Overfishing, Overfished Stocks, and the Current WTO Negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies (ICTSD)

The decline of global fish stocks has implications for both the food security and the livelihoods of many communities around the world. A World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement on the prohibition of harmful fisheries subsidies, currently under negotiation, could make an important contribution to the sustainability of global fisheries. This information note by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) aims to clarify key fisheries management concepts relevant to the ongoing WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies, in order to support progress towards new rules. The information note is available to download from the ICTSD website.