Introduction:
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted during the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022, represents a significant stride towards ensuring ocean sustainability. By addressing harmful fisheries subsidies, which contribute to the depletion of global fish stocks, this agreement marks a historic achievement in international cooperation. This discussion explores the various facets of the treaty, its provisions, and the concerns raised by India, shedding light on the complexities of striking a balance between environmental conservation and the developmental needs of nations.
Body:
Provisions of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies:
- Article 3: Prohibits subsidies for fishing vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Article 4: Restricts subsidies for overfished fish stocks, with provisions for sustainable rebuilding measures.
- Article 5: Restrains subsidies for high seas fishing outside regional fisheries management organization competence.
India’s Concerns and Considerations:
Balancing Development and Sustainability:
- India stresses a balance between developing countries’ current and future fishing needs.
- Advocates effective special and differential treatment (S&DT) based on developmental requirements.
- Calls for insights from the Marrakesh Agreement for informed decision-making.
Avoiding Past Mistakes:
- India highlights the need to learn from the imbalances and trade-distorting entitlements of the Uruguay Round, particularly in agriculture.
- Seeks to prevent a repetition of unequal outcomes for certain developed members.
Subsidies and Socioeconomic Impact:
- Questions the effectiveness of subsidies like income and livelihood support during no-fishing periods.
- Highlights subsidies’ role in supporting socially disadvantaged fishing communities and preventing overfishing.
- Contrasts India’s modest USD 15 per fisher family subsidy with other countries’ higher subsidies.
Moratorium on Distant Water Fishing Subsidies:
- Proposes a 25-year moratorium on subsidies for distant water fishing beyond Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
- Aims to address imbalances and ensure equitable treatment of fishing nations.
Examples in the Indian Context:
- India’s traditional and small-scale fishery sector relies on sustainable practices to support local communities.
- Income and livelihood support during no-fishing seasons helps regenerate fish stocks and provide social security.
- The disparity between India’s modest subsidies and larger subsidies in other countries underscores the potential for unequal impact.
Conclusion:
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, a ground-breaking multilateral initiative, signifies a pivotal step towards ocean sustainability by curbing harmful practices. While celebrating this achievement, it is imperative to consider the concerns raised by India. These concerns underline the need for a comprehensive approach that harmonizes developmental aspirations with environmental preservation. Addressing the complexities of fisheries subsidies requires a delicate balance, where global cooperation ensures the well-being of both nations and oceans alike.