On April 11th, the United States officially deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, making it the fourth World Trade Organization (WTO) member and the first among the large fishing nations to do so. This crucial step underscores the country’s commitment to ocean sustainability and the responsible management of global fisheries resources.
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies aims to curb harmful practices that contribute to overfishing, illegal fishing, and the depletion of marine resources. It is a landmark agreement that has been hailed as a significant milestone in the global effort to protect and preserve the world’s oceans and marine life.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the United States for taking this vital step, emphasizing its importance in accelerating the agreement’s entry into force. “The formal acceptance by the United States marks a pivotal moment for the approaching entry into force of the landmark agreement for ocean sustainability,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai formally presented the instrument of acceptance to Director-General Okonjo-Iweala in Washington, D.C. Tai underscored the United States’ dedication to working collaboratively with other WTO members to implement the agreement and address the urgent issue of overfishing.
By accepting the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the United States is taking a leadership role in the global effort to ensure sustainable fisheries management. The country’s commitment to the agreement highlights its recognition of the need for a collective, international response to the challenges facing the world’s oceans and marine ecosystems.
The United States’ formal acceptance is expected to encourage other large fishing nations to follow suit, creating momentum towards the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. As more countries join the agreement, the international community will be better equipped to address the critical issue of unsustainable fishing practices and work together to protect our oceans for generations to come.