Fisheries Subsidies
IISD works to support the implementation of the 2022 Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and ongoing negotiations at the World Trade Organization negotiations toward additional rules.
IISD's engagement in fisheries, trade, and sustainable development is geared toward shaping multilateral and regional trade policies that foster sustainable fishing practices. Because of its potential impact, our primary focus is supporting progress on World Trade Organization negotiations to end harmful fisheries subsidies.
The imperative to eliminate harmful subsidies extends beyond environmental concerns; it is pivotal for preserving the livelihoods of millions dependent on fishing, promoting a fairer fishing sector, and creating a level playing field in international trade. The Sustainable Development Goals explicitly target regulations to curb these subsidies: Target 14.6 calls on governments to conclude these negotiations. Doing so would be instrumental in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals more broadly, by aligning subsidy policies with environmental sustainability, thus safeguarding marine resources and promoting sustainable socio-economic benefits derived from fishing.
For years, IISD has supported governments in negotiating new rules on fisheries subsidies and facilitating their implementation. We provide impartial analysis and advice to help governments identify how best to shape those rules and how they can implement them to reform subsidies in ways that support sustainability in the fishing sector.
Analysis
You’re Not Off the Hook, WTO!: Why fisheries subsidies rules matter more than ever
At MC12, WTO members agreed to prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies but left unresolved issues on subsidies contributing to overfishing, which aimed to finalize at MC13; the Stop Funding Overfishing coalition organized this event at IISD T+D Hub to learn why these new rules matter and how close members are to another historic agreement.
Fisheries Subsidies: Will World Trade Organization members finish the job at MC13?
Tristan Irschlinger traces the future of the landmark fisheries subsidies agreement at the WTO by envisioning broader rules, managing the involvement of the largest players, and creating flexibilities for developing countries.
A Global Deal to Tackle Harmful Fisheries Subsidies: A look behind the scenes
In June 2022, World Trade Organization members reached a historic deal tackling harmful fisheries subsidies. We unpack how a global campaign by environmental non-governmental organizations and technical policy and legal advice from trade experts in Geneva helped make a difference.
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Research and publications
World Trade Organization Talks on Subsidies that Contribute to Overcapacity and Overfishing: What's on the table?
World governments are currently negotiating new global disciplines to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. What new rules are being proposed?
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: A Reader's Guide
This guide provides a clear overview of the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, explaining succinctly the rules and provisions that the treaty establishes.
Self-Assessment Tool for the Implementation of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
As World Trade Organization Members prepare for the entry into force of the new Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, this new tool aims to support their implementation efforts.
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Recent events
Ending Harmful Fisheries Subsidies: From Treaty to Reality
This event is part of the WTO's Public Forum, focusing on fisheries subsidies and their implementation, discussing the ratification of the agreement and why swift implementation is crucial.
Fisheries Subsidies That Contribute to Overcapacity and Overfishing: A review of key concepts and data
The objective of this workshop is to complement official discussions of the WTO by providing additional detail on the history of the fisheries subsidies negotiations, in order to inform delegations’ deliberations about how best to proceed.
The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement: Implications and support for implementation in Latin America
The objective of this workshop is to complement official discussions of the WTO by providing additional detail on the history of the fisheries subsidies negotiations, in order to inform Latin American delegations’ deliberations about how best to proceed.
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