Amid growing global discussions about deep sea-bed mining, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sought to assure Jamaicans, that protection of the marine environment is of paramount importance.

Portfolio minister Kamina Johnson-Smith addressed the issue of deep-sea mining in the international seabed area, at a post-cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

Mrs Johnson-Smith explained, that while Jamaica continues to attach significant importance to the full and effective implementation of the united nations convention on the law of the sea, the government is not prepared to support deep-seabed mining before an appropriate, robust regulatory framework is put in place.

She said with the discussions on the matter still ongoing, the implementation of the regulatory framework is not imminent.

She also noted that the seabed mining area being discussed is beyond the national jurisdiction of any country.