Kingston, Jamaica –On Thursday, 21 March 2024, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), hosted a visit of Dr. Grace Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between South Africa and the ISA. This visit underscores the significant role of South Africa in the sustainable management and conservation of seabed resources within the international seabed area, as well as its leadership in fostering global partnerships for ocean stewardship.

On 19 March 2024, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Managing Director of JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya signed the second five-year extension agreement of the contract granted by ISA to JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya for the exploration of polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone located in the Pacific Ocean on 29 March 2001.

Kingston, Jamaica – The Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) commenced the first part of its 29th session on Monday, 18 March 2024, setting the stage for two weeks of comprehensive discussions aimed at progressing the discussions on the draft exploitation regulations for mineral resources in the international seabed area (the Area), concluding on 29 March 2024.

H.E. Marcelo Balbi Calvo presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of Argentina during a ceremony held in Kingston, Jamaica, on 8 March 2024.

Kingston, Jamaica — On 4 March 2024, the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) officially opened its meetings under Part I of its 29th session, taking place in Kingston, Jamaica, from 4 to 15 March 2024.

Tokyo, Japan – The Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, heading a delegation of experts, concluded a week-long official visit to Japan today. The visit strengthened cooperation and partnerships, including delivering successful outcomes of the workshop to develop a regional environmental management plan for the Northwest Pacific.

Tokyo, Japan – The International Seabed Authority (ISA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, Deep Ocean Resources Development Co. Ltd. and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, opened today the third  international expert workshop for the development of a regional environmental management plan (REMP) for the Area of the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

Today, 5 February 2024, the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has formally launched the ISA Capacity Development Alumni Network (iCAN) to bolster human resource development, monitor the impact of training provided through the entire spectrum of activities carried in the international seabed area and facilitate collaboration among ISA’s trainees.