Kingston, Jamaica – 6 May 2025 – The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has joined the Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS), a global network of interconnected platforms designed to enhance the accessibility, interoperability and discovery of ocean data. This collaboration, coordinated by the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange of IOC-UNESCO, strengthens international cooperation in ocean research and sustainable management.
By integrating DeepData, the specialized seabed and ocean database of ISA, into ODIS, critical environmental and scientific data collected by exploration contractors will now be more accessible to researchers, policymakers and stakeholders worldwide. This marks a significant step towards developing an inclusive and interoperable digital ecosystem for ocean data.
The ISA Secretary-General, Ms. Leticia Carvalho, welcomed this initiative as a step forward in advancing ocean knowledge. “The ISA is proud to join the Ocean Data and Information System. This partnership will greatly enhance the visibility and use of environmental data collected by exploration contractors, fostering marine scientific research in areas beyond national jurisdiction. ODIS’s advanced data-sharing capabilities will improve accessibility and discoverability of essential oceanographic information,” she stated.
“ISA’s DeepData is an invaluable resource for understanding and sustainably managing seabed ecosystems. We are delighted to welcome the ISA into the ODIS Federation as we work together to make ocean data more accessible and impactful,” said Mr. Pier Luigi Buttigieg, the Chair of ODIS.
Mr. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO commented, “Together, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and the International Seabed Authority are unlocking the mysteries of the deep – advancing marine science in the vast international seabed area and ensuring discoveries are shared for the benefit of all humankind.”
With this integration, DeepData’s extensive records, including over 800 Conductivity, Temperature and Depth sampling stations in the deep seabed, will now be discoverable through International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange’s
Ocean InfoHub. This connection will help researchers and decision makers access key data sets that contribute to:
• Understanding ocean circulation patterns and deep-sea ecosystems
• Supporting environmental impact assessments for seabed activities
• Enhancing climate models by tracking deep-ocean circulation on a global scale.
This collaboration builds upon ISA’s long-standing partnership with IOC-UNESCO, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2011, reinforcing the shared commitment to ocean data-collection, exchange and capacity-building.
About DeepData
The International Seabed Authority’s Deep Seabed and Ocean Database, or DeepData, has been designed to serve as a spatial, Internet-based data management system. Its main function is to host all data related to deep-seabed activities, particularly those collected by the contractors during their exploration activities and other relevant environmental and resources-related data for the Area.
About the International Seabed Authority
The International Seabed Authority is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. The Authority is committed to ensuring that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all humankind.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Communications Unit of the International Seabed Authority, news@isa.org.jm