A principal function of the Authority is to regulate deep seabed mining and to give special emphasis to ensuring that the marine environment is protected from any harmful effects which may arise during mining activities, including exploration.
One of its first priorities was the formulation of the Regulations for Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules which includes the collaboration of the respective responsibilities of seabed explorers and the Authority in order to ensure environmentally sustainable development of seabed mineral resources.
As part of its substantive work programme, the Secretariat of the Authority also carries out detailed resource assessments of the areas reserved for the Authority; maintains a specialised Database (POLYDAT) of data and information on the resources of the international seabed area and monitors the current status of scientific knowledge of the deep sea marine environment as part of its ongoing development and formulation of the Central Data Repository.
The Authority also has the responsibility to promote and encourage marine scientific research in the international seabed area and to disseminate the results of such research.
Exploration Areas | Reserved Areas | Contractors | Workshops
