WTO Indonesia Sparks Hope in Fishery Discussions

Indonesia has offered an optimistic outlook during the recent World Trade Organization's (WTO) "Fish Week" discussions, pushing towards a balanced agreement about fishery subsidies, particularly focusing on issues of overcapacity and overfishing.

The chair, Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, emphasized the importance of problem-solving and bridge-building during these discussions. He highlighted the contributions from various members to form a more comprehensive understanding of the ideas presented, aiming to unlock an effective solution to subsidies contributing to overfishing and overcapacity.

The discussions led to a common understanding that most documents presented by members included a clear prohibition of subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing, particularly concerning large-scale industrial fishing. The chair plans to continue these discussions monthly, starting after the summer break.

One-third of WTO members have accepted the fisheries agreement made at the 12th ministerial conference last year. However, it will only come into effect after acceptance by two-thirds of members.

Indonesia shared a document proposing ideas on how to address the subsidy issues contributing to overcapacity and overfishing. The country emphasized the importance of developing an agreement that recognizes the special and differential treatment needed for developing and least developed countries in the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiation.

Indonesia believes the draft texts go beyond the special and differential treatment and overcapacity and overfishing issue. The country pointed out the existing imbalance in global fishing, where major subsidizers have the capacity to exploit marine resources unsustainably. This situation has led to depleted fish stocks, posing significant threats to future generations.

Indonesia argues for appropriate special treatment to address this disparity, aiming to provide developing and least developed countries with the capacity to support their fishing industries.

Indonesia stressed the importance of harmonizing the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement with the United Nations Convention on Law of Seas, to ensure a robust international regime of global fisheries and respect the rights of coastal states.

Indonesia suggested key provisions for overcapacity and overfishing disciplines. These include adopting parts of the current draft document, regulating harmful subsidies, providing general exceptions to harmful subsidies, and determining a biologically sustainable level for fishing.

Additionally, the proposal states that large-scale industrial fishing is not eligible for subsidies, and it suggests the use of subsidies should be limited for members involved in fishing activities outside their usual fishing areas.

The proposal emphasizes special and differential treatment for developing countries, exemptions for least developed countries, transitional periods for newly graduated least developed countries, and considerations for developing members within their jurisdictional areas.

Lastly, Indonesia proposes that developing members, especially least developed countries, must be provided with technical assistance and capacity building. This proposal aims to provide support for developing members and enable them to implement sustainable fisheries management.