The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced a significant opportunity for developing and least-developed country (LDC) members, launching a Call for Proposals through its dedicated Fish Fund. This initiative aims to provide essential financial and technical support to members who have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, empowering them to effectively implement its provisions and foster sustainable fishing practices worldwide.
Eligible nations are invited to submit proposals for technical assistance and capacity-building activities, crucial for integrating the Agreement’s disciplines into their national frameworks. The grants are structured into two distinct categories:
Project Preparation Grants: Up to USD 50,000 is available for foundational activities, including crucial studies and comprehensive needs assessments necessary to prepare for the Agreement’s implementation.
Project Grants: Up to USD 300,000 can be secured for concrete projects directly focused on the implementation of the Agreement.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the transformative potential of this funding: “This historic Agreement includes a vital feature: it provides funding for developing and least-developed country members to receive technical assistance and capacity building support to implement the new disciplines and improve fisheries management. Delivering this support is essential to realizing the Agreement’s benefits for people, oceans, and the planet. This Call for Proposals represents a first but significant step towards turning the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into lasting, transformative change for livelihoods and marine fisheries. I am deeply grateful to our current and future donors to the Fish Fund!”
WTO members can access the application portal online. The initial deadline for submissions is September 9, 2025. This deadline will be extended by one month if the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies enters into force before September 9. All submitted proposals will undergo rigorous review and evaluation by the Fish Fund’s Steering Committee.
Currently, 101 WTO members have formally accepted the Agreement. For the Agreement to legally enter into force, 111 instruments of acceptance are required. Financial disbursements from the Fish Fund are contingent upon the Agreement reaching this critical threshold.
Generous contributions and pledges to the Fish Fund have already reached approximately CHF 14.5 million (over USD 17.5 million). Key donors include Australia, Canada, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating broad international commitment to sustainable fisheries.
The Fish Fund was established under Article 7 of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which was adopted by ministers at the 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022. Hosted at the WTO, the Fund collaborates closely with leading international organizations: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Bank, ensuring coordinated and effective global efforts.
This call marks a pivotal moment in global efforts to curb harmful fishing subsidies and protect marine resources for future generations.
