Countries push back at WTO ending subsidies for fisheries
Despite 34% of global fish populations being overexploited, the big fishers want the same treatment as the small fry
03 May 2021 - 12:53
Portland — After 20 years of negotiations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is accelerating an effort to end $22bn in government subsidies that prop up fishing industries — a key driver of plummeting fish stocks all over the world.
Now, some 34% of global fish populations are overexploited, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. In the least developed countries, fish make up more than 25% of protein consumption; in coastal communities, it can be up to 80%. Yet, the wealthiest countries subsidise industrial fleets that outcompete small-scale fishermen in poorer nations. ..
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