The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has announced the signing of a Letter of Cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK) in support of the ISA Deep-Sea Biobank initiative on the margins of the 10th Our Ocean Conference held in Busan, Republic of Korea, from April 28–30, 2025.

The Letter of Cooperation was signed on April 28 by H.E. Mr. Do-Hyung Kang, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, and Madam Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of ISA, formalizing a key partnership to advance marine science and capacity development in deep-sea biological research.

H.E. Mr. Do-Hyung Kang remarked, “I am pleased that, through the signing of this Letter of Cooperation, the Republic of Korea has joined the ISA Deep-Sea Biobank initiative. I look forward to long-lasting contributions of this important initiative towards effective conservation and sustainable use of deep-sea biological resources.”

The ISA Deep-Sea Biobank initiative, developed in partnership with MOF-ROK, aims to enhance global access to deep-sea biological samples and genetic data. Through this collaboration, ISA and MOF-ROK will promote the conservation and sustainable use of deep-sea resources through a variety of targeted activities, including the development of advanced scientific tools and the organization of international workshops.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the strengthening of the scientific and technical capacity of ISA Member States, with a particular focus on supporting developing States in their deep-sea biological research. The ISA Deep-Sea Biobank initiative also prioritizes raising public awareness, mobilizing resources for long-term sustainability, and fostering collaboration among Member States and stakeholders to maximize synergies and ensure the informed management of deep-sea resources based on the best available science.

Secretary-General Carvalho stated, “This agreement with the MOF-ROK marks a significant step forward in our mission to increase scientific knowledge for effective conservation and sustainable use of deep-sea resources. The ISA Deep-Sea Biobank initiative will enhance global cooperation in marine research and capacity development, fostering shared knowledge and understanding that will benefit present and future generations. Together, we stand at the forefront of marine innovation and environmental stewardship.”