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At the WTO's Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., negotiators are endeavoring to advance an agreement aimed at halting harmful fishing subsidies, building upon a 2022 accord that prohibited the subsidization of illegal fishing. The updated draft text, presented on 26 February, seeks to extend the ban to subsidies contributing to overfishing and fishing sector overcapacity. So far, 70 countries have submitted their acceptance of the treaty, with 110 needed for its enforcement.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged members to pursue the treaty's update at MC13, emphasizing its significance for ocean sustainability and the livelihoods of millions dependent on marine resources. Iceland's WTO Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson, leading the talks, presented the draft text after a month of negotiations, highlighting remaining issues, including exemptions for developing countries.
The draft proposes a two-tier reporting system, with stricter standards for countries with major distant-water fleets and exemptions for poorer developing nations. This has sparked debate, particularly among African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations, concerned about constraints on their small-scale fisheries. Despite challenges, there is cautious optimism for a deal, with constructive engagement observed during discussions, though uncertainties remain as negotiations progress.
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