The World Trade Organization (WTO) Fish Fund has officially extended the deadline for its second Call for Proposals to 8 May 2026, offering eligible countries additional time to submit applications for critical funding support. This extension provides a significant opportunity for developing and least-developed WTO member nations to access financial and technical assistance aimed at implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Overview of the WTO Fish Fund Call for Proposals
Originally launched on 2 February 2026, the second Call for Proposals invites applications from WTO members that meet specific eligibility criteria. The initiative is part of a broader global effort to promote sustainable fishing practices and ensure effective implementation of international fisheries agreements.
The Fish Fund operates as a targeted support mechanism to assist countries in strengthening their capacity, improving governance, and aligning national policies with global fisheries standards.
Purpose of the Fish Fund
The WTO Fish Fund was established under Article 7 of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies with a clear mission:
- To provide technical assistance
- To support capacity-building initiatives
- To enable effective implementation of fisheries subsidy disciplines
This initiative plays a crucial role in addressing harmful fishing subsidies that contribute to overfishing and environmental degradation.
Types of Grants Available
Applicants can apply for two distinct types of funding:
1. Project Preparation Grants
- Maximum funding: USD 50,000
- Purpose:
- Conduct needs assessments
- Prepare implementation strategies
- Develop project proposals for future execution
2. Project Implementation Grants
- Maximum funding: USD 300,000
- Purpose:
- Execute specific provisions of the Agreement
- Strengthen national systems and compliance mechanisms
- Support sustainable fisheries practices
Previous Funding Outcomes
The first Call for Proposals demonstrated strong global interest and impact:
- 26 project grants approved
- Total funding allocated: Nearly USD 3 million
- Approved in November 2025 by the Fish Fund Steering Committee
These results highlight the fund’s growing importance in supporting fisheries governance worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this funding opportunity:
- Applicants must be WTO members
- Must be classified as:
- Developing countries, or
- Least-developed countries (LDCs)
- Must have formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by depositing their instrument of acceptance
As of 26 March 2026, the total number of WTO members that have accepted the Agreement has reached 119, following recent acceptances by:
- Paraguay
- Samoa
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Institutional Partnerships
The Fish Fund is hosted by the WTO and operates in collaboration with leading international organizations:
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- World Bank Group
These partnerships ensure that funded projects benefit from global expertise and technical support.
Contributions and Funding Pool
The Fish Fund continues to receive strong financial backing from member countries:
- Total contributions and commitments: CHF 15.7 million
- Equivalent to over USD 20 million
- Contributions from 18 WTO members, including:
- Australia
- Canada
- European Union
- France
- Germany
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- And several others
This robust funding pool ensures sustainability and scalability of supported projects.
Application Deadline
All eligible WTO members must submit their proposals by:
8 May 2026
Late submissions will not be considered, making it essential for applicants to complete and submit their proposals before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants can access the official application portal to submit their proposals and find additional guidance on the process. Interested parties are encouraged to begin preparations early to ensure a strong and complete application.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The WTO Fish Fund represents a unique chance for developing nations to:
- Strengthen fisheries governance
- Promote environmental sustainability
- Access international funding and expertise
- Align with global trade and environmental standards
With the deadline now extended, more countries have the opportunity to participate and benefit from this impactful initiative.
For more information about this opportunity visit here.
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