Implementing the WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies : Challenges and opportunities for developing and least-developed country members

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference, marks a major step forward for ocean sustainability by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depredation of the world’s fish stocks. Implementing the new disciplines will present challenges for many developing country members, especially least-developed countries. The objective of this report is to examine existing bilateral and multilateral assistance in support of sustainable fisheries, including how this may help countries meet obligations under the new Agreement.