India’s Advocacy for Sustainable Fisheries in WTO Negotiations

WTO Fisheries Subsidies and India

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently focused on the issue of fisheries subsidies, which significantly impact global fish stocks and marine ecosystems. These subsidies are financial support provided by governments to their fishing industries. While beneficial for economic growth and livelihoods, certain subsidies contribute to overfishing, depleting fish stocks beyond sustainable limits.

Fisheries Subsidies and Overfishing

Overfishing poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and the longevity of the fishing industry. The WTO aims to negotiate an agreement that addresses harmful fisheries subsidies. The negotiations are structured around two primary pillars:

• Prohibiting subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This agreement was made in 2019.
• Disciplining subsidies that lead to overcapacity and overfishing (OCO), which is the current focus of ongoing negotiations.

India's Stance at the WTO

India is actively advocating for regulations that target large-scale industrial fishing fleets, particularly those engaged in deep-sea fishing, which are seen as the main contributors to overfishing. The country emphasizes the importance of protecting small-scale fishers who are vital for food security and local economies.

Key Aspects of India's Advocacy

India's position includes several critical concerns:

• Protecting Small-Scale Fishers: India argues that regulations should not undermine the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in developing nations.
• Addressing Loopholes: India highlights weaknesses in current draft texts that could allow unsustainable practices to persist, particularly by large industrial fishing nations.
• Ensuring Equity: India calls for equitable treatment in regulations, advocating against sustainability exemptions that favor developed countries with superior monitoring capabilities.

Current Status of Negotiations

Negotiations are ongoing, aiming to finalize the second part of the fisheries subsidies agreement by the year's end. The Chair of the fisheries negotiations has urged member countries to collaborate to foster the political will necessary for a successful conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is India’s main concern regarding the proposed WTO rules on fisheries subsidies?
Answer: India is concerned that the current draft may disproportionately burden developing countries and small-scale fishers, while allowing large industrial fishing nations to continue unsustainable practices.

Q2. Why is India advocating for protecting small-scale fishers?
Answer: Small-scale fishers are crucial for the livelihoods and food security of many in developing countries. India believes these fishers should not face penalties due to regulations aimed at industrial overfishing.

Q3. Which countries support India’s stance?
Answer: Several developing and least-developed countries, including Morocco and Vietnam, have expressed support for India’s position on fisheries subsidies.

Q4. What is the current status of the negotiations?
Answer: Negotiations are ongoing, with a goal to conclude the fisheries subsidies agreement by year-end, focusing on ensuring fair regulations for all member countries.

Q5. Why are fisheries subsidies important in global trade?
Answer: Fisheries subsidies significantly impact the sustainability of fish stocks, influencing global food security, environmental health, and the economic viability of fishing communities worldwide.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main focus of WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies?
A) Protecting large-scale fishing industries
B) Reducing harmful fisheries subsidies
C) Increasing fishing quotas
D) Supporting overfishing practices
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which countries support India's advocacy for small-scale fishers?
A) Developed nations
B) Least-developed countries
C) Industrial fishing nations
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the purpose of regulations on IUU fishing?
A) To promote fishing tourism
B) To protect overfished species
C) To eliminate illegal fishing practices
D) To increase fish farming
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Why does India emphasize addressing loopholes in the draft text?
A) To protect industrial fishing
B) To ensure fair regulations for small fishers
C) To enhance fish quotas
D) To promote global fishing alliances
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What are the two pillars of the WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies?
A) Increasing fishing capacity and protecting small fishers
B) Prohibiting IUU fishing and disciplining harmful subsidies
C) Supporting large fleets and enhancing monitoring
D) Promoting fishing tourism and reducing quotas
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What is India's primary concern regarding the proposed WTO rules?
A) It may favor developed nations
B) It may enhance fishing quotas
C) It may promote overfishing
D) It may increase subsidies for industrial fishing
Correct Answer: A

Question 7: What role do small-scale fishers play in developing countries?
A) They contribute to industrial fishing
B) They are vital for food security and local economies
C) They have no impact on fishing industries
D) They only fish for recreational purposes
Correct Answer: B