Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard of the World Trade Organization (WTO) addressed the importance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies during a launch event for the 2025 edition of the OECD Review of Fisheries. The report offers comprehensive data on fisheries, highlighting threats and challenges while proposing solutions to improve sustainability.
Ellard noted that fisheries management systems and government support can complement each other when informed by sound decision-making. She referenced the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted in June 2022 as a significant step towards sustainable fishing practices. This agreement prohibits subsidies to activities harmful to ocean sustainability, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
"By adopting the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in June 2022, WTO Members took one important step in this direction," Ellard stated. She emphasized that "the provision of subsidies for such activities is among the major challenges facing sustainable fisheries practices."
The agreement requires ratification by two-thirds of WTO Members (111 members) to come into force. Currently, 89 members have ratified it, leaving 22 more needed for implementation. Ellard expressed hope that it would be ratified before the UN Ocean Conference in June.
She urged remaining countries to accelerate their domestic processes and join those who have already ratified. "Depositing your instruments of acceptance will not only demonstrate your commitment to the sustainability of our oceans but will also serve as an important boost to the multilateral trading system at an important and challenging time," she said.
Entry into force will enable access to technical assistance via the WTO Fish Fund for developing country members that have ratified it. The fund has received significant financial support from OECD members.
The deputy director-general acknowledged ongoing negotiations aimed at addressing subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing. The OECD's work provides crucial insights into these issues.
"I see the mission of the WTO and mission of the OECD to be complementary, and mutually reinforcing," Ellard concluded, stressing collaboration between organizations in reforming fisheries subsidies.