Kingston, Jamaica – 4 May 2026 – The Area, the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction, covers as much as 54 per cent of the ocean. The adoption of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) established a comprehensive legal framework governing ocean space, resources, and activities, and created the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to organize and control activities related to mineral resources in the international seabed area for the benefit of humankind. Further, it is uniquely mandated under UNCLOS to encourage the conduct of marine scientific research and disseminate its results.
News
Small Island Developing States and the Future of Seabed Governance
Kingston, Jamaica – 24 April 2026 – Every year on 25 April, the international community marks the International Day for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The date commemorates the opening of the 1994 Barbados Global Conference, the first major United Nations conference dedicated to implementing Agenda 21, the sustainable development of SIDS. In the last 30 years, SIDS have moved from the margins to centrality in relation to international ocean governance. As stewards of nearly a third of the world’s ocean, their voice in decisions about how the deep sea is managed and who benefits from its resources must be fully integrated and visible. The Day highlights the unique environmental, social and economic challenges faced by these States while recognizing their leadership in ocean stewardship and climate action.
Discovering Life in the Hadal Depths: How Taxonomy Illuminates the Deep Seabed
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.
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.
