WTO Fish Fund Commits $2.2 Million to Global Sustainable Fisheries

The grants, selected from the fund’s second call for proposals, target essential infrastructure upgrades, including national needs assessments, modernized data collection, and updated regulatory frameworks. These improvements are intended to provide governments with the tools necessary to manage marine resources while meeting their legal obligations under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. With these new approvals, the program now supports more than 40 WTO members globally.

Progress remains steady as earlier initiatives, totaling nearly $2.9 million across 26 grants, move into active implementation. Deputy Director-General Jennifer DJ Nordquist noted that projects are currently spanning regions from the Caribbean to the Pacific. To ensure continued efficacy, the committee has introduced refined guidance for needs assessments, aiming to keep financial disbursements strictly aligned with conservation goals. The Steering Committee intends to launch a third round of funding in early 2027 to further assist members in long-term fisheries reform.