Fisheries Subsidies

IISD is focused on supporting the World Trade Organization negotiations to end harmful fisheries subsidies.

IISD's work on fisheries, trade and sustainable development contributes to crafting multilateral and regional trade rules and policies that support sustainable fishing.

We are focused on supporting the World Trade Organization negotiations to end harmful fisheries subsidies, recognizing the need to restore the sustainability of fish stocks while supporting livelihoods and food security, particularly in developing countries.

Project team

Alice Tipping

Director, Trade and Sustainable Development

Tristan Irschlinger

Policy Advisor, Fisheries Subsidies

Ieva Baršauskaitė

Senior Policy Advisor

Funded by

Government of the United Kingdom

Latest

Landmark Agreement Curbing Harmful Fisheries Subsidies Awaits Ratification A Year After Adoption

This month marks the first anniversary of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) historic Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The treaty, adopted at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference, established the first global, legally binding framework that limits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing of overfished stocks, as well as subsidies to vessels fishing on the unregulated high seas. The agreement also calls for countries to exercise “due restraint” in providing subsidies to vessels that do not fly their country’s flag or those that fish stocks with unknown status.

IISD in the news

The Pew Charitable Trusts

June 2, 2023

Source to Sea: Integrating the water agenda in 2023

2023 could prove to be a definitive year for facilitating an integrative perspective on water issues, from fresh water to the marine environment.

Insight

March 22, 2023

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.

Guide

March 8, 2023

S'pore becomes 2nd country to support global agreement ending harmful fisheries subsidies

Singapore has become the second member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ratify its agreement to protect the world’s oceans. On Friday, the Republic formally accepted the treaty – the first multilateral trade agreement that focuses on environmental sustainability – becoming the first coastal state to do so.

IISD in the news

The Straits Times

February 11, 2023

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.

Success story

December 6, 2022

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: What it means and why it matters

After more than two decades of negotiations, members of the World Trade Organization concluded an Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in June 2022. What does it entail, and why does this treaty matter?

Policy Analysis

December 6, 2022

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.

Guide

October 25, 2022

Quad and the WTO focus on fishing

Some rare good news in global trade talks, and attempts to tackle an ecological and human rights disaster.

IISD in the news

Financial Times

August 8, 2022

Project details

Topic: Sustainable Development Goals; Subsidies; Trade

Focus area: Resources

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