Fisheries Subsidies

The IISD is focused on supporting the current World Trade Organization negotiations to end harmful fisheries subsidies by the end of 2020.

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 the end of 2020, recognizing the need to restore the sustainability of fish stocks while supporting livelihoods and food security, particularly in developing countries.

Project team

Alice Tipping

Lead, Fisheries Subsidies

Eleonora Bonaccorsi

Junior Project Officer, Geneva 2030 Ecosystem

Tristan Irschlinger

Policy Advisor, Fisheries Subsidies

Funded by

Government of the United Kingdom

Latest

Fishers caught in COVID-19 net, sink into poverty

Lockdown restrictions following the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have severely impacted fishing operations, processing, markets and supply chains, leaving those in low-income groups vulnerable to malnutrition and poverty, say the authors of a new study.

IISD in the news

SciDevNet

March 2, 2021

25 Reasons Why the WTO Must End Subsidies That Drive Overfishing

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.

Blog

November 2, 2020

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

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

Report

July 30, 2020

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

With only a few months to conclude WTO talks on fisheries subsidies, this update is an overview of the draft text circulated by the Chair of negotiations.

Brief

July 14, 2020

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

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?

Report

June 18, 2020