DOSI recently participated in the first part of the 31st session of the Council of the International Seabed Authority, held in Kingston, Jamaica from 9 to 19 March 2026.
This session marked a critical moment in ongoing negotiations to develop regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction, alongside continued oversight of exploration activities by contractors. As these discussions progress, ensuring that decisions are underpinned by the best available science remains essential.
Bringing science into the room
The DOSI delegation consisted of Samantha Robb, Victoria Assad and Minerals Working Group co-lead Patricia Esquete. The delegation was further supported by other experts in DOSI contributing remotely. Throughout the session, the DOSI delegation worked to provide independent scientific advice to Council members and State delegations, with a focus on the protection and preservation of the marine environment.
Key agenda items of particular relevance to DOSI included:
- Negotiations on the President’s consolidated text of the exploitation regulations
- Environmental protection provisions and standards
- The legal status of Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs)
- Test mining and pilot mining proposals
- Closure plans and environmental objectives
- Conditions for the commencement of exploitation activities
- The report of the Chair of the Legal and Technical Commission
- Scientific input to inform decision-making
Over the course of the session, the DOSI delegation delivered seven formal interventions across plenary and informal discussions. These contributions focused on ensuring that:
- Environmental standards are robust and precautionary
- Regulations reflect independent, peer-reviewed science
- Deep-sea biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and services are adequately considered
- Potential ecological impacts of deep-sea mining are fully understood and addressed
These interventions were frequently referenced by Council members in subsequent discussions, highlighting the importance of science-informed dialogue in shaping the regulatory framework.
Engaging with delegations and stakeholders
Beyond formal sessions, DOSI delegates engaged extensively with a wide range of state delegations, including representatives from Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
These discussions covered key topics such as:
- Deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity in abyssal plains
- Conservation tools and environmental management approaches
- The role of ecosystem functions and services
- The mitigation hierarchy and cumulative impacts
- The use of clear and consistent scientific language in regulations
- Stakeholder participation and transparency
DOSI delegates also held informal exchanges with other observers to share insights, coordinate interventions, and discuss the evolving direction of negotiations. Engagement with the ISA Secretariat further explored opportunities for continued collaboration, including participation in upcoming workshops.
Supporting knowledge exchange
As part of its role, DOSI supplied additional resources to delegations and stakeholders, including Policy Briefs, Information Sheets, and scientific publications, helping to bridge the gap between complex science and policy needs.
Encouragingly, several State delegations expressed their appreciation for DOSI’s contributions, particularly its role in bringing scientific clarity and evidence into negotiations.
Looking ahead
As negotiations continue, the outcomes of the ISA Council will have long-lasting implications for the governance of deep-sea mining and the protection of ocean ecosystems in areas beyond national jurisdiction. DOSI will be sending another delegation to the second part of the 31st session of the Council of the International Seabed Authority, which will take place in Kingston, Jamaica from 29 June to 10 July 2026.
DOSI remains committed to supporting this process by ensuring that robust, independent science is at the heart of decision making, and by fostering dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders.
Safeguarding the deep ocean, one of the least understood and most vulnerable parts of our planet requires nothing less.
Read the press release on the session from the ISA, here.
Learn more about the work of DOSI at ISA through our Minerals Working Group.