Abstract: As nations rush to extract rare minerals from the deep sea, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is taking a different but equally vital step, biobanking the ocean. Through its Deep-Sea Biobank Initiative (DBI), launched in 2023, ISA is creating a global repository of biological samples and genetic data from the seabed beyond national borders. This effort ensures that deep-sea ecosystems, often untouched and mysterious, are not only explored but also preserved for the benefit of all humankind. By setting standardized protocols and promoting equitable data access, the DBI enables researchers worldwide, especially from developing nations, to advance marine science and build capacity in ocean research.
The biobank complements ISA’s DeepData database, which already holds over 10 terabytes of deep-sea environmental information. Together, they are reshaping global ocean science, supporting research on biodiversity, mining impacts, and challenges like the “missing plastics paradox.” By safeguarding deep-sea life in a shared, accessible way, ISA is ensuring that the ocean’s genetic treasures remain a common heritage of humankind. In doing so, it strikes a balance between exploration, conservation, and sustainable use, charting a responsible course for the future of the world’s oceans.
View the full article here: Deep dive into the International Seabed Authority: Why it matters now | UN News
