isa Areas of Particular Environmental Interest in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone

Deep--sea mining in seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), or 'the Area' as it is called in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) 1 is on the cusp of becoming a reality.The International Seabed Authority (ISA) established by LOSC Part XI is mandated with developing and overseeing the regulatory regime for the Area. 2 ISA's mandate includes encouraging prospecting in the Area 3 while ensuring effective protection of the marine environment and the promotion of marine scientific research.To date, ISA has granted twenty--one 15--year Exploration Contracts. 4