India's Stand on WTO High Seas Fishing Decision and Its Impact on Fishermen

Imagine the ocean as a giant community garden where different countries come to fish. Some countries have massive fishing boats with advanced technology, while others, like India, rely on smaller boats with fewer resources. The problem is that the big boats are catching too many fish, leaving less for others and damaging the ocean's ecosystem.

The World Trade Organization is trying to make fishing fairer and more sustainable by setting rules on subsidies, government funds given to support the fishing industry. While subsidies help fishermen afford fuel, boats, and equipment, they also encourage overfishing, which threatens global fish populations.

One of the biggest issues is the huge difference in subsidies between rich and developing nations: Some European nations provide up to $76,000 per fisherman per year.  India, in comparison, gives only about $35 per fisherman annually.  Because of these large subsidies, wealthy nations can send their boats into distant waters, catching vast amounts of fish cheaply. Meanwhile, Indian fishermen, who mostly fish in coastal waters, struggle to compete.

India is taking a firm stand at the WTO, arguing that the current system is unfair and needs to change. A 25-year pause (moratorium) on new subsidies for countries that have historically provided excessive subsidies for distant water fishing. This would prevent rich nations from gaining further advantages. A requirement for countries to get WTO approval before providing subsidies for high seas fishing (beyond 200 nautical miles from shore).

In July 2024, the WTO attempted to pass new rules limiting fishing subsidies, but India (along with other developing countries) objected. The treaty did not protect the interests of small fishing nations. The agreement would hurt Indian fishermen, while allowing rich nations to continue their large-scale fishing operations. This disagreement delayed the WTO agreement, drawing criticism from the United States and China, who wanted to move forward with the treaty.

While fighting for fairness at the WTO, India is also taking steps at home to strengthen its fishing industry. The Marine Fisheries Regulation and Management (MFRM) Bill, 2019, allows authorities to impound and fine foreign vessels illegally fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This bill was later revised as the Draft Indian Marine Fisheries Bill, 2021, which remains under consideration.

To ensure that Indian fishermen remain competitive, the government has introduced several programs:

(a) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a program to modernize fishing infrastructure and provide financial aid.

(b) Subsidies for boat modernization, unlike illegal trade-distorting subsidies, India provides legal financial support for deep-sea fishing boats within its EEZ.

(c) Group insurance for fishermen covering accidents, health, and life risks.

India’s EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from the coastline, holding untapped fishing potential. The government is now Encouraging deep-sea fishing through financial aid for vessels and safety equipment. Also, training fishermen on GPS and satellite navigation to locate fishing zones and avoid foreign maritime boundaries. Developing harbors, landing centers, and cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.

Since WTO rules limit direct fishing subsidies, India is diversifying income sources for fishing communities from the aquaculture expansion. i.e. Promoting inland and coastal fish farming, seaweed and oyster farming by encouraging sustainable marine-based livelihoods. Finally, the strategic marine tourism and recreational fishing, developing eco-friendly fishing industries to create jobs

India’s Position in the Union Budget 2025

In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized sustainable fishing practices and support for local fishermen. While the budget did not explicitly mention the WTO negotiations, several initiatives align with India’s stance on promoting equitable and sustainable fishing practices:

1. The government has increased allocations to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to modernize fishing infrastructure, improve post-harvest facilities, and provide financial assistance for vessel upgrades.
2. New incentives encourage coastal and inland aquaculture, reducing pressure on marine ecosystems and supporting responsible fishing.
3. The budget proposes better insurance coverage, skill development programs, and financial literacy campaigns to uplift fishing communities.

These measures reinforce India’s advocacy for fair fishing subsidies while ensuring sustainable development at home.

• For India:Protecting millions of fishermen who depend on the ocean for survival.
• For the World:Ensuring that global fishing remains sustainable and fair.
• For Future Generations:Preventing overfishing and protecting marine ecosystems.

India’s Balancing Act

1. Ensuring compliance with WTO ruleswhile preventing unfair advantages for richer nations.
2. Supporting its fishermenthrough infrastructure development, legal reforms, and sustainable fishing practices.

India’s stand at the WTO is clear: “Let’s fish fairly and sustainably.” It demands that rich nations reduce their fishing subsidies, while ensuring that small-scale fishermen are not left behind. By combining global advocacy with strong domestic policies, India is working to secure the future of its fishing industry and protect ocean resources for generations to come.

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References:

• Draft Indian Marine Fisheries Bill, 2021
• WTO Fisheries Subsidy Negotiations
• Marine Fisheries Regulation and Management Bill, 2019