Guatemala Joins Global Effort to Combat Harmful Fishing Subsidies

Guatemala formally accepted the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on Monday, March 10, 2025.

The country deposited its instrument of acceptance with the WTO, becoming the 92nd member to ratify the landmark environmental agreement.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Guatemala’s decision with enthusiasm. She highlighted the importance of thriving fisheries for Guatemala‘s diverse marine ecosystems, coastal community employment, and food security.

The agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities worldwide. Ambassador Manuel Sperisen-Yurt stated that Guatemala now stands with the international community against unsustainable fishing practices.

The country recognizes the fishing sector’s critical role in national food security and economic development. Guatemala’s coastal communities depend heavily on fishing activities along both Pacific and Caribbean shorelines.

Guatemala’s Role in Historic Global Fisheries Treaty

The agreement requires 111 acceptances to take effect, meaning 19 more nations must ratify before implementation begins. The environmental treaty represents several historic firsts for global governance.

It marks the first Sustainable Development Goal target fully achieved through a multilateral agreement. Guatemala’s fishing industry contributes between 0.19% and 0.25% to the country’s GDP.

The nation faces significant challenges in its fishing sector including overfishing, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure. Approximately 5,000 Guatemalans work in fishing-related roles throughout coastal communities.

Ratification progress has moved slower than initially hoped. The original activation target dates of June 2023 and February 2024 passed without sufficient acceptances. Even after the agreement activates, it will only apply to countries that have formally accepted it.

The treaty establishes new binding rules to curb harmful subsidies contributing to global fish stock depletion. It also creates a dedicated funding mechanism providing technical assistance to developing nations implementing its obligations.

Guatemala’s commitment strengthens the path toward reaching the threshold needed for this landmark agreement protecting ocean sustainability worldwide.