Selected Decisions and Documents - International Seabed Authority

(e)
(f)
Information‐gathering and the establishment and development of unique databases of scientific
and technical information with a view to obtaining a better understanding of the deep ocean
environment;
Ongoing assessment of available data relating to prospecting and exploration for polymetallic
nodules in the Clarion‐Clipperton zone.
53. Progress and developments in relation to each aspect of the work programme is described in
paragraphs 54 to 93 below.
A. Status of Contracts for Exploration
54. There are presently eight contractors for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Area. These are
Yuzhmorgeologiya (Russian Federation), Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM) (Bulgaria, Cuba, Slovakia,
Czech Republic, Poland and Russian Federation), the Government of the Republic of Korea, China Ocean
Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA) (China), Deep Ocean Resources
Development Company (DORD) (Japan), IFREMER (France), the Government of India and the Federal Institute
for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany (BGR). The first six contracts were signed in 2001; the
contract with the Government of India was signed in 2002 and the contract with BGR was signed in 2006.
1. Annual reports and periodic review of implementation of the plans of work
for exploration
55. In accordance with the terms of the contract, each contractor is under an obligation to submit an
annual activity report. Annual reports are due on 31 March of each year. The objective of the reporting
requirement is to establish a mechanism whereby the Secretary‐General and the Legal and Technical
Commission are properly informed of the contractors’ activities so as to be able to exercise their functions
under the Convention, particularly those relating to the protection of the marine environment from the
harmful effects of activities in the Area. To facilitate reporting, in 2002 the Commission recommended a
format and structure for annual reports (see ISBA/8/LTC/2, annex), including a standardized contents list
(general, exploration work, mining tests and mining technology, training, environmental monitoring and
assessment, financial statement, proposed adjustment to the programme of work, conclusions and
recommendations) which is based on the standard clauses set out in annex 4 to the Regulations on
Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules in the Area (see ISBA/6/A/18, annex). Additional
assistance for contractors in preparing their annual reports appears in the recommendations for the guidance
of contractors for the assessment of the possible environmental impacts arising from exploration for
polymetallic nodules in the Area issued by the Commission in 2001 pursuant to regulation 38
(ISBA/7/LTC/1/Rev.1).
56. Although the contents of the annual reports are confidential, any relevant findings and
recommendations of the Commission on the annual reports are presented in a report to the Secretary‐
General including, as appropriate, requests for clarification or further information. The Secretary‐General
conveys any such requests to the contractors by letter. Comments of a general nature with respect to the
evaluation of the annual reports of the contractors may also be included in the report on the work of the
Commission that the Chairman of the Commission presents to the Council.
57. In addition, the Regulations provide for periodic review of the implementation of plans of work for
exploration at intervals of five years. This is to be achieved through consultations between contractors and
the Secretary‐General. As part of the review, the contractor shall indicate its programme of activities for the
following five years, making such adjustments to its previous programme of activities as are necessary. The
Secretary‐General may request the contractor to submit such additional data and information as may be
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