Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, leading the fisheries subsidies negotiations, has taken a significant step by circulating a draft text to ministers on February 16. The text, titled "Additional Provisions on Fisheries Subsidies," aims to address issues related to subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing. It serves as the foundation for finalizing negotiations at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In his explanatory note accompanying the draft text, Gunnarsson emphasized that it reflects a balanced outcome derived from members' proposals and discussions. He highlighted the diverse range of views among members and noted the extensive collective effort during the recent "Fish Month," held from January 15 to February 12, 2024, leading up to MC13.
Gunnarsson flagged areas where significant divergences in views persist, such as subsidies to distant water fishing and artisanal fishing, as well as certain aspects related to special and differential treatment (SDT) for developing and least-developed country members.
While Gunnarsson's draft aims to strike a balance likely to garner consensus, he underscored that the final outcome ultimately depends on members' collaborative efforts during MC13.
The draft text maintains a two-tiered hybrid approach concerning subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing, with modified criteria for differentiating between members falling into the two tiers. Members in the upper tier would face stricter standards to prevent subsidized activities from harming fish stock sustainability.
In terms of SDT for developing and least-developed country members, the draft introduces significant changes, including exemptions for small-scale and artisanal fishing activities primarily focused on low-income, resource-poor, or livelihood purposes. Additionally, it addresses exclusions from SDT access for certain developing members with substantial fishing capacities.
MC13, scheduled for February 26-29 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is anticipated to be a crucial platform for advancing discussions on fisheries subsidies reform within the WTO framework.
