The World Trade Organization (WTO) has declared that Mauritius has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The instrument of acceptance from Lao PDR was presented by Ambassador Usha Chandnee Dwarka-Canabady to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, bringing the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 75.
Adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference on June 17, 2022, the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies prohibits harmful fisheries subsidies, addressing a critical aspect of global fish stock depletion. According to information available on the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies webpage provided by WTO, this agreement marks the first accomplishment of a sustainable development goal target through a multilateral agreement and is also the initial WTO agreement with a focus on environmental issues.
In a press release issued by WTO, Okonjo-Iweala stated, "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. The fisheries sector has historically been an important source of employment and exports for Mauritius and continues to figure prominently in its plans to develop 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."
Echoing Okonjo-Iweala's sentiment in another press release by WTO, Dwarka-Canabady said,"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. As a Small Island Developing State with large maritime zones, Mauritius remains committed to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and to sustainable fisheries globally as an essential component of climate security, for preserving healthy ecosystems and achieving food security."