Fiji has become a part of a significant global effort for marine conservation as the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies officially took effect on September 15, 2025. This landmark agreement, activated during a special General Council meeting in Geneva, marks a critical step in curbing billions of dollars in harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overfishing and the depletion of global marine resources.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTO’s Director-General, hailed the agreement as a “landmark for global trade governance,” emphasizing its dual focus on sustainability and protecting livelihoods. She stated that the Agreement demonstrates how trade can benefit both people and the planet.
Fiji proudly deposited its instrument of acceptance on October 24, 2023, joining other WTO members in adhering to these legally binding rules. Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, Ambassador Luke Daunivalu, presented the acceptance document to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, underscoring Fiji’s commitment to the cause.
The Agreement, conceived during the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022, proposes historic multilateral rules prohibiting subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also bans subsidies for fishing overfished stocks and ceases support for fishing activities in unregulated high seas.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by developing and least-developed countries, the Agreement includes the establishment of a special fund designed to assist these nations with technical support and capacity building for implementing the new rules.
With the treaty now in force, WTO members, including Fiji, are expected to adjust their national policies to comply with the new obligations. This alignment is crucial for global efforts to protect marine ecosystems while bolstering the capabilities of small-scale fishers and coastal communities. Importantly, the WTO is also preparing for a second wave of reforms, focusing on additional disciplines for overcapacity and overfishing, marking a vital next step in global fisheries management.
Fiji’s involvement exemplifies the country’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management, addressing overfishing and promoting livelihood protections for communities that rely heavily on marine resources. This initiative not only strengthens environmental efforts but ensures that small island nations like Fiji play a critical role in international discussions on sustainable marine resource management.