The World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, aimed at curbing overfishing, officially came into effect on Monday. This landmark deal, the WTO's first environmental focus, requires countries to reduce harmful fishing subsidies. With 112 countries ratifying the agreement, it surpasses the required two-thirds threshold. While a crucial first step, only the section addressing subsidies for illegal fishing and overfished stocks is currently active. The second phase, tackling overcapacity in fishing fleets, remains pending. Experts highlight the agreement's potential to improve ocean sustainability, although complete overfishing control requires further action.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.