At WTO, Australia seeks details on India's fisheries plan

Australia has sought details of India's fisheries programmes such as the policy objective, budget expenditure and coverage. At a meeting at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Tuesday, it also asked if there are performance requirements such as export or production-based targets attached to payments or loans under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Besides the duration of the programme, it wants details on the background, authority, forms of subsidies, policy objective or purpose and a confirmation whether the PMMSY supersedes the Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries. The questions were raised after the WTO members failed to reach an agreement on fisheries subsidies at the 13th ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi last month.

Australia sought confirmation on whether one of the objectives of PMMSY in relation to marine fishing is especially to harness tuna resources both in India's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the high seas. EEZs are areas up to 200 nautical miles from the shore and beyond that are the high seas. "Australia wants to know the coverage of this fisheries plan and if it covers aquaculture as well as marine capture fishing," said an official, who did not wish to be identified.


Another set of questions raised by Australia relates to India's programme on conversion of trawlers into resource specific deep-sea fishing vessels. "Could India please advise what form the funding takes? Could India also please confirm that the funding of this project is ongoing under the PMMSY?" Australia said.

The PMMSY funds 100% of the cost of conversion of bottom trawlers into deep sea tuna long liners for which traditional, artisanal fishermen and their societies and associations are eligible.