In the wake of renewed interest in potential commercial exploitation for deep seabed minerals, the Council of the International Seabed Authority reviewed a summary Secretariat note from a technical report that provided a framework for polymetallic nodule exploitation in the Area.

A new and significant development in the work of the International Seabed Authority was reached in Kingston this morning when the Authority’s Council decided to approve the plans of work for exploration of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts submitted by two corporations sponsored by China and Japan.

The ISA Council today continues discussions on the LTC Report presented by its Chairman, Dr. Russell Howorth.

During its meeting held 8-12 July in Kingston, the Commission has selected 8 candidates for its Contractor Training Programmes.

The International Seabed Authority began its nineteenth session today with the election of its president and the adoption of an extensive agenda which includes consideration and approval of revised regulations on prospecting and exploration for polymetallic nodules.

New applications for exploration licences,  development of an appropriate exploitation regime and challenges posed by effective management of contracts for exploration in the Area are among issues to be dealt with at this year’s ISA 19th Session in Kingston from July 15-26.

The recent June 2013 taxonomic workshop in Wilhelmshaven, Germany identified various potentials for tackling the taxonomic gap and improving the biodiversity knowledgebase of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ).

ISA Technical Study 12: Implementation of Article 82 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is now available online.
 
The Technical Study was prepared by the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority to provide a summary of the International Workshop on Further Consideration of the Implementation of Article 82 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Convention), which was held in Beijing, China, from 26 to 30 November 2012 (Beijing Workshop), in collaboration with the China Institute for Marine Affairs (CIMA).
 
The Bejing Workshop aimed to draw up recommendations for Article 82 implementation guidelines and the outline of a model Article 82 agreement between the ISA and an outer continental shelf (OCS) State for receiving payments and contributions.  The workshop also considered the framework, process and criteria for the equitable distribution by the Authority of payments and contributions. These recommendations are intended to form the basis for further consideration of the issues associated with the implementation of Article 82 by the relevant organs of the Authority in 2013 and beyond.
 
The Technical Study contains opening and welcoming remarks made at the opening session, Working Group reports on implementation guidelines, a model agreement, possible options for equitable distribution of payments and contributions in-kind, and a summary of conclusions and recommendations.
 
Other papers presented at the workshop, and referred to in the workshop programme  were in the form of slide presentations, and are archived on the Authority’s website.

The ISA hosted a side event at the UN Headquarters in New York on the 12 June 2013 to introduce issues placed for consideration before the Authority  at its 19th Session, to be held in Kingston from 15-26 July 2013. 
 
In his opening statement, Secretary-General Nii A Odunton said that at each annual session, important decisions were made which commit all its members.  He said that at last year’s session,  the Assembly approved the Regulations on Prospecting and Exploration for Ferromanganese Cobalt-Rich Ferromanganese Crusts which define standard terms for exploration contracts. 
 
Secretary-General Odunton said last year’s session also saw Council approving two applications for exploration for polymetallic sulphides and three applications for exploration for polymetallic nodules as recommended by the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) and established the first environmental management plan for the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean where 11 contractors are carrying out exploration for polymetallic nodules.
 
He said that in the forthcoming session in July 2013 it is expected that the Assembly will approve revisions to the Regulations on Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules as adopted in 2000 in order to bring them in line with the 2012 Regulations on Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Sulphides. 
 
He further stated that there were six pending applications for consideration in the order of receipt by the LTC which is required to make recommendations to the Council for decision on their approval. They are applicants from the public and the private sectors; four are from, or are sponsored by, developing States while two are sponsored by a developed State. 
 
During the time of contract with the Authority, Sponsoring States are required to have in place legislation and administrative measures relating to activities of their sponsored entities. Upon request from the Council, the Secretariat has developed a database of such legislation and administrative measures.
 
The approved plans of work result in training opportunities which are provided by contractors as one of their obligations. For the period 2013-2014, there are 8 short-term opportunities. Trainees will be selected by the LTC at its meetings in July.
 
Secretary-General Odunton noted that the earliest contracts concluded with the Authority will expire in 2016 and there was an urgent need to develop a comprehensive set of Regulations on exploitation of polymetallic nodules in the Area that will foster commercial exploitation and guarantee the sharing of benefits to humankind as a whole.