As the world grapples with overfishing and depleting fish stocks, a global effort is underway to protect our oceans. The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a significant stride towards healthier oceans and sustainable fishing practices, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently becoming the seventh member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to formally accept it.
The UAE’s Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries
On May 16, 2023, the UAE submitted its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, demonstrating its commitment to global efforts aimed at curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Ambassador Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Jarman presented the UAE government’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The UAE’s acceptance of the agreement underscores its dedication to sustainable fishing and ocean conservation. As Ambassador Al Jarman stated, “the UAE is proud and honoured to be one of the early member countries to join the international efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.” With the awareness of the detrimental impact of overfishing and overcapacity, the UAE has taken a stand against the worldwide depletion of fish stocks.
WTO’s Endorsement and Further Expectations
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commended the UAE’s commitment, stating, “I am grateful for the United Arab Emirates’ formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. As host of the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference to be held in February 2024, and with its affirmation of this historic agreement for healthier oceans, the UAE is providing invaluable support for the work of the WTO and its continuing efforts to ensure the multilateral trading system contributes to sustainable development.”
The UAE’s dedication to environmental sustainability will be further showcased as it prepares to host two significant events: the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO. With these events on the horizon, Ambassador Al Jarman urged other countries to deposit their instruments of acceptance to reach the required two-thirds membership for the agreement to come into effect.
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: A Tool for Sustainable Fisheries
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted by consensus at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), sets binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies, a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks. The agreement recognises the needs of developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) and establishes a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them implement their obligations.
The agreement takes a decisive stand against harmful fishing practices by prohibiting support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, banning support for fishing overfished stocks, and ending subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas. Members have also agreed to continue negotiations on outstanding issues, aiming to make further recommendations at MC13 for additional provisions that would enhance the disciplines of the Agreement.
Moving Towards a Sustainable Future
The UAE’s formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a momentous step towards sustainable fishing practices and healthier oceans. It serves as a call to action for other WTO members to join the effort and bring the agreement into effect. As we move towards a future where sustainability is key, the acceptance of this agreement by more countries will play a crucial role in preserving our oceans and ensuring the longevity of our global fish stocks.
The full text of the Agreement can be accessed here.
The list of members that have submitted their acceptance of the Agreement is available here.
Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment is available here.