The latest episode of the Geneva Graduate Institute's podcast production on ocean governance dives deep into the revolutionary WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the Fish Fund. Adopted in June 2022, the WTO Fisheries Agreement entered into force on 15 September 2025, with two-thirds of members having deposited their “instruments of acceptance” with the WTO. This landmark agreement marks a historic commitment from countries worldwide to implement binding international regulations aimed at eliminating detrimental fisheries subsidies that fuel overfishing and contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The agreement includes a “second wave” of negotiations to address subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, with a commitment to continue developing new rules. The Fish Fund, or WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, is a voluntary fund established to help developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) implement the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. It provides targeted technical assistance and capacity building to these members so they can meet new obligations under the agreement and manage their fisheries more sustainably.
In this episode, we feature insights from Ambassador Matthew Wilson, Barbados’ representative to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, alongside Jonathan Werner, the manager of the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism Trust Fund. Together, they unravel the negotiation process behind this groundbreaking agreement, detailing the unique challenges faced by small island nations and discussing the exciting potential of the Fish Fund to enhance sustainable fisheries practices.
This is the first time that nations have collectively agreed to binding regulations specifically targeting harmful fisheries subsidies, representing a significant shift toward responsible ocean governance. The guests emphasise the critical support needed for small island developing states and developing countries, highlighting their specific challenges in fisheries management in national waters and the importance of equitable resource management to avoid overfishing.
The episode also explores how this WTO Fisheries Agreement paves the way for sustainable fisheries, underscoring the urgency of protecting marine resources for the future. The discussion highlights the agreement’s long-term vision, aiming to ensure that marine ecosystems can thrive for generations to come.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this momentous agreement and its implications for global fisheries management. Join us as we explore the interplay between international law and sustainable practices in ocean governance.