India’s Proposal at WTO in Fisheries Management

India has submitted its proposal at the on-going negotiations on prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Highlights

• India has made this point at the WTO that needs to be prevail by the determinations of national authorities over the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMO) and international organisations.
• The threshold level that has been proposed by India is important for the country as it would exclude China.

What India has suggested?

• India has suggested to limit the role of the dispute settlement panel in the matters of fisheries management of coastal states.
• It has also suggested that a member should be allowed to maintain its sovereignty on this matter.

Accepted proposal of India

India has earlier proposed to exempt the countries from subsidy reduction commitments on the basis of their national incomes. Though, this proposal was criticised by some developed nations. But, it has been accepted by the chair of the negotiating committee for further consideration.

India’s role in WTO fisheries negotiation

India plays a key role in the WTO fisheries negotiations. It is important as an agreement to limit subsidies because it will have a deep impact on the livelihoods of Indian fishers. The two proposals by India are the key that ensures the protection of vulnerable fishers. It also guards the nation’s sovereignty.

Regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs)

RFMOs are the international organisations that has been formed by countries having fishing interests in an area. Some of these countries manage all the fish stocks that are found in a specific area. Some countries focus on particular highly-migratory species. The organisations are open both to countries in the region or the coastal states and countries having interests in the fisheries. RFMOs have power to manage  the set catch and fishing effort limits. It also takes up the technical measures and control obligations. These obligations are binding on the members of organisations.