FAO Welcomes WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement to Curb Illegal Fishing, Promote Sustainability

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has welcomed the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, calling it a historic step toward curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting global marine sustainability. The agreement aims to prohibit harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and depletion of marine resources, ensuring fair trade and environmental protection. FAO emphasized that the pact will support small-scale fishers and developing nations through capacity-building initiatives and sustainable management practices, marking a key milestone in achieving healthy oceans and responsible fisheries worldwide.