WWF welcomes landmark achievement for the ocean as WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies enters into force

The entry into force of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement stands as a historic commitment to curb harmful subsidies and restore ocean health - a breakthrough that will help secure sustainable fisheries and a healthy ocean for the direct benefit of coastal communities.  

The Agreement takes direct aim at the estimated US$22 billion per year in harmful subsidies that fuel overfishing and destructive practices, undermining marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions. The Agreement represents a collective commitment to end subsidies that drive illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, fuelling fishing on overfished stocks where no recovery measures exist and on the unregulated high-seas. It lays the groundwork for healthier oceans and, if effectively implemented, a level playing-field for all. 

“This agreement shows the ocean continues to be a powerful force for global cooperation and progress,” said Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International. “Its entry into force is a landmark achievement - enabling countries to reform and redirect harmful subsidies toward sustainable fisheries, helping rebuild fish stocks, and supporting coastal communities. It’s a vital step toward restoring ocean health and ensuring fisheries are managed fairly and responsibly.” 

The agreement also creates new opportunities for transparency, accountability, and global cooperation. It contributes directly to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Goal 14.6, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while establishing mechanisms such as a new WTO Fish Fund to support developing countries to implement the Agreement.

WWF, which has advocated for an Agreement alongside partners for over two decades, now calls for all remaining WTO members to ratify without delay and for governments to move quickly on national implementation. Negotiations must also continue to close gaps related to additional rules on subsidies that drive overcapacity and overfishing.

“Overfishing threatens ocean health and resilience,” said Anna Holl, Global Lead WTO Fisheries Subsidies, WWF. “This agreement is a significant move towards ending harmful fisheries subsidies, including those supporting illegal fishing. While not perfect, it mobilizes countries to redirect funds toward rebuilding fish stocks, strengthening food security, and protecting our oceans. Now we need to see governments move swiftly to implement the agreement and deliver the commitments our ocean and planet so urgently need"

The entry into force of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement comes as additional countries have ratified the separate High Seas Treaty in recent weeks, bringing the total close to the threshold of 60 parties required for it to enter into force. The High Seas Treaty, agreed in 2023 and also sometimes referred to as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or ’BBNJ’, will complement the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement by providing for a global legal framework to establish protected areas in the high seas. WWF urges further countries to come on board to allow the agreement to enter into force in January 2026.

ENDS

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) on 17 June 2022, marks a major step forward for ocean sustainability by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks.