The Council of the International Seabed Authority meeting in Kingston on Thursday (17 July 2014) afternoon decided, on the recommendations of the Finance Committee, that the Assembly approve a budget for the Authority in the amount of US$ 15,743,143 for the biennium 2015-2016.

The Council of the International Seabed Authority, meeting in Kingston this afternoon, took note of two reports of the Secretary-General at its second meeting of this historic 20th Session in Kingston this afternoon. One report addresses the status of prospecting and contract for exploration for three types of mineral resources in the seabed Area, and the other outlines laws, regulations, and administrative measures adopted by sponsoring States and other members of the Authority with respect to activity in the Area.

The International Seabed Authority, celebrating twenty years in existence, began its annual session this morning at Kingston, with its two major organs – the Assembly and the Council – electing their presidents and approving their indicative work programme for the next ten days.

The Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority will commemorate its twentieth anniversary, elect nearly half its executive Council and begin elaboration of a mining code for deep seabed polymetallic nodules in the Area beyond national jurisdiction when it convenes for its annual session in Kingston from 14 to 25 July 2014.

The International Seabed Authority and the Government of the Republic of Korea have signed a 15-year contract for exploration for polymetallic sulphides.‎

The ISA today launched its free mobile application for mobile devices using iOS and Android platforms. Android users can download the App from Google Play and iOS users can download the App from iTunes.

Conference Room Papers CRP1 and CRP2 have been prepared by the Secretariat to facilitate the forthcoming election of one-half of the members of the Council for the period 2015 to 2018.