Synopsis While recognising the fact that such access arrangements can help some members generate revenues, especially in some developing countries, including poorer nations, India said that excluding subsidies arising from the further transfer of access rights to their vessels is like a “blank cheque” to distant water fishing nations that fish in other country’s exclusive economic zone or high seas.
Agencies Ahead of a key ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) next month, India has proposed a permanent carve-out for countries involved in low-income fishing to protect the livelihoods of poor fishers. In a submission to the global trade watchdog, it also said that non-collection from vessels in agreements wherein vessels of richer nations acquire access rights to fishing in poorer countries’ waters must be treated as subsidies. The carve-out will be irrespective of any geographical limitation or the type of activity engaged by such fishers and the determination of what constitutes low-income or resource-poor or livelihood fishing and fishing-related activities should be decided by the national authorities, India argued.
The 13th ministerial conference of the WTO will be held from February 26 to 29 in the UAE . In its proposal, India said that “appropriate and effective special and differential treatment (S&DT) are needed… to protect the livelihoods of poor fishermen and address food security concerns”.On the issue of government-to-government payments for access rights that one nation acquires from another member to fish in their jurisdiction, India has said that these should be treated as subsidies. While recognising the fact that such access arrangements can help some members generate revenues, especially in some developing countries, including poorer nations, India said that excluding subsidies arising from the further transfer of access rights to their vessels is like a “blank cheque” to distant water fishing nations that fish in other country’s exclusive economic zone or high seas.