Kingston, Jamaica – On 29 March 2024, the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) successfully concluded the first part of its 29th session, marking significant progress in the ongoing negotiations of the draft exploitation regulations for mineral resources in the international seabed area (the Area).

In a major stride towards understanding the mysteries of our oceans, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), in collaboration with the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and supported by the European Union, is excited to announce the successful applicants for the groundbreaking “One Thousand Reasons” campaign. The response was unprecedented, with 65 applications from 21 countries among all five regional groups of ISA Members and one country with observer status. This initiative signifies a monumental effort to describe at least one thousand new deep-sea species by 2030, enhancing our collective knowledge of life in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

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.