The ISA Council during the 2nd Part of the 25th Annual Session of the ISA

The first part of the 26th annual session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) will consist of a meeting of the ISA Council convening from 17-21 February 2020, and a meeting of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) from 24 February - 6 March 2020, in Kingston, Jamaica.

At this meeting, the Council’s agenda includes a number of important issues. In particular, Council members will continue discussions on the draft regulations for exploitation of mineral resources in the Area (the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof, beyond the limits of national jurisdiction). The draft exploitation regulations need to balance the provision of benefits to humankind on one hand, and ensure the protection of the marine environment on the other, as well as assess the role, expectations, and obligations of states, contractors and the ISA.

At the last Council meeting, delegates expressed their intention to “ensure a thorough and timely development of the regulations, bearing in mind that necessary standards and guidelines should be developed before their adoption.” During the intersessional period, Council members submitted comments on the draft exploitation regulations presented and discussed at the last meeting in July 2019.

The meeting will also consider a proposal by Germany, the Netherlands, and Costa Rica for a template with minimum requirements for Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs). REMPs are an important element in ensuring environmental protections during the exploitation phase of the ISA.

The Council will also consider:

• Any new applications for plans of work for exploration;
• Status of exploration contracts and related matters, including information on the periodic review of the implementation of approved plans of work for exploration; and
• Issues relating to the 2021 election of members of the LTC.

Please consult the ENB Summary and Analysis of the 2nd Part of the 25th Annual Session of the ISA for more information on the status of all these discussions.