The World Trade Organization (WTO) has declared that Mauritius has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The agreement seeks to ban harmful subsidies for fisheries, as these subsidies are identified as a contributing factor to the depletion of fish stocks.
Director General Okonjo-Iweala, in a news release dated May 14, expressed her sentiments regarding this development. "I warmly welcome the formal acceptance by Mauritius of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This is a concrete demonstration of Mauritius's commitment to the WTO system and to global efforts to improve the sustainability of the world's marine fisheries," she said. Okonjo-Iweala also highlighted the significance of the fisheries sector for Mauritius, both historically and in terms of future plans for its blue economy. "A healthy ocean, built on strong and cooperative fisheries management, will be a reliable source of long-lasting economic and environmental benefits, paying dividends for future generations of Mauritians," she added.
With Mauritius' acceptance, 75 WTO members have now formally endorsed the agreement. According to the same May 14 news release, another 35 acceptances are needed for the agreement to reach two-thirds membership acceptance and thereby come into effect.
Usha Chandnee Dwarka-Canabady, Ambassador of Mauritius, also commented on this milestone in the same news release. "Mauritius is pleased to be the 75th WTO member to deposit its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and looks forward to the entry into force of the Agreement this year," she said. Dwarka-Canabady further emphasized Mauritius' commitment towards combating illegal fishing practices and promoting sustainable fisheries globally as crucial components for climate security, ecosystem preservation, and food security.
The agreement was initially adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference held on June 17, 2022. Although a second round of negotiations during the 13th Ministerial Conference in June 2023 did not conclude, significant progress was made in bridging gaps in the agreement, as per the WTO's page on fisheries subsidies.
For a member to formally accept the protocol, they must deposit an instrument of acceptance. This document should identify the protocol by its full title, state that the member accepts and will be bound by the protocol, and include details such as date and location of issuance. It must bear the signature of either the head of state, head of government, or minister of foreign affairs. Other officials may sign provided they present documentation authorizing their signature from one of these high-ranking officials.