Hooked on Harm: Why We Must End Fisheries Subsidies to Save Our Oceans

The ocean, covering over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, is more than just a stunning natural frontier; it is a critical life-support system for billions of people and countless marine species. Yet today, the health of this vast ecosystem is under serious threat, not just from pollution or climate change, but from the economic policies designed to support its exploitation. Every year, governments around the world spend approximately $35 billion on fisheries subsidies, and an alarming $22 billion of that directly contributes to overfishing and overcapacity. 

I first encountered this issue during a marine ecology course where I was introduced to the idea that subsidies, typically perceived as tools for economic growth and stability, are in fact accelerating the collapse of fish populations. The contradiction between well-meaning financial assistance and ecological destruction captured my attention and compelled me to explore the broader implications of these policies — particularly their role in overfishing, environmental inequality, and long-term ocean degradation.

Figure 1. Average annual gross revenue loss from illicit marine fishing in most affected oceans(in billion USD)

Overfishing has emerged as one of the gravest environmental crises of our time. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 35 percent of global fish stocks are now harvested at biologically unsustainable levels. This figure represents a dramatic increase from previous decades and reflects the systemic failure of global fisheries management. Rather than stabilizing the industry, many government subsidies encourage the construction of larger vessels, cover fuel costs for distant-water fleets, and provide financial buffers that shield fishers from market volatility — all of which lead to the exploitation of marine resources far beyond natural recovery rates. The pressure this creates on marine ecosystems is immense, particularly for species that form the backbone of ocean food webs. 

Figure 2. Increase in fishing vessels

Moreover, the consequences of harmful subsidies are not limited to overfishing alone. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, often facilitated by these subsidies, exacerbates the problem by undermining sustainable fisheries and distorting seafood markets. It is estimated that one in every five fish caught globally is either illegal or unreported, and this unaccounted extraction of marine life results in economic losses ranging from $10 to $23.5 billion annually. For small-scale fishers and coastal communities that depend on regulated, legal fishing, such practices are more than unfair — they are existential threats.

Case studies from across the globe underscore the scale and complexity of this issue. In China, the world’s largest seafood producer, the government has long supported its fishing industry with fuel subsidies and vessel construction grants. However, in recent years, China has initiated reforms aimed at phasing out some of these subsidies, particularly those tied to fuel consumption, while increasing support for ecological conservation and sustainable aquaculture. Though implementation remains uneven, China’s efforts represent a significant acknowledgment of the ecological damage wrought by previous subsidy models. In contrast, West Africa illustrates the devastating consequences of harmful subsidies gone unchecked. The region has become a hotspot for IUU fishing, with foreign industrial fleets — many of them subsidized by distant countries — operating in national waters without accountability. In Senegal alone, it is estimated that up to 40 percent of the fish catch is either unreported or illegal, costing the country nearly $300 million every year. The intrusion of foreign vessels not only depletes local fish stocks but also erodes the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and destabilizes food security in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. On the international policy front, the 2022 Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted by the World Trade Organization marks a milestone in the fight against overfishing. The agreement prohibits subsidies that support IUU fishing and introduces rules for reducing capacity-enhancing subsidies. However, the success of this agreement will depend heavily on its enforcement and the willingness of member states to prioritize sustainability over short-term economic gain.

Figure 3. Subsidies input towards sustainable fishing in USD

Addressing the global overfishing crisis requires more than banning a few subsidies. It demands a fundamental shift in how we view fisheries economics and ocean stewardship. One critical step is the reallocation of existing subsidies toward positive incentives, such as supporting small-scale and artisanal fishers, funding sustainable fishing gear that reduces bycatch, and investing in marine protected areas and habitat restoration. In tandem, technology must play a larger role in enforcement. Satellite-based vessel monitoring and AI-powered data analytics can enable real-time tracking of fishing activity, allowing countries — especially those with limited naval resources — to guard their exclusive economic zones against illegal incursions. 

Equally important is the role of public awareness and consumer responsibility. Certification systems like the Marine Stewardship Council help guide consumers toward sustainably sourced seafood, but their impact can grow only if consumers are informed and motivated to change their habits. Lastly, it is essential to recognize the global inequalities embedded in fisheries policy. Developing countries often lack the technical and financial capacity to monitor their waters or negotiate equitable trade deals. As such, developed nations must take the lead in supporting capacity-building programs, ensuring that all countries have the tools to enforce responsible fishing standards.

Ultimately, the elimination of harmful fisheries subsidies is not just a regulatory challenge; it is a moral and ecological imperative. Overfishing, driven by financial incentives, is not only destroying marine ecosystems but also endangering the food security and economic stability of millions. What began for me as an academic interest has grown into a conviction that we must act — decisively and collectively — to reverse this trend. We have the policy frameworks, the technological tools, and the scientific understanding necessary to transform fisheries into models of sustainability. But change will only come if we summon the political will and public pressure to make it happen. The ocean cannot wait. Neither should we.

Citations

Environmental Justice Foundation. Out of the Shadows: Improving Transparency in Global Fisheries. EJF, 2021, https://ejfoundation.org/reports/out-of-the-shadows.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022. FAO, 2022, https://www.fao.org/publications/sofia/2022/en/.

International Institute for Environment and Development. “Illegal and Unreported Fishing: The Hidden Cost.” IIED, 2023, https://www.iied.org/illegal-unreported-unregulated-fishing.

Sumaila, U. Rashid, et al. “Updated Estimates and Analysis of Global Fisheries Subsidies.”

Marine Policy, vol. 121, 2021, 104393, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104393.

World Trade Organization. Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. WTO, 2022, https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/rulesneg_e/fish_e/fish_e.htm.

Ye, Yimin, et al. “China’s Fisheries Subsidies: Progress and Challenges.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 120, no. 15, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300688120. 

UNCTAD. Regulating Fisheries Subsidies: Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 2022, https://unctad.org/project/regulating-fisheries-subsidies.

Sumaila, U. Rashid, et al. “The Global Fisheries Subsidies Divide Between Developed and Developing Countries.” Marine Policy, vol. 109, 2019, 103695, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2019.103695.