Africa and the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement: A Critical Step Towards Sustainable Development

Introduction

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is poised for adoption in 2025, marking a significant milestone in global ocean governance. Ghana recently ratified the agreement, bringing the total closer to the 111 ratifications required for the treaty to come into force. Despite this progress, only about one-third of African countries have ratified the agreement, raising concerns about the continent’s engagement with this crucial initiative.

Context and Challenges Facing African Fisheries

Africa’s fisheries are among the most vulnerable worldwide, heavily impacted by overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and climate change. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report, sustainable fishing practices are minimal across the continent’s marine fish stocks.

• Key challenges include:
• Subsidised foreign fleets undermining local fisheries
• Weak ocean governance frameworks
• Climate change effects on marine ecosystems

These factors have led to the collapse of small pelagic stocks in West Africa and unsustainable yields in East African coral reef fisheries, threatening coastal livelihoods and food security.

Economic Impact of Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing results in an estimated annual loss of at least US$11.2 billion in revenue for African nations. The WTO fisheries subsidies agreement aims to combat these losses by addressing harmful subsidies that promote overfishing and illegal activities.

Scope and Provisions of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

The agreement targets three primary areas contributing to marine resource depletion, implemented in two phases:

1. Banning subsidies linked to the exploitation of overfished stocks to enhance conservation efforts.
2. Prohibiting subsidies for fishing activities in high seas areas beyond regional fisheries management organizations’ jurisdiction.
3. Banning subsidies to vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities.

These measures are designed to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, which promotes the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Current Status of African Ratification

Only 20 African countries have officially ratified the agreement, with most support coming from West Africa, where the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has encouraged member states to endorse the treaty. In East and Southern Africa, only Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, and South Africa have ratified.

Implementation Challenges and Requirements

Implementation of the agreement will require significant financial and technical resources, including:

• Creation of national subsidy inventories detailing the nature, recipients, and purpose of fisheries subsidies.
• Enhanced inter-agency coordination among fisheries, trade, environment, and foreign affairs ministries.
• Development of digital reporting systems for transparent subsidy documentation.

Failure to implement effectively could expose countries to increased illegal fishing activities, undermining SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Enforcement and Monitoring Challenges

The agreement’s enforcement depends on the capacity of coastal states, flag states, and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to detect and respond to violations. Challenges include:

• Limited capacity of RFMOs to address illegal fishing.
• Reluctance of flag states, especially those issuing flags of convenience, to enforce regulations.
• Need for robust evidence collection and monitoring systems.

Recommended Actions for African Governments

To maximize the benefits of the WTO fisheries subsidies agreement and advance the SDGs, African governments should prioritize the following actions:

1. Policy Alignment: Utilize the WTO’s self-assessment tool to identify and address legislative, regulatory, and institutional gaps.
2. Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Strengthen collaboration among fisheries, trade, and finance ministries to ensure coherent policy implementation and transparent reporting.
3. Leverage Funding Mechanisms: Access the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to support fisheries management upgrades, compliance enhancement, and sustainable practices for small-scale fishers.

Complementary Measures and Regional Cooperation

The agreement should be complemented by existing maritime frameworks such as the Djibouti and Yaoundé codes of conduct and regional maritime security strategies. The African Union (AU) and the AU Development Agency play vital roles in providing technical support, capacity building, and raising awareness among member states.

Investments in maritime security, enhanced surveillance, port inspections, and regional collaboration are essential to intercept illegal catches and deter illicit operators, thereby supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Conclusion

The WTO fisheries subsidies agreement represents a pivotal tool in Africa’s fight against illegal and unsustainable fishing practices. Its successful implementation will contribute significantly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14. However, the agreement’s effectiveness depends on African countries’ political will, capacity building, and regional cooperation to enforce its provisions and protect marine resources for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on sustainable fisheries, combating illegal fishing, and protecting marine ecosystems, which directly relate to SDG 14.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Threats to coastal livelihoods and food security due to overfishing and illegal fishing connect to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and ensure food security.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Addressing subsidies that lead to overfishing and promoting sustainable fishing practices align with SDG 12.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article mentions climate change as a factor undermining marine resource sustainability, linking to SDG 13.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Strengthening governance, enforcement of laws, and inter-agency coordination to combat illegal fishing relate to SDG 16.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • International cooperation through the WTO agreement and regional fisheries management organizations reflects SDG 17.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.4: By 2025, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices.
   • Target 14.6: Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.
   • The article mentions that little of Africa’s marine fish stocks are caught sustainably and that small pelagic stocks in West Africa have collapsed, implying the need to monitor fish stock sustainability.
2. Indicator 14.6.1: Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
   • The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and its ratification status among African countries serve as a measure of implementation.
3. Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
   • Implied through the need for effective enforcement and inter-agency coordination to combat illegal fishing.
4. Indicator 17.9.1: Dollar value of financial and technical assistance committed to developing countries.
   • The article references the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism providing resources for developing nations to upgrade fisheries management.
5. Additional implied indicators:
   • Number of countries ratifying and implementing the WTO fisheries subsidies agreement.
   • Amount of revenue lost due to illegal fishing (estimated at US$11.2 billion annually in Africa).
   • Capacity and effectiveness of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) and national enforcement agencies.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: issafrica.org