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 current World Trade Organization negotiations to end harmful fisheries subsidies by 2020, recognizing the need to restore the sustainability of fish stocks while supporting livelihoods and food security, particularly in developing countries.

Reports: Compilation of WTO Notifications on Fisheries Subsidies

April 5, 2021

This compilation brings together all the information related to subsidies to marine wild capture fisheries contained in World Trade Organization (WTO) members' subsidy notifications.

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Videos: Fisheries Subsidies: 2021 Refresher Sessions

IISD organized two refresher sessions on WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies, held on January 28 and 29, 2021.

Policy Briefs: Supporting the Implementation of New WTO Rules on Fisheries Subsidies

December 7, 2020

This brief explores how technical assistance and capacity building can support developing countries in implementing new WTO rules on fisheries subsidies.

25 Reasons Why the WTO Must End Subsidies That Drive Overfishing

November 2, 2020 | Alice Tipping , Tristan Irschlinger

WTO members are negotiating an agreement to end harmful fisheries subsidies. We have 25 reasons why they must reel in a deal this year, for people and planet.

Reports: Stock Take of APEC Economies’ Existing Measures on Withdrawal of Subsidies in Cases Where There Has Been a Determination of IUU Fishing

August 10, 2020

This report provides an overview of APEC economies’ existing measures on withdrawal of subsidies in cases of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drawing on the voluntary responses and input of member economies.

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News: Webinar: Fisheries Subsidies: How can leaders use the trade system to deliver for people and planet?

July 23, 2020

On July 8, 2020, IISD hosted a webinar on the state of play and future prospects of WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations.

Policy Briefs: WTO Negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies: What's the state of play?

July 16, 2020 | Alice Tipping , Tristan Irschlinger

With only a few months left to conclude WTO talks on fisheries subsidies, this update provides an overview of the draft consolidated text circulated by the Chair of negotiations on June 25, 2020. It highlights the key decisions WTO Members will need to make to reach an agreement.

Policy Briefs: Determining the Status of Fish Stocks in Data-Poor Environments and Multispecies Fisheries

June 19, 2020 | Maren Headley

Some of the possible new World Trade Organization rules on fisheries subsidies could apply only when fish stocks are overfished or fishing is unsustainable. How can this be assessed in the context of data-poor and multispecies fisheries?