Latest news with #AgreementonFisheriesSubsidies
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
WTO fisheries agreement gains momentum, but will Africa's coastal states rise to the challenge?
Despite the high cost of illegal fishing, only a third of African countries have signed the landmark agreement that will soon take effect. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is on track to be adopted this year, with Ghana the latest African country to ratify. Nine more ratifications are needed to reach the total of 111, which activates the treaty. The landmark deal will come into force in what looks like a ' super year ' for ocean governance. Yet only about a third of African states have ratified it, raising questions about whether the agreement risks faltering where the benefits are most needed. The Food and Agriculture Organization's most recent State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report says Africa's fisheries are among the most vulnerable and highly affected by overfishing and illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing. Little of Africa's marine fish stocks are caught sustainably. This presents the continent with a unique trifecta of challenges: subsidised foreign fleets, weak ocean governance, and climate change combine to undermine the sustainability of marine resources. Small pelagic stocks in West Africa have collapsed, East African coral reef fisheries run below sustainable yields, and coastal livelihoods and food security are under threat. Current estimations suggest that at least $11.2-billion in African revenue is lost annually due to illegal exploitation. In this context, the fisheries deal should be a major step in addressing unlawful fishing and harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing. Globally, 102 countries are officially recorded as having ratified the agreement. Several others, including Ghana, have completed domestic ratification, but aren't yet reflected in the official count because they still need to conclude the formal procedure. The agreement targets three areas contributing to the depletion of marine resources, with two implementation phases. First, it bans subsidies linked to exploiting overfished stocks, aiming to bolster conservation and awareness about weak regulatory oversight. Second, it prohibits fishing subsidies in high seas areas beyond the purview of regional fisheries bodies, where enforcement gaps are common and migratory fish stocks are vulnerable. Finally, it bans subsidies to vessels involved in illegal fishing. These measures respond to longstanding concerns about the role of subsidies in enabling overfishing and illegal fishing, especially by distant-water fleets. Although the benefits for Africa are clear, the reception seems lukewarm, with just 20 African countries having officially ratified the agreement. Most support has come from West Africa, where the Economic Community of West African States has urged its members to support the initiative. In East and southern Africa, only four coastal states have ratified: Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles and South Africa. One probable reason is limited awareness and technical capacity since the agreement is essentially a trade instrument, not a conventional fisheries or environmental treaty. So understanding the deal's implications requires coordination between national agencies responsible for fishing, environment, trade and foreign affairs. The agreement is nevertheless on track to enter into force before year-end, underscoring the importance of Africa's readiness to successfully implement it. For one thing, implementation will likely come with financial and resource implications. The agreement requires all WTO members to create a national subsidy inventory documenting the nature, recipients and purpose of fisheries subsidies. This will require inter-agency coordination, political commitment, and new digital reporting systems, potentially adding costs for African states. At the same time, a lack of capacity or political will to implement may see countries become targets for illegal fleets, since the agreement is only as strong as states' ability to enforce it. This is especially likely since the prohibition is not triggered automatically, but only once a relevant party determines a transgression has occurred. That party could be the coastal state against which a transgression has been committed, one whose flag is used by the vessel involved in illegal fishing, or a relevant regional fisheries management organisation/arrangement. However, the arrangements are not always well equipped to deal with illegal fishing, and their ability to respond depends on member states' commitment and capacity. And flag states, especially those providing flags of convenience, are seldom willing to enforce rules that undermine their profits. This means the successful use of the agreement will depend on countries' ability to detect illegal activity and collect evidence. That doesn't diminish the initiative's utility, but highlights the challenges African countries could face as they prepare for implementation. To maximise the agreement's benefits, governments should prioritise three actions. Self-assessment tool First, they must use the WTO's self-assessment tool to systematically align national policies with the agreement's requirements. Identifying legislative, regulatory and institutional gaps may require technical assistance or capacity-building support. Second, states should strengthen coordination among fisheries, trade and finance ministries to ensure coherent policy implementation and transparent reporting on subsidies and conservation measures, as mandated by the agreement. Third, African countries are well positioned to leverage the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, which provides resources for developing nations to upgrade fisheries management, enhance compliance and help small-scale fishers achieve sustainable practices. This support becomes available to member states on ratifying the agreement. However, the deal alone is not a panacea. It is a useful addition to countries' toolkit in their fight against illegal and unsustainable fishing — but its effectiveness will depend on the actions of African coastal and flag states. Countries should use existing maritime mechanisms, such as the Djibouti and Yaoundé codes of conduct, as well as their regional maritime security strategies. The African Union (AU) and the AU Development Agency could provide technical support and capacity building, and raise awareness among member states as they have done before. The absence of a robust WTO enforcement mechanism means African countries must simultaneously invest in strengthening their maritime security and implementing international accords like the Agreement on Port State Measures. Enhanced surveillance, port inspections and regional collaboration are vital for intercepting illegal catches and deterring illicit operators. Without these complementary measures, the risks to Africa's food security, economic stability and regional security will persist. DM
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
WTO says Pakistan accepts agreement on fisheries subsidies
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Thursday that Pakistan has formally accepted the agreement on fisheries subsidies. Pakistan deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain presented Pakistan's instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. DG Okonjo-Iweala said: "Pakistan's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies marks a vital step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of global marine resources, while safeguarding the livelihoods and food security of the millions of people who depend on healthy fisheries. "By joining this collective effort, Pakistan demonstrates its commitment to its coastal communities and the environment and it becomes eligible for resources from our Fish Fund. I encourage the remaining WTO members to swiftly follow suit – we need only 17 more." Ambassador Hussain said: "Pakistan is delighted to deposit its instrument of ratification for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. It reflects the unwavering commitment of the Government of Pakistan to safeguard our marine resources, a vital component of our national economy and the livelihoods of our coastal communities. We recognize the critical role that this Agreement can play in curbing harmful fishing practices and in ensuring the long-term health of our oceans. We urge all WTO members to join us in this essential global effort." Pakistan's instrument of acceptance brings to 94 the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the Agreement. Seventeen more formal acceptances are needed for the Agreement to come into effect. The Agreement will enter into force upon acceptance by two-thirds of the membership. Adopted by consensus at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), held in Geneva on 12-17 June 2022, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies sets new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies.
Daily Tribune
21-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
No funds for overfishing
A law bringing Bahrain in line with global rules on fishing subsidies is set for debate in the Shura Council on Sunday. If approved, it will add the WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to the Marrakesh Agreement, as laid out in Decree No. 79 of 2024. The agreement is designed to curb overfishing by banning government support that encourages unsustainable fishing. Proposal The Shura Council's Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee was tasked with reviewing the proposal after Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh referred it for study. The committee examined the legal implications, consulted government bodies, and reviewed input from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Oil and Environment, and the Supreme Council for the Environment. The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee found no legal or constitutional concerns with the proposal. Approval The Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission said Bahrain's approval fits into worldwide efforts to stop subsidies that contribute to dwindling fish stocks. The Supreme Council for the Environment called the WTO agreement the first of its kind within the organisation, setting legally binding rules to curb overfishing. Representatives pointed to the importance of tracking and managing fishing data, saying this was key to keeping fish stocks at stable levels. Industry The Coast Guard Command said Bahrain already bans support for illegal fishing and works with other agencies to keep the industry in check. They noted that signing up to the agreement alongside other Gulf countries would strengthen regional oversight and bring better coordination. The law consists of a preamble and two articles. Protocol The first approves the amended protocol, signed in Geneva on 17 June 2022, which adds the fisheries agreement to the Marrakesh Agreement. The second is procedural. The protocol itself has six clauses, which set out how the agreement fits into existing WTO rules, ban any reservations on its terms, and detail how it will come into force. It also lays down the rules for formal acceptance by WTO members. Definitions The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies itself has 12 articles covering definitions, subsidy bans, compliance, and dispute settlement. It prohibits subsidies for vessels or operators involved in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing. It also limits financial support for fishing that puts extra pressure on depleted stocks and prevents governments from funding fishing operations outside their own waters unless the area is managed by a recognised regional body. Allowances Special allowances exist for developing and least-developed countries, giving them more time and support to meet the requirements. Signatories will have to submit regular reports to allow oversight, with a WTO committee set up to ensure the rules are followed. The Shura Council's Foreign Affairs Committee found that the protocol did not go against the constitution but needed parliamentary approval under Article 37(2). They said Bahrain has taken steps to protect its marine life and manage its fisheries, which are both a key food and income sources for many Bahrainis.
