On 9 May 2023, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) confirmed the selection of two (2) candidates for training opportunities provided by Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea) in accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules with ISA.
Mr. K.M. Imam Hossain from Bangladesh was selected to benefit from an at-sea training on-board one of Ifremer’s research vessel for a duration of approximately 45 days (including mobilization and demobilization) between October 2023 and March 2024. The exact dates to be confirmed depending on ship’s scheduling.
The objective of the training is to provide a practical experience about polymetallic nodules exploration cruises and activities with focus on the sampling for resource evaluation and process of box core samples, AUV mapping and acoustic data interpretation, as well as oceanographic mooring deployment.
Ms. Khadidja W. Abdallah from Algeria was selected to benefit from an internship at the deep-sea ecosystems’ studies laboratory of Ifremer, in Brest, for a duration of two months (approximately from mid-September to mid-November 2023).
The internship will focus on taxonomic identification of meiofauna via innovative imaging tools to improve techniques for investigating deep-sea marine biodiversity. Ms. Abdallah will be trained in meiofauna taxonomy as well as in binocular imaging and high-resolution digital acquisition techniques. She will also receive training in artificial intelligence and contribute in developing innovative tools to improve taxonomic knowledge for marine biodiversity.
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All contractors with ISA have a legal obligation to provide and fund practical training opportunities for personnel from developing States and those of ISA, including the participation of such personnel in all activities in the Area which are covered by the contract.
The legal basis for the requirement stems from the provisions of UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement and is set out in the standard terms of exploration contracts signed with ISA.
Please visit this page to know more about the Contractor Training Programme.
For additional information, please contact:
Ms. Annekah Mason, Training Coordinator, ISA, training@isa.org.jm