Fishing treaty fails at WTO, prompting US, Chinese concern

Countries and environmental groups expressed concern and disappointment on Tuesday after a draft treaty aimed at reducing fishing subsidies failed to pass. China called for significant changes in the negotiation process at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

These talks, considered crucial for aiding the recovery of over-fished stocks, have been ongoing at the WTO for over 20 years. An initial package was approved in 2022.

The second phase, addressing some of the most challenging issues, was prepared for approval at a WTO meeting this week. However, it was blocked by India, which criticized the treaty’s “significant shortcomings” and sought deeper exemptions for developing countries.

As a result, the discussions were downgraded from adoption to merely being “discussed” by the WTO’s 166 members, any one of whom can block a deal under the organization’s rules.

“We are deeply concerned for our future work here in the WTO on these negotiations,” said U.S. Ambassador Maria Pagan. Regarding India’s proposals, she added, “We find it difficult to understand the objectives of these papers when they re-introduce topics that have been debated and discussed repeatedly.”

China, a major subsidizer, voiced deep disappointment over the treaty’s failure to be adopted. “The fish and this planet cannot wait any longer,” said Ambassador Li Chenggang, who did not directly name India but referred to multiple failures of these talks “due to the same or similar reasons.”

“We need to think about how to get out of this dilemma … Let’s change. No reform, no success,” he urged.

Environmental groups also expressed regret. “The longer we wait, the more fishers are hurt by damaging subsidies that deplete the fish populations that coastal communities depend on,” said Ernesto Fernández Monge of The Pew Charitable Trusts.