By S.Browne. Updated 10:05 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has taken an important step towards strengthening the sustainable management of its fisheries sector and advancing its Blue Economy agenda with the signing of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement during the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, signed and deposited the instrument of acceptance on behalf of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on March 26, 2026, reaffirming the country’s commitment to responsible fisheries governance and sustainable ocean management.
The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement seeks to curb harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overfishing, overcapacity, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while promoting sustainable fishing practices among WTO member states.
For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Agreement supports the continued development of the country’s Blue Economy, recognising the critical role of marine resources in economic growth, environmental stewardship, and national food security.
The Agreement includes provisions for special and differential treatment for developing countries, ensuring that small island developing states (SIDS), such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, can implement its commitments in a manner consistent with national development priorities. The Agreement also provides access to technical assistance and capacity-building support to strengthen fisheries management and monitoring systems.
Minister Bramble noted that the Agreement presents a valuable opportunity to further enhance the resilience, sustainability, and long-term viability of the fisheries sector, while protecting the marine resources upon which Vincentians depend.
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This information was sourced from a press release sent to us by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment, and Diaspora Affairs.
