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DDG Ellard: Accepting Fish Subsidies Agreement Can Give Boost to Global Trading System
Geneva, Switzerland – February 26, 2025, 17:00 CET – World Trade Organization (WTO) Deputy Director-General (DDG) Angela Ellard has urged member states to accept the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, highlighting its potential to inject significant momentum into the global trading system. Speaking in a series of meetings with trade representatives today, DDG Ellard emphasized the agreement’s importance not only for ocean sustainability but also for restoring confidence in the WTO’s negotiating function.
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, initially adopted in 2022 and amended significantly in subsequent negotiations, aims to curb harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and the depletion of global fish stocks. While a substantial number of WTO members have already formally accepted the agreement, its full implementation hinges on achieving widespread ratification, particularly from key fishing nations.
“The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and equitable global trading system,” DDG Ellard stated. “By eliminating harmful subsidies, we can protect vital marine resources, support livelihoods dependent on fishing, and promote fair competition among fishers globally. Its entry into force will be a testament to the power of multilateralism and demonstrate that the WTO can deliver tangible results on pressing global challenges.”
Key Aspects of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement:
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies prohibits subsidies contributing to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, often referred to as “black listing” subsidies. It also bans subsidies for fishing of overfished stocks and for fishing on the high seas where there are no relevant regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) or arrangements. The agreement aims to:
- Eliminate Harmful Subsidies: The core principle is to restrict government subsidies that fuel overfishing and resource depletion. This includes subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, lead to unsustainable fishing practices, and negatively impact biodiversity.
- Promote Sustainable Fishing Practices: The agreement incentivizes sustainable fishing methods and management practices, encouraging responsible stewardship of ocean resources.
- Ensure Transparency and Accountability: It mandates greater transparency in fisheries subsidies, requiring countries to notify the WTO of their relevant policies and practices. This allows for better monitoring and enforcement of the agreement.
- Provide Special and Differential Treatment (SDT): Recognizing the different capabilities and needs of developing countries, the agreement includes provisions for SDT, offering technical assistance and capacity building to help them implement the agreement effectively. The SDT provisions have been a key area of discussion and revision to ensure they adequately address the specific challenges faced by developing nations.
- Addresses Overcapacity and Overfishing: A crucial aspect of the ongoing discussions is the need to further discipline subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. Negotiations are focused on developing rules to address these complex issues, with particular attention given to subsidies that support fuel costs and vessel construction.
Impact on the Global Trading System:
DDG Ellard emphasized that the Agreement’s significance extends beyond fisheries. She argued that its successful implementation would:
- Restore Confidence in the WTO: The agreement demonstrates the WTO’s ability to tackle complex issues and deliver concrete outcomes, strengthening its credibility as a multilateral forum.
- Promote Multilateralism: Achieving widespread ratification will reinforce the importance of international cooperation and collective action in addressing global challenges.
- Set a Precedent for Future Agreements: The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement can serve as a model for future negotiations on other trade-related environmental issues, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible global trading system.
- Enhance Economic Opportunities: By promoting sustainable fishing practices, the agreement can help ensure the long-term viability of fisheries and support the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them.
Challenges and Obstacles:
Despite the broad support for the agreement, some challenges remain. Key among these are:
- Developing Country Concerns: Some developing countries have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the agreement on their fishing industries and the need for adequate support to implement the new rules. Addressing these concerns and ensuring effective SDT remains crucial.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Effective enforcement of the agreement is essential to ensure compliance and prevent countries from circumventing the rules. Strengthening monitoring and dispute settlement mechanisms is vital.
- Political Will: Ultimately, the success of the agreement depends on the political will of member states to prioritize sustainable fisheries management and embrace a more cooperative approach to global trade.
Next Steps:
The WTO is actively working with member states to address outstanding concerns and facilitate the ratification process. DDG Ellard reiterated the organization’s commitment to providing technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries to support their implementation efforts.
“We are confident that, with continued dialogue and collaboration, we can overcome the remaining challenges and achieve universal acceptance of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement,” DDG Ellard concluded. “This will not only protect our oceans but also strengthen the global trading system for generations to come.”
Relevance for 2025:
In 2025, with increasing awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable practices, the pressure on governments to address overfishing is more pronounced. The urgency to finalize the agreement is amplified by scientific reports highlighting the alarming decline in fish stocks and the devastating impact on marine ecosystems. Therefore, DDG Ellard’s renewed push for acceptance of the agreement comes at a critical juncture, presenting a significant opportunity to advance both environmental and trade objectives. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the political will exists to translate the agreement into tangible action and reap its potential benefits for the global trading system and the health of our oceans.
DDG Ellard: Accepting fish subsidies agreement can give boost to global trading system
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