International Seabed Authority

The Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences Felicitated 21 trainees nominated by ISA who completed a two-month training program on deep-sea mineral exploration for Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) and Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS).

About International Seabed Authority (ISA)

It is an autonomous organisation that regulates and controls activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction. (HQ- Kingston, Jamaica)
- Area under its jurisdiction covers around 54% of the total area of the world’s oceans.
It was established in 1994 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It is responsible for granting licences and regulating activities related to the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed.
Members: 168 Member States (including India) and European Union.
- All nations that ratify UNCLOS automatically become members of ISA.
Functions:
- Regulating conduct of all exploration activities and exploitation of deep-sea minerals.
- Protection of marine environment from harmful effects of deep seabed related activities.
- Encourage marine scientific research.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

It is an international treaty that governs the use and management of the world’s oceans and seas.
The treaty was adopted in 1982 and entered into force in 1994 and has been ratified by 168 countries (including India).
Key features of UNCLOS:
- UNCLOS establishes the legal framework for activities in the oceans and seas, including fishing, shipping, and exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
- The treaty recognizes the rights of coastal states over their territorial waters and exclusive economic zones and sets out rules for the delimitation of maritime boundaries between adjacent states.
- The treaty also establishes the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), to hear disputes related to the interpretation and application of UNCLOS.

UPSC PYQ

Q. Consider the following statements: (2021)

The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B