India Demands 25-Year Ban on Distant Water Fishing Subsidies at WTO Meet

At the World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, India called for a moratorium of at least 25 years on subsidies for distant water fishing, emphasizing the harmful effects of such support measures on sustainable fishing.

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Sustainable Fishing Practices and Livelihood Concerns

India highlighted that domestic fishermen in the country adhere to sustainable fishing practices, and any agreement on fisheries subsidies should prioritize the interests and welfare of fishing communities that rely on marine resources for their livelihood and sustenance.

Moratorium on Subsidies for Distant Water Fishing Nations

India urged WTO members to introduce a moratorium on subsidies provided by Distant Water Fishing Nations for fishing or fishing-related activities beyond their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) for a period of at least 25 years.

Harmful Effects of Subsidies on Sustainable Fishing

India emphasized the need to recognize the detrimental impact of subsidies for large-scale fishing on sustainable fishing and the management of marine resources.

Balancing Subsidies and Sustainable Development

While acknowledging the potential negative consequences of subsidies in the fisheries sector, India also stressed the importance of subsidies for developing countries and small economies to develop and diversify their fisheries sector, ensuring food security and livelihood security for their fishermen.

WTO Negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies

The issue of fisheries subsidies is being negotiated at the WTO meeting as members aim to reach an agreement on disciplining subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity. In 2022, WTO members finalized a pact to eliminate subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.

Principles of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Special and Differential Treatment

India emphasized that any comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies should be based on the principles of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and should incorporate the provisions of Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) appropriately, as is the case for all WTO agreements.

Critique of Current Approaches to Overcapacity and Overfishing

India expressed concerns about the current approaches for addressing Over Capacity and Over Fishing (OCOF), describing them as deeply flawed.

Distant Water Fishing and Subsidies by Developed Countries

India highlighted that countries like Norway, China, Japan, and the United States engage in distant water fishing and provide substantial subsidies to their fishing communities.

India's stance at the WTO meeting reflects its commitment to sustainable fishing practices, the welfare of fishing communities, and the need for balanced approaches to fisheries subsidies that consider the interests of developing countries and small economies.