The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and Support for its Implementation: Workshop for Commonwealth small states

Background

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies entered into force on September 15, 2025, a landmark agreement linking trade policy to sustainable marine-resource management. The agreement bans subsidies that drive illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; fishing over-exploited stocks; and operations on the unregulated high seas. 

Successful implementation of the agreement will require countries to align their domestic frameworks and subsidy policies with the new rules while improving data and transparency. For developing and least developed members, identifying capacity-building needs will be essential so that appropriate assistance—including support from the WTO Fish Fund—can be provided effectively.

About the Event

This hybrid workshop for Commonwealth small states aimed to enhance capacity and support informed decision making on the ratification and implementation of the agreement. 

Participants reviewed the key provisions of the agreement; received updates on the second round of negotiations (‘Fish 2’); explored opportunities for technical assistance and capacity-building, including the WTO Fish Fund and IISD self-assessment tool; and shared experiences to guide effective implementation.

This workshop provided a platform for senior trade and fisheries officials, both in Geneva and online, to deepen their understanding, exchange insights, and reflect on next steps for preparing their domestic frameworks to align with the agreement’s rules.