A remotely operated vehicle lowered from a research vessel into the sea at dusk

The common heritage of humankind

Organizing and controlling activities in the Area

ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS organize and control all mineral-resources-related activities in the Area — with the mandate to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed-related activities.

About ISA Member States

Find it fast

What delegations, observers and researchers come for

Contributions Dashboard

Members can easily check their contribution status. Assessed contributions consist of contributions to the budget, and the Working Capital Fund (WCF).

Check status

Joint Appeals Board

The first tier of ISA’s two-tier internal justice system — a neutral forum for reviewing contested administrative decisions.

How the JAB works

DeepData

The ISA Deep Seabed and Ocean Database — a spatial, internet-based data management system hosting all data related to deep-seabed activities.

Open DeepData

Strategic Plan 2024-2028

ISA’s Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2028, following the Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

Read the plan

ISA and the 2030 Agenda

ISA is committed to supporting the timely and effective achievement of the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

ISA’s contributions

Career opportunities

ISA is an equal opportunity employer, and is proud to have achieved gender parity.

See opportunities

About ISA

Headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica since 1994

ISA, which has its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, came into existence on 16 November 1994, upon the entry into force of UNCLOS. It became fully operational as an autonomous international organization in June 1996, when it took over the premises and facilities in Kingston, Jamaica, previously used by the United Nations Kingston Office for the Law of the Sea.

In accordance with UNCLOS, Article 156(2), all States Parties to UNCLOS are ipso facto members of ISA.

About ISA Organs
ISA headquarters on Port Royal Street, Kingston, with flags in the forecourt

ISA at a glance

The Area and its resources are the common heritage of humankind

172

Members — 171 Member States and the European Union (as of 6 February 2026)

54%

of the total area of the world’s oceans is covered by the Area

129

observers, including 26 observer States (as of March 2026)

1994

ISA came into existence on 16 November, upon the entry into force of UNCLOS

News and Stories

Latest from ISA

All News and Stories

Meetings and Missions

Credentials, visits and reflections

Contact Us

Get in touch with ISA

International Seabed Authority, 14 - 20 Port Royal Street, Kingston, Jamaica. Phone: +1 (876) 922-9105.

Contact Us Member States