Published on 29 Jul 2024
World AffairsUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
ISA
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous international organisation established under:
1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS.
States Parties to UNCLOS organise and control all mineral-resources-related activities in the Area through the ISA.
Its mandate includes protecting the marine environment from the harmful effects of deep-seabed activities.
Headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica, ISA came into existence in 1994, with the entry into force of UNCLOS.
It became fully operational as an autonomous organisation in 1996.
The Assembly is empowered to establish general policies and comprises all ISA members.
The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, who is the chief administrative officer of ISA.