Fisheries, international trade and sustainable development: policy discussion paper

This policy discussion paper aims to provide an overview of the key linkages, tensions and policy debates on the relationship between fisheries and international trade. The paper highlights different views and policy options for building sustainable fisheries

The paper discusses the following:

• the key economic, environmental and social factors that influence the management, harvest, production and trade of fisheries resources, calling attention to trade trends and the precarious state of fish stocks
• the key trade-related areas of international policy debate relevant to the fisheries sector
• the linkages between trade policy issues and sustainable development priorities, and a set of proposals for further research.

The paper summarises the effects of policies on trade, the environment and socio-economic development. The policies reviewed include:

• tariff reductions or tariff escalation
• safeguards and anti-dumping duties
• standards and other non-trade measures
• eco-labelling and other market measures
• subsidies
• access agreements
• trade measures in fisheries management regimes.