Kingston, Jamaica – 30 July 2025 – The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has concluded its 30th session of the Assembly held from 21 to 25 July at its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. The Assembly is the culmination of five intensive weeks of work across ISA’s organs, the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC), the Finance Committee and the Council, which resulted in decisive progress in advancing the Authority’s regulatory and institutional mandate.
The session, which coincided with the 30th commemoration of ISA’s establishment under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its 1994 Part XI Implementing Agreement, was marked by key outcomes endorsed by the Assembly reflecting ISA’s continued evolution as the steward of the Area, its mineral resources and environment in the international seabed area, the common heritage of humankind.
“The deep seabed needs rules and regulations — it also needs leadership, solidarity and science,” said ISA Secretary-General Ms. Leticia Carvalho. “Through these achievements, we are building lasting institutions and unlocking solutions that have remained out of reach for years.”
Building on earlier work and negotiations held in March 2025, the Council completed the second reading of the Revised Consolidated Text of the draft exploitation regulations, covering draft regulations 56 to 107. Enhanced working methods were agreed upon, including continued use of the “Friends of the President” mechanism and intersessional working groups, which proved essential in addressing outstanding issues. Several delegations took the lead on specific topics, among them, Singapore on submarine cable protection (regulations 31 and 31bis), the Netherlands on the prevention of corruption (regulation 40) and on non-compliance procedures (regulation 103), Germany on environmental goals and objectives (regulation 44ter), Mexico on the Environmental Compensation Fund (regulations 54 to 56), the United Kingdom on the modification of a plan of work (regulation 57), Canada on the review of payment mechanism (regulations 81 and 82) and India on the Seabed Mining Register (regulation 92).
Progress made on the Common Heritage Fund
Following consideration of recommendations from the Finance Committee and Council, the Assembly adopted a decision to advance work on the development of a Common Heritage Fund. Envisioned as a financial toolbox to support long-term sustainability, capacity-building and equitable benefit-sharing, the Fund will serve as one of the possible mechanisms to implement the economic benefits of the regime in the Area.
The Economic Planning Commission will begin its operationalization
Pursuant to Articles 163 and 164 of UNCLOS and the evolutionary approach, the Council decided to set the stage for the Economic Planning Commission to assess the potential economic impacts of seabed mining on developing, land-based mineral producers and to recommend measures that mitigate adverse effects.
Advancing the science-policy interface
The Council adopted the standardized procedure for the development, establishment and review of Regional Environmental Management Plans (ISBA/30/C/L.3/Rev.1) submitted by the LTC, which are vital tools to ensure region-specific protection of the marine environment from the potential impacts of seabed activities. It also reported on the notable progress made with respect to the development of environmental thresholds, which will contribute to the precautionary approach and enable evidence-based decision-making in the implementation of the legal regimen in the Area.
Secretary-General reaffirms commitment to science and equity
In her address to the Assembly, Secretary-General Carvalho reaffirmed ISA’s commitment to inclusivity and ambition on the ISA Action Plan for Marine Scientific Research in support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. She highlighted major initiatives undertaken by the Secretariat, including the S.H.E. Mentorship Programme for young female scientists from developing countries, the launch of the Deep-Sea Biobank in partnership with the Republic of Korea, the continued progress under the One Thousand Reasons campaign to support taxonomy and scientific research in developing countries. She also commended the essential role of the Secretariat in advancing long-standing institutional objectives.
“The deep seabed must be governed not for the few, but for the benefit of all humankind,” said Secretary-General Carvalho. “We are shaping a future that is equitable, science-based and firmly anchored in international law.”
International Deep Seabed Day adopted
In a landmark decision, the Assembly established 1 November as the International Day of the Deep Seabed as proposed by the sponsoring countries, Fiji, Jamaica, Malta and Singapore. The annual observance will promote greater understanding of the deep seabed and its resources while fostering international cooperation in its sustainable management. This decision was gaveled by the President of the Assembly, H. E. Dwight Gardiner (Antigua and Barbuda) during the commemorative segment. The commemorative events also recognized Jamaica’s enduring contribution as the host country since ISA’s inception.
An assembly of memorable moments
Throughout the session, the Secretary-General demonstrated her aim and commitment to signaling change, participating in several events in support of advancing scientific endeavour, inclusivity, transparency and equity. She welcomed participatory panels featuring past presidents of the Assembly to reflect on pivotal moments from their tenures and reflections on what success might look like for the ISA in the coming decade. She also addressed the Deep Sea Dialogues, a plenary of experts discussing hot topics across science, economics and law.
The next session of the Assembly will be held from 20 to 24 July 2026. The Council will hold its session in two parts, one in the first quarter of 2026 and the second just prior to the Assembly. The Secretariat has been requested to ensure that the dates do not overlap with other ocean-related meetings, including those related to the BBNJ Agreement.
About ISA
ISA is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the UNCLOS to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. ISA 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:
ISA Communications Unit, news@isa.org.jm
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For more information, visit our website, www.isa.org.jm