THE LEGAL and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) began a series of meetings, downtown Kingston, on Sunday in preparation for the Authority's 9th session slated for July 28 to August 1.
The committee meetings, scheduled to end on Friday, are aimed at facilitating detailed consideration of specific issues relating to the draft regulations on polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich crust.
The International Seabed Authority, established in 1994 with its headquarters in Kingston, organises and controls activities through which state parties in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor, administer resources in the respective areas.
According to the International Seabed website, several workshops would be organised at the committee meetings to discuss among other things, the environmental impact of exploration activities and to arrive at a system whereby contractors may relinquish some exploration areas to the Authority.
Representatives of 142 member countries are expected to be in attendance at the general assembly which begins Sunday.
