A global deal to protect fish stocks that billions of people rely on for food and jobs came into force this week after more than 20 years of talks. Governments have agreed to stop giving subsidies to boats that break rules against overfishing – but the agreement does not yet cover subsidies that build ever larger fleets.
Under negotiation since 2001, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was adopted in June 2022, and enough countries ratified it for it to officially come into force on Monday, 15 September.
