International Seabed Authority flag Photo: flickr / ISBA HQ
In Jamaica lobbying continues apace ahead of the election of the head of the International Seabed Authority - the UN body charged with developing regulations for deep sea mining in international waters.
The two candidates to lead the authority are long serving incumbent secretary general Michael Lodge, a British lawyer sponsored by Kiribati and Brazilian oceanographer and diplomat Leticia Carvalho who is sponsored by her home country.
It's a contentious election with the future of the industry and the health of the world's oceans at stake.
Over 30 countries have now called for a moratorium on deep sea mining, but several Pacific states are backing The Metals Company who plan to apply for a mining license this year.
RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins spoke with Benar News Pacific Islands reporter Stephen Wright who is covering the meeting in Kingston.
