Changing the narrative on fisheries subsidies reform: Enabling transitions to achieve SDG 14.6 and beyond

Andrés M Cisneros-Montemayor; Yoshitaka Ota; Megan Bailey; Christina C Hicks; Ahmed S Khan; Anthony Rogers; U Rashid Sumaila; John Virdin; Kevin K He

doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103970

Changing the narrative on fisheries subsidies reform: Enabling transitions to achieve SDG 14.6 and beyond

Mar Policy. 2020 Jul:117:103970. doi: 10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103970. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Authors

Andrés M Cisneros-Montemayor¹, Yoshitaka Ota², Megan Bailey³, Christina C Hicks⁴, Ahmed S Khan⁵, Anthony Rogers⁶, U Rashid Sumaila⁷, John Virdin⁸, Kevin K He⁹

Affiliations

¹ Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Program, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z4, Canada.
² Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Program, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, 98105, USA.
³ Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H4R2, Canada.
⁴ Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA14YQ, UK.
⁵ Agriculture Research, Production & Sustainability Division, Agriculture & Agro-Industry Department, African Development Bank Group, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
⁶ California Ocean Science Trust, Oakland, 94607, USA.
⁷ Fisheries Economics Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries & School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z4, Canada.
⁸ Ocean and Coastal Policy Program, Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Durham, 27708, USA.
⁹ Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, DC, 20004-2008, USA.

Abstract

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is in the final stages of negotiating an agreement to prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies, thereby achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6. An effective agreement should be viewed as an opportunity for nations to proactively transition towards sustainable and equitable fisheries and pave the path for other SDGs. Supporting fishers does not require harmful subsidies, and we provide evidence-based options for reform that highlight equity needs while reducing environmental harm. Subsidy reforms need clear goals, co-design, transparency, and fair implementation. An agreement on SDG 14.6 could be a turning point for the oceans and for the well-being of those that depend on the oceans for livelihoods and nutrition. Responsible seafood production will require international cooperation not only at WTO, but among governments, fisher organizations, civil society, and the wider public.