Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea – ICP

The United Nations General Assembly established the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP) in 1999 to discuss developments in ocean-related issues. The ICP facilitates the work of the General Assembly by considering the report of the Secretary-General on oceans and the law of the sea. It suggests issues for consideration, with an emphasis on areas where coordination and cooperation at the intergovernmental and inter-agency levels should be enhanced.

Topics considered have included marine pollution, marine science and technology, protection of the marine environment, conservation and management of the biological diversity of the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction, fisheries, maritime security and safety, marine renewable energies, ocean acidification, plastics and microplastics, oceans and climate change, and anthropogenic underwater noise. The mandate for the ICP is up for review by the General Assembly every two to three years.