The prize could be a sharp reduction of the widespread fishing subsidies that are generally held to be the single biggest factor in depleting the world's fish stocks. Meanwhile, sustainable fish stocks have plunged from 90% of the total in 1990 to below 66% in 2017, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says. Tipping says the WTO is closer than ever to a deal - but that a draft text still has 84 places where there is no agreement yet. Negotiators say China could help by dropping its opposition to subsidies on the high seas, and the EU could likewise drop its opposition to fuel subsidies. Some also want Washington to budge, possibly by dropping its proposal on curbing forced labour -- another cost-saving measure that spurs overfishing.

Source: bd News24 July 13, 2021 22:52 UTC