On May 1, 2026, the World Trade Organization members held the first regular meeting of the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies, marking a milestone in the implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. They approved several decisions regarding the Committee’s functioning.
The Committee adopted its rules of procedure, the template for its annotated draft agenda, and a decision on the electronic submission of members’ notifications. It also granted the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization permanent observer status.
The Committee on Fisheries Subsidies was established to monitor and review implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, to maintain regular dialogue on matters relating to its operation and to enhance transparency of the notifications and information required under the Agreement. The Agreement entered into force on September 15, 2025.
Transparency
The Chair of the Committee noted that 12 WTO members had submitted their first notifications regarding relevant regional fisheries management organisations/arrangements to which they are parties. The Chair encouraged all members to submit their notifications as soon as possible, including on other requirements under the Agreement.
Praising those members who have already notified the WTO DG, said, “We are all about transparency for the effective operation of WTO committees, and this Committee will be no exception. I hope that members will redouble their efforts and set an example in this Committee for the WTO.”
To date, 119 WTO members have formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The latest members to have deposited their instruments of acceptance were Paraguay, Samoa, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on March 26, 2026 at the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference held in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Next meeting
The next regular meeting of the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies is scheduled for the week of October 26, 2026.
