The chair of the fisheries subsidies negotiations has been actively engaging with members to discuss the progress and future steps for reaching a consensus on the "second wave" agreement. Over recent weeks, 28 meetings were held with individual members and group representatives to explore possible ways forward.
The chair noted that "members' positions continue to broadly reflect the views expressed at the July General Council meeting." He emphasized that most members see the draft text in document TN/RL/W/279 as a basis for finalizing an agreement, although some still have reservations about joining a consensus.
He encouraged members to consider if there is a crucial element that could lead to an agreement by December. The negotiation process was appreciated by members, but concerns remain about achieving this target.
Reflecting on his role, the chair mentioned Iceland's election to serve on the UN Human Rights Council from 2025-2027, which might limit his ability to continue leading intense negotiations next year. He described his current assignment as one of the most fulfilling of his career but acknowledged that if extensive negotiations persist into the new year, a new chair might be needed.
The WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022 saw members agree to continue discussions on unresolved issues related to fisheries subsidies. The Agreement aims to establish rules against harmful subsidies contributing to fish stock depletion while supporting developing economies through technical assistance and capacity building.
The Agreement specifically prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities and those targeting overfished stocks or occurring in unregulated high seas areas. Members are working towards adopting additional provisions enhancing these disciplines.