International Seabed Authority (ISA) – Complete UPSC Notes (2025 Edition)

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an important global organization that manages mineral resources found deep under the ocean floor. For UPSC aspirants, ISA is one of the most expected topics in Environment, IR, and Maritime Governance, especially due to rising global interest in deep-sea mining.

This blog explains ISA in the simplest and most structured way for UPSC Prelims + Mains.

What is the International Seabed Authority (ISA)?

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization created under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982.

Its main job is to:

• regulate mineral exploration and mining in the international seabed area,

• protect marine environment,

• ensure that seabed resources are shared for the benefit of all humanity.

This seabed region is called “Area”, which lies beyond any country’s national jurisdiction.

ISA Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica

Established: 1994

Members: 168+ countries including India

Why ISA Is Important? (UPSC Angle)

ISA ensures that no country or private company exploits the deep ocean unfairly.

Why it matters:

• Rising global demand for critical minerals (cobalt, nickel, manganese).

• Climate-friendly technologies require rare metals.

• Deep-sea mining poses environmental risks.

• Big powers are fighting to control strategic ocean resources.

Thus, ISA balances economic benefits with environmental protection.

Legal Background of ISA – (Very Scoring in UPSC)

ISA is based on two important UN documents:

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

Defines:

• Territorial waters

• EEZs

• Continental shelf

• Deep seabed rules

2. 1994 Agreement Relating to Part XI of UNCLOS

Focuses on:

• Mining regulations

• Commercial exploration rules

Functions of ISA

1. Regulates Deep-Sea Mining

ISA issues licenses to countries/companies for:

• Exploration

• Extraction

• Research

2. Protects Marine Environment

ISA ensures:

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

• Safety rules

• Pollution prevention

3. Ensures Resources Belong to “Mankind as a Whole”

Resources from international seabed must benefit all nations equally.

4. Promotes Marine Scientific Research

Supports ocean research and provides data to member states.

5. Drafts & Enforces Mining Code

Mining Code = set of rules for deep-sea resource management.

What Minerals Are Found in Deep Seabed?

These minerals are essential for electronics, EV batteries, and renewable energy.

Common minerals:

• Polymetallic Nodules

• Cobalt-rich Crusts

• Polymetallic Sulphides

• Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

Located mainly in:

• Clarion–Clipperton Zone (CCZ)

• Indian Ocean Ridge

• Mid-Atlantic Ridge

India and ISA – Why It’s Important for Us?

India is one of the early members and has a special status.

India’s Achievements at ISA

• India received a 15-year deep-ocean mining exploration contract from ISA.

• India is allowed to explore 75,000 sq km area in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.

• India is recognized as a Pioneer Investor.

Strategic Benefits for India

• Access to rare minerals

• Boost to Make in India (EVs, electronics)

• Maritime power projection

• Support to “Blue Economy” vision

• Strengthening India’s deep-sea research

Supporting Institutions

• NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology)

• Ministry of Earth Sciences

These agencies run India’s deep-sea mining projects.

Debates Around Deep-Sea Mining (Exam Relevant)

Environmental Concerns

• Destruction of deep-sea habitats

• Impact on marine species

• Noise & light pollution

• Sediment plumes harming ecosystems

Technological Challenges

• Mining at 4,000–6,000 meters depth

• High cost

• Lack of global standards

Political Issues

• Big powers competing for mineral-rich zones

• Weak countries lacking access

• Pressure on ISA to finalize mining rules

ISA and the Mining Code

The Mining Code is a global regulation for deep-sea mining.

It includes:

• Exploitation rules

• Environmental standards

• Revenue sharing models

• Liability rules

As of 2025, countries are demanding:

• Stronger environmental safety

• More transparent governance

• Precautionary approach

Why ISA is in News? (2024–2025 Updates)

• Debate over starting commercial deep-sea mining.

• Many countries demanding a moratorium (temporary ban).

• ISA negotiating stricter regulations.

• G7 nations pushing for sustainable practices.

This makes ISA a high-probability UPSC topic.

UPSC Prelims Pointers (Quick Revision)

1. ISA is under UNCLOS.

2. Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica.

3. Regulates deep-sea mining.

4. Area beyond national jurisdiction = Common Heritage of Mankind.

5. India = Pioneer Investor.

UPSC Mains Pointers (GS2 + GS3)

In Mains, ISA connects with:

GS Paper 2 – International Relations

• Global ocean governance

• UNCLOS

• Global commons

GS Paper 3 – Environment & Science

• Marine biodiversity

• Sustainable mining

• Critical minerals for green energy

Use these keywords:

• Blue Economy

• Sustainable Ocean Governance

• Precautionary Principle

• Environmental Impact Assessment

Conclusion

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) plays a critical role in managing global ocean resources. As the demand for rare minerals grows, ISA must balance economic benefits with environmental protection. For India, the deep sea offers both strategic opportunities and ecological responsibilities.

ISA will continue to remain a major topic in UPSC due to global debates over deep-sea mining and ocean governance.