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:

  1. Protect marine fish stocks from overexploitation.
  2. Ban harmful subsidies that encourage illegal or unsustainable fishing.
  3. Support sustainable livelihoods of coastal communities.
  4. 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?

  1. First-ever WTO agreement that puts environmental sustainability at the center.
  2. It shows that multilateral trade rules can protect both people and planet.
  3. 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