Running into Troubled Waters - The Fish Trade and Some Implications

Abstract

This policy brief considers the trade, development and environmental implications of international trade in fish products. It provides a snapshot of global trade in fish and fish products including consideration of the major exporters and importers, it then explores the interlinkages between trade in fish products, development and environmental issues. It finally considers the treatment of fish products within the context of the World Trade Organization and in particular the ongoing Doha round of negotiations delving into such issues as market access, tariff and non-tariff barriers, certification, the issue of fisheries subsidies and the application of special and differential treatment within the fish trade context.

Keywords: fish, trade, subsidies, tariff, market access, development, environment