Towards Sustainable Fisheries Access Agreements: Issues and Options at the World Trade Organization

This paper presents concrete textual suggestions for improving the ASCM with regards to “access-related” fisheries subsidies. Suggested options range from improving the definition of subsidies to introducing criteria-conditioned exceptions for developing countries and strengthening transparency requirements of access agreements. With regard to ongoing WTO negotiations, the paper argues that a clarification on “access-related” subsidies within reformed fisheries subsidies disciplines would establish a solid basis for dealing with a key element of international fisheries policy and avoid potential litigation at a later stage. It would also provide the opportunity to establish conditions to ensure that access agreements enhance and not undermine the sustainable development of small island and coastal developing countries.