Post by : Raman

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced a very important agreement that aims to stop overfishing around the world. Starting Monday, this agreement became active after many years of talks. It asks countries to reduce the money they give to large fishing fleets. The goal is simple: to protect fish and keep the ocean healthy for future generations.

This agreement is a big step for the environment. It is the first time the WTO has focused directly on protecting nature. The main idea is to stop too many fish from being caught, which has been a big problem for many years. As people eat more seafood, fishing has increased, and some fish types are disappearing.

What Is the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement?

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a special global deal. Its purpose is to stop harmful fishing practices by limiting the financial help (called subsidies) that governments give to fishing companies.

This agreement became real after four more countries agreed to join: Brazil, Kenya, Tonga, and Vietnam. Now, a total of 112 countries support the deal. This is just over the two-thirds majority needed for the agreement to start.

Important countries like China, the United States, and the European Union (EU) are part of it. But some big countries, like India and Indonesia, have not yet joined.

Why Is Overfishing a Problem?

Overfishing happens when people catch more fish than nature can replace. This causes fish numbers to drop. Experts say about 38% of global fish stocks are overfished today. That means fish are being taken faster than they can grow back.

If too many fish are caught, the ocean becomes less healthy. This is bad for sea life and for millions of people who rely on fishing for food and work.

Without rules, fishing companies keep building bigger ships and using stronger tools. This makes it easier to catch even more fish, creating a dangerous cycle that hurts nature.

How Does the WTO Agreement Work?

The agreement has two important parts:

1. Phase 1 – Now in Effect:
   The first part focuses on stopping subsidies for:

   • Illegal fishing.

   • Fishing in areas where fish stocks are already very low.

   This means countries cannot help their companies fish in ways that damage the environment.

2. Phase 2 – Under Discussion:
   The second part will target subsidies that help fishing companies build more ships or buy expensive equipment. This is very important because too many ships cause overcapacity, which makes the overfishing problem worse.

Experts believe Phase 2 is key. Without it, overfishing will continue to grow.

Financial Support to Help Developing Countries

The agreement plans to create a “fish fund.” This fund will help poorer countries follow the new rules.

Many small countries rely on fishing for food and money. But they may not have enough resources to change quickly. The fish fund will give financial and technical help to make the transition easier.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, an organization that supports ocean health, said the deal will force countries to stop wasting about $22 billion worldwide on subsidies that harm the oceans.

Reaction from Environmental Groups

Oceana, a major ocean conservation group, welcomed the agreement. They said fish numbers have been falling for more than 20 years. Millions of people depend on the ocean for food and jobs.

Rashid Sumaila, an expert in fisheries, said this deal is a good start. But it’s only the beginning. He said:

“Without fish, it’s game over for the hundreds of millions of people who depend on the ocean.”

Sumaila explained that Phase 1 does not solve everything. It just begins the process of stopping harmful fishing. He hopes that Phase 2 will come soon.

Why the Second Phase Matters

The second phase will stop subsidies that encourage overcapacity.

Why is this important?

When companies get help to build more ships or buy better tools, they catch more fish than needed. This drives down the cost of fishing and makes it harder to protect fish populations.

By controlling these subsidies, the WTO hopes to keep fishing at safe levels.

Experts believe the success of Phase 1 will help countries agree on Phase 2. Together, both phases could protect fish and oceans much better.

Global Importance of the Agreement

This agreement is a historic moment for the world. For the first time, the WTO, an organization usually focused on trade, is acting to protect the environment.

With 112 countries on board, the deal has the power to make real change.

But success will depend on:

• More countries joining, like India and Indonesia.

• Strong enforcement of the new rules.

• Helping developing nations apply the rules.

Challenges Ahead

Even though the agreement is a major step forward, many challenges remain.

• Enforcement:
  Some countries may continue harmful fishing practices, ignoring the rules.

• Monitoring Illegal Fishing:
  It’s not easy to check what all countries and ships are doing. Strong international cooperation is needed.

• Support for Developing Countries:
  The fish fund must be strong and helpful. Poor nations rely on fishing for food and money. Without enough help, they may fail to follow the new rules.

What This Means for the Future

This WTO deal is a very important milestone for the planet.

It shows the world is starting to understand that trade and the environment must go together.

The first phase already limits subsidies that help illegal fishing and harm overfished areas. But the second phase is needed to control subsidies that encourage too many ships and tools.

If all countries work together, this agreement could help fish populations grow again and protect marine life for future generations.

It is a big win for the environment and the millions of people who depend on the oceans.

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