In the second in a series of consultations on the WTO’s Doha Development Agenda (DDA) coordinated by the OECS Secretariat, Trade and Fisheries Officials from OECS-WTO members met in St. John’s, Antigua on 8-9th April, to discuss rules for the treatment of fisheries subsidies. Officials from the Member States, CRNM, CARICOM, CRFM, FAO and WTO reviewed the way forward or roadmap for the WTO negotiations as well other development issues relating to the Fisheries Sector.  Funding was provided by the Hub & Spokes Project, a joint project of the EU and Commonwealth Secretariat

Fisheries are of economic and social significance throughout the OECS, contributing over EC$138 million to the region’s GDP and providing employment for about 11,000 persons.  Its contribution to GDP does not reflect the extent to the sector contributes to domestic food security, rural development and has important linkages to the tourism sector.  Therefore, in recognition of the economic and social significance of the sector to the OECS, the meeting reiterated the region’s position that the new rules on Fisheries Subsidies should allow Small Vulnerable Economies to support their existing fisheries and to support improvements to the operations of the sector.   Subsidies for operating costs and port infrastructure were highlighted as measures that should be continued.  The meeting did not oppose linking subsidies to fisheries management plans but noted that the region had capacity constraints that should be accommodated and linked the region’s ability to implement this modality to the provision of effective and appropriate technical assistance.   

The meeting was also provided with an update on the Secretariat’s Sustainable Oceans Governance programme that will result in the strengthening of relevant national institutions and the formulation and implementation of an OECS Sustainable Oceans Governance policy and strategy.