A historic agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has entered into force, setting new foundations for global fisheries. For the first time, an international trade treaty has been concluded primarily on ecological grounds. At its core is the ban on the most harmful subsidies for fishing fleets that significantly contribute to overfishing.
Ban on harmful subsidies
The agreement prohibits state support for fleets involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as subsidies for unregulated high seas fishing. The goal is to reduce pressure on overexploited stocks and guide the fisheries sector toward a more sustainable direction.
“This agreement secures the livelihood of millions of people,” declared WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The agreement also obliges member states to report more transparently on their subsidies, disclose data on fish stocks, and take measures to rebuild overfished populations. Environmental organizations worldwide welcome this unprecedented step.
Who provides the most subsidies?
According to a 2019 Marine Policy study, global fisheries subsidies amount to more than 35 billion dollars annually. Among the largest funders are China, the European Union, the USA, South Korea, and Japan. At the same time, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that 35.5 percent of the more than 2,500 fish stocks studied are already overfished.
The required two-thirds ratification within the WTO was achieved after Brazil, Vietnam, Kenya, Tonga, Oman, and Mali recently approved the agreement. The EU, the USA, and China have also expressed their consent. However, it is notable that India and Indonesia have not yet joined – even though both countries have large fishing fleets and therefore bear significant responsibility.
Historic turning point with open questions
With this agreement, the WTO shifts its focus beyond mere trade issues to sustainability concerns. Nevertheless, critical points remain: How effective will the controls be in practice? And to what extent will states actually stand up to their own industry lobbies? Experts see the treaty as a milestone, but its success will depend on whether the provisions are implemented consistently.
