The International Seabed Authority and the Arctic

Abstract

I have been asked to speak on the role of the International Seabed Authority (‘Authority’) with respect to the Arctic Ocean. This is often posed as a sensitive political question, usually in the context of a media narrative which speaks of a scramble by the Arctic States to assert extensive national claims in order to preclude rich seafloor mineral and hydrocarbon resources coming within the jurisdiction of the Authority. Alternatively, a comparison is drawn with Antarctica to make the suggestion that there needs to be a comprehensive international treaty for the protection of the Arctic environment.

Legal Counsel, International Seabed Authority. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Authority.