On 15 September, during a special meeting of the General Council, the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies officially entered into force. The Agreement commits WTO members to reduce billions of dollars in annual spending on the most harmful subsidies, which are responsible for the depletion of marine fish stocks. It represents a historic milestone for environmental sustainability, as it prohibits government support for illegal fishing and the overexploitation of marine resources.
The entry into force also activates the WTO Fish Fund, which aims to assist developing and least developed countries with implementing the agreement, improving sustainability, and benefiting fishing communities worldwide. The EU and its Member States are the majority contributors to this important fund.
According to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: “The entry into force of this Agreement is a reminder that many of the biggest challenges we face are more effectively addressed at the multilateral level. People and nations need a multilateralism that delivers — and that’s why today is so reassuring.” She also stated: “I strongly encourage all remaining members to complete their ratifications without delay. One of my key aspirations is to see the Agreement ratified by all members by the 14th Ministerial Conference (scheduled for March 2026), where we will have the opportunity to celebrate this collective achievement together.”
The Agreement will play a key role in restoring fish stocks, protecting fishing communities, and promoting food security. Adopted by consensus at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in June 2022, its rules prohibit subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for overfished stocks, and for fishing in unregulated high seas.