Kingston, Jamaica – 26 March 2026 – The deep seabed is teeming with life. From the sediment plains of the abyssal zone to the extreme pressures of hadal trenches, species have evolved over millions of years into forms of extraordinary complexity and resilience. Scientists and governments alike are actively investing in understanding the biodiversity of the deep seabed. That growing body of knowledge equips decision makers to act responsibly and ensure global stewardship of the deep seabed.
News
The Council of the International Seabed Authority advanced negotiations on the Mining Code
Kingston, Jamaica, 19 March 2026 — The Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has concluded Part I of its 31st Session, held in Kingston, Jamaica, following nine days of intensive negotiations on key elements of the Draft Regulations governing the exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed Area.
At the United Nations Headquarters, Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho highlights synergies between the ISA and the BBNJ Agreement
New York, USA, 25 March 2026 – Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Leticia Carvalho, delivered her remarks at the third session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and the convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement. The meetings took place from 23 March until 2 April 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
The Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas presents Credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority
Kingston, 16 March 2026 — Her Excellency Mrs. Alveta Adderley-Knight presented her credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Ms. Leticia Carvalho, as Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the International Seabed Authority, during a ceremony held on 16 March 2026 at ISA Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica.
Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho meets with Judge Tomas Heidar, President of ITLOS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Naming Life to Govern the Deep Seabed: A Q&A with experts from ISA and WoRMS in celebration of Taxonomist Appreciation Day
Kingston, 19 March 2026 – As the international community marks Taxonomist Appreciation Day on 19 March, the spotlight turns to a scientific discipline that quietly underpins environmental governance worldwide: taxonomy.
In Memoriam: His Excellency Mr. Juan José González Mijares
Kingston, Jamaica – 13 March 2026 – It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of His Excellency Mr. Juan José González Mijares, former Ambassador of Mexico to Jamaica and The Bahamas and former Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority.
Legal and Technical Commission Concludes First Part of 31st Session, Advances Work on Exploration Contracts, Environmental Threshold Values and the Economic Planning Commission
Kingston, Jamaica – 6 March 2026 – The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has concluded the first part of the work of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC), which convened between 23 February and 6 March 2026. The LTC, which brings together legal, technical and scientific expertise to advise the Council, advances discussions and makes recommendations on the exercise of ISA functions, including rules, regulations and procedures, exploration contracts and environmental management.
Women Advancing Ocean Science from Research to Governance
Kingston, 8 March 2026 – On International Women’s Day, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) highlights the journeys of women shaping the future of ocean science and governance. Through initiatives such as the See Her Exceed Global Mentoring Programme – S.H.E., the Women in Deep-Sea Research project and activities funded under the ISA Partnership Fund, the ISA expands access to training, mentorship and international collaboration in a field that remains highly specialized and historically male-dominated.
