Einar Gunnarsson, Ambassador of Iceland, leading the fisheries subsidies negotiations for WTO, officially commenced the last “Fish Week” of 2023 on December 4. The primary objective is to propel the groundwork for achieving a consensus by the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). Gunnarsson introduced a draft text aimed at bridging gaps in members’ perspectives on crucial provisions, emphasizing the pivotal nature of this week’s efforts in completing text-based work before MC13, scheduled from February 26 to 29, 2024, in Abu Dhabi.
Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard stressed the substantial progress required during this Fish Week, labeling it as a critical test for successfully addressing this significant file at MC13. While acknowledging progress since the initiation of work in February, Ellard underscored the necessity for extensive collaboration during this week to meet the MC13 target effectively.
During MC12 in June 2022, WTO members adopted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which prohibits support for illegal fishing practices, overfished stocks, and unregulated high seas fishing. The decision to continue “second wave” negotiations was made, aiming to propose additional provisions at MC13 to enhance the Agreement’s disciplines.
The chair presented a new document during the meeting, incorporating members’ suggestions from November to adjust the September draft text, focusing on provisions related to overcapacity, overfishing, and special treatment for developing and least-developed countries.
Apart from discussions on these critical issues, the week will include bilateral consultations, with a closing plenary session on Friday. DDG Ellard expressed confidence in Ambassador Gunnarsson’s draft document and the organized week, considering it a robust framework for the necessary work.
Ellard also provided updates on members’ formal acceptances of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and contributions to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism. Encouragingly, several members are scheduling ceremonies to deposit their acceptance instruments, with many working diligently to formalize their acceptance by MC13.
The Fisheries Funding Mechanism, designed to aid developing and least-developed countries in implementing the Agreement, is progressing well, with over CHF 11 million in pledges, CHF 8.2 million of which has already been disbursed to the Fund.
Source: WTO
