WTO AGREEMENT ON FISHERIES
What is the News?
- On 15 September 2025, the WTO officially put into force the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
- The agreement aims to stop harmful subsidies that are leading to overfishing, depletion of marine resources, and damage to ocean ecosystems.
WTO AGREEMENT OF FISHERIES SUBSIDIES
Key Objectives:
- Protect marine fish stocks from overexploitation.
- Ban harmful subsidies that encourage illegal or unsustainable fishing.
- Support sustainable livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Make trade rules support environmental sustainability.
KEY PROVISIONS
| 🚫 Prohibitions | ✅ Supportive Measures |
| Subsidies for: | WTO to support: |
| – Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) fishing | Capacity building in poor countries |
| – Fishing overfished stocks | Sustainable fishery practices |
| – Fishing in unregulated high seas | Technical & financial support via WTO Fish Fund |
WHY WAS THIS AGREEMENT NEEDED?
- One-third of global fish stocks are overfished (35.5% in 2021).
- Around $35 billion/year is spent globally on fishing subsidies.
- Of this, $22 billion are considered harmful subsidies.
- Millions rely on fishing for food, jobs, and livelihood.
- Oceans are under severe ecological stress.
Background
- First agreed at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022.
- It needed ratification by 2/3rds of WTO members — now completed.
- Countries like Brazil, Kenya, Vietnam, Tonga, Mali, Oman have submitted their ratification.
WHY IS THIS AGREEMENT NEEDED?
- First-ever WTO agreement that puts environmental sustainability at the center.
- It shows that multilateral trade rules can protect both people and planet.
- Helps restore fish populations and ensure food for future generations.
WTO FISH FUND
- Created to help developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
- Purpose: Implement the agreement smoothly.
- So far, 17 countries have pledged $18 million+.
- Fund invites project proposals for capacity-building and sustainable fishing.
- Deadline for proposals: 9 October 2025.
IMPLEMENTATION:
- A Committee on Fisheries Subsidies will be formed to:
- Monitor compliance
- Increase transparency
- Promote fair and sustainable fishing practices
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