Developing countries oppose planned subsidy cuts for fisheries

NEW DELHI: Developing countries, including India, Brazil, China and Mexico, have called for exclusion of small and marginal fishermen from the multilateral curbs on fisheries subsidies under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
In a recent representation to the committee on rules, these countries have suggested various flexibilities for fishworkers from developing countries to ensure that their livelihood is protected.

“We do not want tightening of rules on fisheries subsidies to affect lakhs of small and marginal fishermen in our country and other developing countries as it is a livelihood issue for them,” a government official, who requested not to be named, told ET. Negotiations are on at the WTO for curbing trade distorting fisheries subsidies, estimated at $16 billion-$20 billion annually.

These subsidies are also seen as a primary reason for over-capacity (of vessels) and over-fishing. According to a
report by UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), economic losses from over-fishing in marine areas are $50 billion a year. Developing countries, however, are of the view that rules to check such subsidies should not endanger the livelihood of artisan and small fishermen. In the representation, the four leading developing countries suggested that subsidies should not be prohibited where they relate exclusively to marine wild capture within territorial waters using non-mechanized nets.

Such exemption is, however, proposed to be limited to fishing activities carried out by fishworkers themselves, the catch is consumed principally by the fishworkers and their families, and the activities do not go beyond a small profit trade.Supporting the representation, Ficci secretary general Amit Mitra said that it was critical to have adequate flexibilities for the benefit of small & marginal fishermen and coastal communities along the 7,600 km coast.

“If too stringent conditions are attached to using special and differential (S&D) treatment provisions or very tight subsidy rules are put in place, then it will considerably restrict developing countries’ ability to provide necessary support, and thus the livelihood of thousands of people dependent on this sector will be in jeopardy,” Dr Mitra said.