The nature and magnitude of global non-fuel fisheries subsidies
Khan, A.S.; Sumaila, U.R.; Watson, R.; Munro, G.; Pauly, D. (2006). The nature and magnitude of global non-fuel fisheries subsidies, in: Sumaila, U.R. et al. Catching more bait: a bottom-up re-estimation of global fisheries subsidies. Fisheries Centre Research Reports, 14(16): pp. 5-37 In: Sumaila, U.R.; Pauly, D. (Ed.) (2006). Catching more bait: a bottom-up re-estimation of global fisheries subsidies. Fisheries Centre Research Reports, 14(16). The Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia: Vancouver. 114 pp., more In: Fisheries Centre Research Reports. Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia: Vancouver. ISSN 1198-6727, more |   |
| Authors | | Top | - Khan, A.S.
- Sumaila, U.R.
- Watson, R.
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| Abstract | Fishery subsidies greatly impact the sustainability of fishery resources. Subsidies that reduce the cost of fisheries operations and those that enhance revenues make fishing enterprises more profitable than theywould be otherwise. Such subsidies result in fishery resources being overexploited, as they contribute directly or indirectly to the build-up of excessive fishing capacity, thereby undermining the sustainabilityof marine living resources and the livelihoods that depend on them.In this contribution, fishery subsidies are identified and categorized, taking into consideration the policy relevance of fishery subsidies worldwide, subsidy program descriptions, sources of funding, scope andcoverage, annual total amounts, administering authority, and the recipients of the subsidy. Using this taxonomy, a database of subsidy programs reported in marine capture fisheries for 144 coastal countries was compiled spanning 1995 to 2005. From this, an annual estimate of subsidies paid to the fishing sector by governments globally is computed for 2000. This static estimate accounts explicitly for data gaps. Total global fishery subsidies were estimated at about US$26 billion for the eleven subsidy types identifiedin this study (excluding fuel subsidies). About 49% of this amount was provided by 38 developed countries and the remaining 51% by 103 developing countries. The proportion of estimated subsidies that contributed towards an increase in fishing capacity globally amounted to about US$16 billion, whilesubsidies that contributed to fisheries management and conservation programs were approximately US$7 billion. The remaining US$3 billion are defined as ugly subsidies, i.e., they may lead either to fisheries conservation or to overcapacity depending on the context. India, Japan and the EU were the highest subsidizers of their fisheries, with about US$4.3 billion, US$ 4.0 and US$3.0 billion, respectively. The results from this study have policy implications for fisheries subsidy reforms at the on-going WTOnegotiations on rules to eliminate subsidies that cause overcapacity, and in achieving sustainable fisheries management. In conclusion, three major areas are highlighted for future research, the impact of subsidies on: (i) resource exploitation, (ii) industrial profits, and (iii) food sufficiency and livelihoods. |
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