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: A Global Deal to Tackle Harmful Fisheries Subsidies: A look behind the scenes

December 23, 2022

In 2022, WTO 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.

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Videos: In Focus: A Draft WTO Agreement to Curb Harmful Fisheries Subsidies

April 6, 2022

This June, members of the World Trade Organization have the opportunity to establish a historic treaty to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. In a new video IISD expert Alice Tipping delivers a concise overview of the draft agreement.

Press Release: Government Support for Marine Fisheries in Indonesia Should Be Assessed to Minimize the Risk of Overcapacity and Overfishing—New Report

July 27, 2021

A new report suggests that certain government supports may incentivize overfishing in Indonesia. Experts say these should be prioritized for possible reform.

Videos: A Closer Look at Fisheries Subsidies Negotiations at the WTO

IISD expert Alice Tipping took a closer look at the WTO's June negotiating text and laid out exactly what exactly is on the table at the negotiations.

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

This update provides an overview of the key questions that WTO Members will need to answer in the final phase of negotiations on fisheries subsidies.

Commentary: New World Trade Organization Fisheries Subsidies Text: It’s a balancing act

On May 11, 2021 the Chair of the WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies released a new draft text for the agreement. This commentary explains how the text attempts to strike a balance on key questions in the design of new rules for support to fishing around the world.

Policy Briefs: Assessing and Managing Fishing Capacity in the Context of World Trade Organization Disciplines on Fisheries Subsidies

This brief provides general background on defining and measuring fishing capacity in the context of WTO disciplines on fisheries subsidies.

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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