In a bid to further strengthen the existing cooperation with the International Seabed Authority, China has granted funding to support between 3 – 5 candidates from developing countries in the field of marine sciences to pursue Masters or Doctorate degrees in Marine Science at the Tongji University in Shanghai, China.

A framework for the future development of mineral resources of the deep seabed was realised at the 16th Session of the ISA with the approval of Regulations to govern prospecting and exploration for polymetallic sulphides in the Area.

The Assembly of the International Seabed Authority, meeting in Kingston this morning adopted a $13,014,700 budget for the Authority’s operations for the 2011-2012 biennium.

The Council of the International Seabed Authority in a meeting yesterday afternoon decided by consensus to adopt a draft decision related to the Regulations which it had continued to deliberate upon at the 16th Session.

The Council of the International Seabed Authority yesterday heard divergent views on a proposal by Nauru for an advisory opinion from the Seabed Disputes Chambers of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

In its meetings on Friday, the ISA Assembly continued  deliberations on a range of issues including the need for the adoption of the draft regulations on polymetallic sulphides, the promotino of training of scientists from developing countries through the Authority’s Endowment Fund and the need for more technical workshops and regional sensitization seminars.

The Assembly of the International Seabed Authority yesterday elected Bangladesh (Asian Group), Uganda (African Group), Czech Republic (Eastern European Group) and Trinidad and Tobago (Group of Latin American and Caribbean States) as its Vice-Presidents for 2010.

Syamal Kanti Das of India was yesterday elected President of Council of the International Seabed Authority for 2010. 

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The International Seabed Authority today announced a contribution of US$20,000 to the ISA Voluntary Trust Fund.