A/RES/60/30 V The Area 26. Notes with satisfaction the progress of the discussions on issues relating to the regulations for prospecting and exploration for polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the Area, and reiterates the importance of the ongoing elaboration by the International Seabed Authority (“the Authority”), pursuant to article 145 of the Convention, of rules, regulations and procedures to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment, the protection and conservation of the natural resources of the Area and the prevention of damage to its flora and fauna from harmful effects that may arise from activities in the Area; 27. Takes note of the decision of the Council of the Authority 13 to approve a plan of work for exploration of polymetallic nodules submitted by a new contractor, which is an important step towards the utilization of the resources in the Area; 28. Also takes note of the importance of the responsibilities entrusted to the Authority by articles 143 and 145 of the Convention, which refer to marine scientific research and protection of the marine environment respectively; VI Effective functioning of the Authority and the Tribunal 29. Appeals to all States parties to the Convention to pay their assessed contributions to the Authority and to the Tribunal in full and on time; 30. Encourages all States parties to the Convention to attend the sessions of the Authority, and calls upon the Authority to pursue all options, including the issue of dates, in order to improve attendance in Kingston and ensure global participation; 31. Calls upon States that have not done so to consider ratifying or acceding to the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the Tribunal 14 and to the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the Authority; 15 VII The continental shelf and the work of the Commission 32. Encourages States parties to the Convention that are in a position to do so to make every effort to submit information to the Commission regarding the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, in conformity with article 76 of the Convention and article 4 of annex II to the Convention, taking into account the decision of the eleventh Meeting of States Parties to the Convention; 16 33. Notes with satisfaction the progress in the work of the Commission, 17 that it is giving current consideration to three new submissions that have been made regarding the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond _______________ 13 ISBA/11/C/10. SPLOS/25. 15 ISBA/4/A/8, annex. 16 SPLOS/72. 17 CLCS/44 and CLCS/48 and Corr.1. 14 7