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.