernmental body with 167 members under the United Nations convention on the law of the sea. Its headquarter is located in Jamaica.

This topic of International Seabed Authority is important from the perspective of UPSC IAS examination which falls under the General Studies Paper 3 and particularly in the Indian Polity Section.

In this article, we shall discuss the International Seabed Authority, recent updates, governing bodies, Functions, Exclusive Economic Zone, UNCLOS, and its activities.

Recent Update

The Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority ensured the selection of candidates for 10 online training opportunities which were provided by the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association with its obligations under the exploration contract for polymetallic nodules with ISA on 18 November 2021.

• In a 2020 Treaty, the United Nations started talking about how to regulate the high Seas which will cover half of the planet and yet lack adequate environmental protection.
• The United Nations talks will take place over 2 years with an aim to protect marine biodiversity and avoid further exploitation of the oceans.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, among other portfolios, noted that India has gained global recognition for its Blue Economy resources.
• The International Seabed Authority (ISA) headquartered in Jamaica has officially recognized India as a "Pioneer Investor."
• During his visit to India, Michael W. Lodge, Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority, met with Dr. Jitendra Singh and his team, led by Union Secretary Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran.
• Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Blue Economy has gained significant importance, both nationally and globally.
• Prime Minister Modi has mentioned India's Deep Sea Mission in his Independence Day speeches in 2021 and 2022.
• The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences exchanged PMN (Polymetallic Nodules) exploration extension contracts in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• Initially signed in 2002 for 15 years, the contract has been extended twice, in 2017 and 2022.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India's extensive 7,500-kilometer-long coastal belt, emphasizing the country's role as a stakeholder and contributor in exploring and utilizing sea resources.
• He expressed delight at India's designation as a 'Pioneer Investor' by the ISA.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized the significance of India's Deep-Sea Mission, backed by a budget allocation of Rs 600 crore, showcasing India's capabilities in oceanic exploration.

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What is International Seabed Authority (ISA)?

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization. It was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982. ISA is headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica. Its primary function is to regulate deep-sea mining and exploration activities in international waters. It ensures the fair and equitable distribution of benefits from activities in the Area. The Area refers to the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction. ISA issues exploration licenses and regulates the activities of contractors in the Area. It promotes the sustainable and responsible use of marine resources in these areas.

Overview of International Seabed Authority
Established Year	16 November 1982
Treaty	United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Headquarters	Kingston, Jamaica
Main Organ	Assembly of the International Seabed Authority
Secretary-General	Michael W. Lodge

Historical Background of International Seabed Authority (ISA) 

• The International Seabed Authority held its first inaugural meeting in Jamaica on 16 November 1994. This was the day when the ISA came into force.
•  It was formed to regulate, organise, and control all the mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond the national jurisdiction's limits.
• In October 1996, the International Seabed Authority got its observer status to the United Nations.
• ISA has an opportunity or authority to protect the Marine environment from harmful effects that arise from deep seabed activities.
• In June 1996, this authority became operational as an autonomous international institution and had 168 members, which include the European Union.

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India, as a Member of the International Seabed Authority (ISA)

In the work of the International Seabed Authority, India participated actively. As a member of ISA in the previous year, India was re-elected as its member. On 18th December 2020, France joined the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

Governing Bodies of International Seabed Authority (ISA)

International Seabed Authority has its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. A total of 167 members are there, which includes the European Union. The following bodies govern this authority:

Assembly of International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• The Assembly of the International Seabed Authority is the supreme authority of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which consists of all the member states.
• This assembly of ISA is responsible for establishing general policies and approving the budget of the International Seabed Authority.

Executive Authority of ISA

• The executive authority of the International Seabed Authority is elected by the Assembly of ISA, which consists of a 36-member Council.
• This executive authority approves contracts with private corporations and government entities.
• All these contracts consist of mining and exploration in the specified areas of the International seabed, overseeing the implementation of the seabed provisions of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, and establishing provisional rules and procedures (subject to approval by the assembly) by which the ISA exercises its regulatory authority.

Secretary-General

• ISA Secretary-General is nominated by the Council and elected by the Assembly for 4 years. Michael W. Lodge is the present secretary general of ISA.

Finance committee

• The finance committee is responsible for dealing with budget-related matters.
• It consists of 15 members, including 5 largest contributors (as long as ISA depends on assessed contributions)

Legal and Technical Commission

• The Legal and Technical Commission has 30 members.
• It recommends approval plans of work and proposes technical and environmental regulations to Council.

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Functions of International Seabed Authority (ISA)

The function of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is given as follows:

• To administer the mineral resources, which are also known as the heritage of mankind.
• To engage and promote Marine scientific research in the area.
• To regulate deep seabed mining.
• To make rules, procedures, and regulations for conducting activities in the area.
• To protect the Marine environment from the harmful effects of exploration, mining, and exploitation.
• To prevent damage to flora and fauna within the seabed.
• To protect and conserve the natural resources of the seabed.
• This authority also helps promote Marine scientific research and conducts training programs, conferences, and seminars on the technical and scientific aspects.

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Aim of International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• At the 2017 United Nations Conference on Oceans, the International Seabed Authority aimed to achieve goals and targets by the end of 2030.
• The main goals of this authority will include promoting scientific research in the water beds, enhancing the role of women in research work supporting Africa’s Blue Economy, and enhancing the social and economic benefits for SIDS.
• Deep Seabed exploration includes scientific benefits, which are more than the knowledge of mineral resources. Therefore, it also includes scientific information about the Marine environment.

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Exclusive Economic Zone

• The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea explains the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as a zone in the sea over which a sovereign Nation has some specific special rights concerning the exploration and the usage of marine resources, which includes the generation of energy from water and wind and also natural gas and oil extraction.
• This Zone can be extended to 200 nautical miles from the baseline. This baseline is generally measured as the low water line along the coast as indicated on large-scale charts, which is officially approved by the coastal state.

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Activities of International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• The main function of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is to regulate the exploration of Poly-metallic nodules, which contain Manganese, Copper, Cobalt, and Nickel.
• The legislation about the exploration of these nodules was enacted in the year 2000.
• Poly-metallic nodules are found in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
• In 2002, ISA began exploring polymetallic sulphides and other minerals like Copper, Zinc, Gold, and Iron.
• Sulphides are located around volcanic hot springs in the Western Pacific Ocean.
• In 2006, ISA decided to develop separate regulations for polymetallic nodules and sulphides, prioritising sulphides.
• India became the first country to receive pioneer investor status in 1987 for exploring and utilising polymetallic nodules.

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India’s Context with ISA

• India has been granted a 5-year opportunity by the International Seabed Authority to explore polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean, specifically for development activities. 
  • This exploration is being carried out through the Ministry of Earth Sciences as part of a long-term program.
• In 2020, the United Nations addressed the need to regulate the high seas for improved environmental protection. 
• Countries are allowed to protect areas up to 200 nautical miles beyond international waters.
• While the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines activities in international waters, it does not provide specific guidelines for conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The International Seabed Authority, formed to administer the world's mineral resources, has ensured the sustainable use of the exhaustible minerals and the protection of flora and fauna within the sea bed. The Authority has well prevented the aggressive exploitation of these minerals and ensured the economies' growth by allocating the member countries the right to use these resources sustainably.

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