On 18 January 2024, the Government of India submitted two applications to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for approval of two plans of work for exploration in the international seabed area (the Area) of the Indian Ocean.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) of Egypt have officially signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Joint Regional Training and Research Centre (JTRC) in Alexandria, Egypt. This significant event marks the first visit of the ISA Secretary-General to Egypt and a new era of collaboration and development in marine science and technology in the Middle East and Africa.

The President and Vice-Presidents of the Council for the 28^th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) issued today a joint statement on the recent incidents that have occurred between Nauru Ocean Resources Incorporated (NORI) and Greenpeace International in the NORI-D contract area located in the Clarion Clipperton Zone.

The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Eden Charles, from Trinidad and Tobago, as Interim Director-General of the Enterprise, pursuant to Article 170 and Annex IV of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and decision ISBA/28/C/10 of the Council of 31 March 2023 and in accordance of the evolutionary approach set out by the 1994 Agreement.

H.E. Mr. Masakui Rungsung presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of India to ISA, during a ceremony held in Kingston, Jamaica, on 11 December 2023.

On 5 December, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, provided a detailed update at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on ISA’s recent progress, highlighting the significant achievements and ongoing collaborative endeavors since 2022.

The Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) today used his powers under Regulation 33 of the Regulations on Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules, to promulgate immediate measures of a temporary nature in relation to the reported incident involving the ISA contractor, Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI), and Greenpeace International in the NORI-D contract area in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

On 16 November 2023, the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) held its second Deep DiplomaSea webinar of the year to raise awareness of its role, mandate and work among staff of permanent missions to ISA and the United Nations. The event was primarily attended by diplomats and senior United Nations agencies’ staff.

On 14 November 2023, the national focal points in charge of liaising with the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on matters relating to capacity development (NAFOP-CD) met for the second time this year. As of today, there are 59 NAFOP-CD.