WTO Fish Fund Launches Call for Proposals: Helping Developing Countries Implement Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
On June 6th, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fish Fund officially launched its “Call for Proposals,” a critical step in helping developing countries and least-developed countries implement the groundbreaking Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This agreement, hailed as a major achievement for ocean sustainability, aims to curb harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks worldwide.
What is the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
For years, excessive fisheries subsidies, often provided by wealthier nations, have fueled overfishing. These subsidies can include things like fuel subsidies, which make it cheaper for fishing vessels to operate, even when resources are dwindling. The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference, specifically targets these harmful subsidies.
Key Provisions of the Agreement:
- Prohibition of Subsidies Contributing to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: This is a core element, aiming to stop governments from supporting activities that actively damage marine ecosystems and deplete fish stocks.
- Prohibition of Subsidies to Overfished Stocks: The agreement prohibits subsidies that contribute to the overfishing of already depleted fish populations. This aims to allow these stocks to recover and sustainably support livelihoods in the long run.
- Transparency and Notification Requirements: The agreement mandates that members regularly report their fisheries subsidies, promoting transparency and allowing for greater scrutiny of potentially harmful practices.
The WTO Fish Fund: Bridging the Implementation Gap
While the Agreement is a significant step forward, developing countries and least-developed countries often lack the resources and capacity to effectively implement its provisions. This is where the WTO Fish Fund comes in.
Purpose of the Fund:
The WTO Fish Fund’s primary purpose is to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries and least-developed countries to help them:
- Develop and strengthen their fisheries management capacity: This includes things like training fisheries officers, improving data collection on fish stocks, and implementing sustainable fishing practices.
- Improve monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) of their fisheries: This involves investing in technology and personnel to effectively track fishing vessels, detect illegal fishing activities, and enforce regulations.
- Comply with transparency and notification requirements: The Fund helps countries build the systems and expertise needed to accurately report their fisheries subsidies to the WTO.
The Call for Proposals: What’s Involved?
The “Call for Proposals” is an invitation for eligible countries to submit project proposals outlining how they plan to use the Fund’s resources to implement the Agreement. This is a crucial stage, as it allows countries to tailor their requests to their specific needs and priorities.
Key Aspects of the Call for Proposals:
- Eligibility: Developing countries and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO are eligible to apply.
- Types of Projects: The Fund supports a wide range of projects related to fisheries management, MCS, and transparency, as described above.
- Application Process: The application process typically involves submitting a detailed project proposal that outlines the project’s objectives, activities, budget, and expected outcomes.
- Selection Criteria: The proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as their potential impact on sustainable fisheries management, their feasibility, and the country’s commitment to implementing the Agreement.
- Funding Amount: The amount of funding available per project varies, depending on the project’s scope and complexity.
Why This Matters
The WTO Fish Fund and the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies are important because:
- They promote sustainable fisheries: By curbing harmful subsidies, they help to protect fish stocks and ensure that future generations can benefit from marine resources.
- They level the playing field: They address the unfair advantage that wealthier nations often have in fisheries due to their ability to provide subsidies.
- They support developing countries: They provide crucial assistance to developing countries to help them implement sustainable fisheries management practices.
- They contribute to global food security: Healthy fish stocks are essential for food security, particularly in coastal communities.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the WTO Fish Fund depends on the active participation of all WTO members. The “Call for Proposals” marks a significant step forward in this process, providing an opportunity for developing countries and least-developed countries to access the resources they need to implement the Agreement and contribute to a more sustainable future for our oceans. The deadline for submitting proposals and the selection process will be closely watched by environmental organizations, fishing industries, and policymakers worldwide, as they represent a tangible effort to address a critical environmental and economic challenge.
WTO Fish Fund launches Call for Proposals for implementing Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-06-06 1 7:00, ‘WTO Fish Fund launches Call for Proposals for implementing Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies’ was published according to WTO. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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