The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (Geneva, 17 June 2022).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 6 September 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (Geneva, 17 June 2022). The Agreement, which is noted as ‘a historic achievement’ by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is a significant advancement in ocean sustainability. The Agreement will prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies which contribute to the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks.   Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “This is the first WTO agreement to focus on environmental sustainability and delivers on a key Sustainable Development Goal target. This is positive for the environment, for humankind and for the sustainability of the world’s fisheries.” The Agreement specifically prohibits subsidies to a vessel or operator that is engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, in addition to subsidies for fishing of overfished stocks and unregulated high seas fishing. Mr Wilson said: “The Committee notes the importance of addressing the sustainability of the world’s global marine capture fisheries resources. This is especially important in the Pacific region and it is very welcome that Australia worked in partnership with Pacific nations to realise those interests as part of the treaty negotiations.” The Committee notes the value of the Fisheries Funding Mechanism which will support the implementation of the Agreement, to which Australia has already donated 2 million AUD, reflecting the importance of these issues to Australia. Notably, Australia was the first to make a pledge to the new mechanism. The Committee held a public hearing as part of its inquiry into the Agreement and heard from Government and other stakeholders. The Committee notes the support of the Government for the Agreement. The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken. The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry. Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing into the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization: Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.

Media release issue date: Monday, 31 July 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing today into the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization: Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. Committee Chair, Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “The proposed Agreement is important in ensuring global food security and protecting livelihoods. The Agreement contributes to ocean sustainability and addresses the decline of global marine capture fisheries resources.” The Agreement prohibits the granting or maintaining of subsidies for vessels engaged in Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing, subsidies for fishing or fishing related activities regarding an overfished stock, and subsidies for fishing or fishing related activities in the unregulated high seas. Mr Wilson said: “The Agreement provides for targeted technical assistance and capacity building for developing country members which is important in ensuring that all members can meet the requirements of the Agreement.” The Committee will hear from officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other stakeholders. Public hearing details Date:               Monday 31 July 2023 Time:               approximately 11:20 am Location:         Committee Room 2R1   The hearing can be accessed online and the program for this hearing is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiry. Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.