The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has officially entered into force on September 15, 2025, marking a historic milestone in global efforts to make fisheries more sustainable.

The agreement establishes the first binding multilateral rules to curb government subsidies that contribute to:

• Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Overfished stocks
• Unregulated fishing on the high seas

By prohibiting such harmful subsidies, the new rules aim to reduce pressure on vulnerable fish populations, support the recovery of ecosystems, and ensure fairer competition across global fisheries.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) welcomed the entry into force, noting that this achievement reflects unprecedented multilateral consensus on fisheries management. FAO highlighted that the agreement will help protect marine resources, sustain the livelihoods of millions who depend on fisheries, and contribute to food security worldwide.

To support implementation, FAO confirmed it will provide:

• Policy advice and guidance on aligning national frameworks with WTO rules
• Technical assistance and capacity development for monitoring and compliance
• Tools and programs already in place, such as the Port State Measures Agreement, to strengthen the fight against IUU fishing

Particular attention will be given to the needs of developing and least-developed countries, ensuring they can fully benefit from the agreement while safeguarding their fisheries-dependent communities.

October 1st, 2025