The Authority has taken careful note of the provisional measures orders made by the Seabed Disputes Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on 18 July 2026 in the claims brought by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd.
As acknowledged by the Seabed Disputes Chamber, the provisional measures orders in no way prejudice the Chamber’s jurisdiction to deal with the merits of the claims, or any questions relating to the merits of the claims themselves.
The Authority will continue to carry out its mandate, and abide by its obligations, pursuant to Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1994 Implementing Agreement. In particular, the inquiry process mandated by paragraphs 9 and 10 of the Decision of the Council dated 21 July 2025 (ISBA/30/C/19) remains in effect and will be implemented by the Authority with due regard to all applicable legal requirements.
About ISA
The International Seabed Authority is an autonomous intergovernmental organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to organize, regulate and control activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the benefit of humankind as a whole. ISA is committed to ensuring that all activities in the deep seabed are carried out responsibly, using the best available scientific evidence and in accordance with the principle of the common heritage of humankind.
For media inquiries, please contact:
ISA Communications Unit, news@isa.org.jm
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For more information, visit our website, www.isa.org.jm