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Apply Now: WTO Fish Fund for Fisheries Subsidies Grants Program

Deadline: 24-Apr-2026

The WTO Fish Fund has opened its second Call for Proposals to support developing and least-developed WTO Members that have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Eligible governments can apply for project preparation grants up to USD 50,000 or full project grants up to USD 300,000. Funding supports legal reforms, fisheries management improvements, subsidy removal, and compliance with WTO transparency obligations.

The WTO Fish Fund provides targeted financial assistance to help developing and least-developed WTO Members implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

This second Call for Proposals supports governments in strengthening fisheries governance, reforming harmful subsidy systems, and meeting WTO notification and transparency requirements.

What Is the WTO Fish Fund?

The WTO Fish Fund is a financial mechanism established at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in cooperation with:

  • The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

  • The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

  • The World Bank

Its objective is to help eligible Members comply with and implement the disciplines under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which aims to curb harmful subsidies contributing to overfishing and illegal fishing.

Purpose of the Second Call

The second Call for Proposals focuses on:

  • Implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

  • Strengthening fisheries management systems

  • Improving fisheries data collection and management

  • Updating national legislation and regulatory frameworks

  • Removing subsidies linked to:

    • Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing

    • Overfished stocks

    • Other prohibited subsidies under the Agreement

  • Enhancing notification and transparency compliance

The goal is to promote sustainable fisheries and ensure WTO Members meet international trade obligations.

Types of Grants Available

Two grant categories are available under this Call.

1. Project Preparation Grants

  • Maximum funding: USD 50,000

  • Purpose:

    • Conduct needs assessments

    • Perform compliance gap analyses

    • Prepare implementation strategies

    • Develop proposals for larger funding

These grants provide rapid, lower-cost support for planning and assessment.

2. Project Grants

  • Maximum funding: USD 300,000

  • Purpose:

    • Reform fisheries-related legislation

    • Build institutional capacity

    • Improve fisheries management systems

    • Strengthen monitoring and reporting mechanisms

    • Develop fisheries data systems

    • Remove harmful subsidies

These grants fund concrete implementation activities aligned with specific provisions of the Agreement.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is restricted to:

  • Governments of developing WTO Members

  • Governments of least-developed WTO Members (LDCs)

Applicants must have:

  • Deposited their instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies with the WTO Director-General

Applications must be submitted by:

  • National governments

  • Responsible public entities acting on behalf of the government

Private organizations, NGOs, and individuals are not eligible to apply directly.

What Is the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?

The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a WTO treaty designed to:

  • Eliminate subsidies contributing to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing

  • Prevent subsidies for fishing overfished stocks

  • Promote sustainable fisheries management

  • Improve transparency and reporting obligations

The Agreement represents a major step toward aligning international trade rules with environmental sustainability goals.

How the Evaluation Process Works

Applications undergo a multi-stage review process:

  1. Initial Review: Fish Fund Secretariat evaluation

  2. Technical Review: Partner organizations (FAO, IFAD, World Bank)

  3. Final Review: Fish Fund Steering Committee decision

Only proposals demonstrating strong alignment with the Agreement and clear implementation impact will be approved.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Ratification Status

Ensure your country has deposited its instrument of acceptance with the WTO.

Step 2: Identify Implementation Gaps

Conduct internal assessment of:

  • Legislative shortcomings

  • Fisheries management weaknesses

  • Subsidy reform needs

  • Transparency compliance gaps

Step 3: Choose Grant Type

  • Apply for a Project Preparation Grant if conducting assessments or developing proposals.

  • Apply for a Project Grant for concrete implementation activities.

Step 4: Develop a Detailed Proposal

Include:

  • Clear objectives linked to Agreement provisions

  • Activities and implementation timeline

  • Institutional responsibilities

  • Budget breakdown

  • Expected compliance outcomes

Step 5: Submit Through Official Government Channels

Applications must be formally submitted by authorized public entities.

Why This Fund Matters

The WTO Fish Fund supports:

  • Sustainable fisheries governance

  • Environmental protection of marine ecosystems

  • Compliance with international trade rules

  • Reduction of harmful subsidies

  • Capacity-building in developing economies

By strengthening national systems, the Fund contributes to global efforts to combat overfishing and protect ocean biodiversity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without ratifying the Agreement

  • Submitting incomplete documentation

  • Failing to link activities to specific Agreement provisions

  • Proposing activities unrelated to subsidy reform or fisheries management

  • Weak institutional coordination plans

Strong proposals clearly demonstrate how funding will lead to measurable compliance improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the WTO Fish Fund?

Only governments of developing and least-developed WTO Members that have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to USD 50,000 for project preparation grants and up to USD 300,000 for project grants.

3. Can NGOs or private organizations apply?

No. Applications must be submitted by national governments or authorized public entities.

4. What activities are eligible for funding?

Legislative reform, fisheries management improvements, subsidy removal, data systems enhancement, and compliance with WTO notification requirements.

5. What is IUU fishing?

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing that violates national or international fisheries regulations.

6. Who evaluates the proposals?

The Fish Fund Secretariat, partner organizations (FAO, IFAD, World Bank), and the Fish Fund Steering Committee.

7. Why is ratification required?

Only Members that have formally accepted the Agreement are eligible for implementation support under the Fund.

Key Definitions

Instrument of Acceptance: A formal legal document deposited with the WTO confirming a country’s ratification of the Agreement.

Overfished Stocks: Fish populations that have been depleted below sustainable levels.

Notification Obligations: Requirements for WTO Members to report fisheries subsidies and related measures transparently.

Subsidy Reform: The process of eliminating or restructuring government financial support that contributes to harmful fishing practices.

Conclusion

The WTO Fish Fund Second Call for Proposals offers strategic financial support to developing and least-developed WTO Members implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

With grants of up to USD 300,000, the Fund enables governments to reform subsidy systems, strengthen fisheries governance, and meet international transparency standards—contributing to sustainable oceans and fair global trade.

For more information, visit WTO.