VI.2.12 Portugal and seabed mining

Abstract

Portugal is a state party of the UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement since 3rd November 1997. It was a member of the executive body of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the Council, between 2001 and 2008 when the regulations for prospecting and exploration for polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the Area started to be considered. One of the main Portugal’s interests was to pursue the discussion on the regulations for polymetallic sulphides, following the launch of the first scientific research programs on the hydrothermal vents within the Portuguese continental shelf (CS) in the last decade of the XX century. In 2011 Portugal submitted its nomination of a candidate for election to the Legal and Technical Commission, an organ of the ISA’s Council. The elected Portuguese member is currently serving for a second period of office.