World Oceans Day Art Competition

March highlights

 Governance

ISA Assembly elects new Council members for the period 2021-2024

On 3 March 2021, the Assembly of ISA formally adopted a decision relating to the election of members to the Council of ISA for the period 2021-2024. As per the decision of the ISA Assembly, the following States have been elected to the Council for a period of four years as from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024: China and Japan in Group A; India in Group B; Canada and South Africa in Group C; Bangladesh, Brazil and Uganda for Group D; Argentina, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Mauritius, Morocco, the Netherlands (subject to rotation arrangement with Belgium and Norway), Poland, Sierra Leone (subject to rotation arrangement with Algeria), Spain (subject to rotation arrangement with Norway), Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom (subject to rotation arrangement with Norway) in Group E.

ISA Legal and Technical Commission resumes its meetings under the 26th Session

On 22 March, the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) of ISA resumed its meetings under the 26th session. Mr. Harald Brekke from Norway was elected as Chair. Members of the LTC will meet remotely between 22 March and 1 July 2021. Issues to be discussed include the progress made in the development of standards and guidelines as complement of the draft regulations for minerals exploitation in the Area; the review of annual reports of contractors; and the consideration of applications for extension of exploration contracts in accordance with UNCLOS, the 1994 Agreement and the relevant decisions of the Council. The LTC will also review the implementation of the environmental management plan for the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and the progress undertaken in the development of other plans in the Area, including for the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Northwest Pacific.

ISA Secretary-General Mr. Michael W. Lodge delivers lecture on governance of the Area to IMLI students

Deep DiplomaSea webinar series for diplomats and UN senior representatives kicks off

 Marine Scientific Research

ISA and UN-OHRLLS conclude high-level webinar with enhanced commitment to support empowerment and leadership of women scientists in deep-sea research

ISA and UN-OHRLLS successfully concluded a high-level webinar focused on the enhancement of the role and participation of women in deep-sea research organized on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The high-level event featured a dozen senior government officials, leaders and heads of international organizations who collectively emphasized the importance of ensuring that women scientists from developing States, and especially those from the most vulnerable ones such as the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, can fully engage in deep-sea research and can reach high-level, leadership positions. Panellists reflected on specific barriers faced by women from developing States and on ways to systematically remove them. The recording of the webinar is available on ISA website at the link below.

 Capacity-building

Applications now open for two environmental at-sea training opportunities with Marawa – Apply by 9 April!

Applications are now open for two at-sea training opportunities for candidates from developing States members of ISA. The placements are provided by Marawa Research and Exploration Ltd (Kiribati), in accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules with ISA. The offshore environmental campaign will be conducted in partnership with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. It is expected to depart from the port of San Diego (USA) on 20 June 2021 for a duration of three weeks.

Applications open until 31 March for two geological and environmental at-sea training opportunities with TOML

Applications are now open for candidates from developing States members of ISA for two at-sea placements with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML), in accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract with for polymetallic nodules with ISA. The offshore geological and environmental exploration campaign will be conducted within the TOML contract area in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. The port of departure will be San Diego (USA). The campaign is expected to take place in November 2021 for a duration of six weeks. The exact dates of the placements will be confirmed in early 2021.

 Exploration of the area

Discover ISA's Wonders of the Deep: Cnidaria

The deep sea is the largest environment on the planet. Despite  harsh conditions, including extreme pressure and no sunlight, life is abundant. Our knowledge and understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides is growing, thanks in particular to ISA exploration contractors and environmental baseline studies in the Area.

Cnidaria is one of the phyla found in the deep sea. Their distinguishing feature is cnidocytes, specialized cells that they use mainly for capturing prey.

Opportunities

Call for consultancy to undertake an assessment of the principal potential benefits from the development of deep-seabed exploration/exploitation for the African continent

At the 2017 UN Ocean Conference, ISA in cooperation with the African Mineral Development Centre (AMDC) of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (since transferred to the African Union) registered a joint Voluntary Commitment to foster international and regional cooperation in support of the sustainable development of Africa’s blue economy (#OceanAction16374). This commitment has led to the development of the Africa’s Deep Seabed Resources (ADSR) project, which is implemented in partnership with the African Union and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). ISA is now seeking an international consultant to produce an assessment report on the potential benefits for the African continent from development of activities related to sustainable deep-seabed exploration/exploitation. All applications should be submitted no later than 1 April 2021.

Call for consultancy to review the contribution of ISA to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda

ISA is committed to the timely and effective achievement of the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda through implementing the economic, social and environmental mandates assigned to it by UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement. ISA contributes more particularly to advance 9 of the 17 SDGs and special emphasis is placed on SDG14 on Life under Water and its associated targets. ISA is currently seeking a consultant with the requisite experience in international development / economics / marine or environmental policy or related fields to prepare a review report. Proposals should be submitted via email to eosg@isa.org.jm no later than 31 March 2021.

Call for consultancy: Graphic and Multimedia Designer (home-based)

ISA is seeking a graphic and multimedia designer for an initial period of 3 months with the possibility of extension subject to available funding and satisfactory performance. This position is part of the Communications Unit within the Executive Office of the Secretary-General at the Headquarters of ISA in Kingston, Jamaica. The Graphic and Multimedia Designer reports to the Communications Specialist. All applications should be submitted no later than 10 April 2021.

Publications