International Seabed Authority (ISA)

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Its main role is to manage and regulate mineral-related activities in the deep seabed beyond national jurisdictions, often referred to as the "Area." This includes overseeing the exploration and exploitation of underwater resources, like metals and minerals, to ensure that these activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably. The ISA aims to balance economic interests with environmental protection and to ensure that benefits from seabed resources are shared equitably among all countries.