WTO Fish Fund Grant 2026: Second Call for Proposals Now Open
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Fisheries Funding Mechanism Trust Fund widely known as the Fish Fund has launched its Second Call for Proposals, creating a significant funding opportunity for developing and least-developed country (LDC) WTO Members. This voluntary funding mechanism is designed to support countries that have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in implementing its provisions and strengthening sustainable fisheries management systems.
With oceans facing increasing pressure from overfishing, illegal practices, and harmful subsidies, the Fish Fund plays a vital role in helping eligible countries build capacity, improve governance, and protect marine ecosystems. The initiative underscores the WTO’s commitment to promoting responsible fisheries management and ensuring long-term sustainability for coastal communities worldwide.
About the WTO Fish Fund
The WTO Fish Fund was established to assist developing and LDC Members in meeting their obligations under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The Agreement seeks to curb harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, overfishing, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Many developing countries require technical and financial support to fully implement these commitments. The Fish Fund addresses this gap by providing targeted grants that enable governments to conduct assessments, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and implement sustainable fisheries reforms.
By facilitating access to funding, the Fish Fund enhances compliance, promotes transparency, and supports the protection of marine biodiversity.
Project Categories and Funding Opportunities
The Second Call for Proposals provides financial support under two distinct categories, allowing countries to apply based on their level of readiness and implementation needs.
Category 1 Projects – Up to US$50,000
Category 1 grants provide funding of up to US$50,000. These projects are designed to support:
- Initial assessments of national fisheries policies and subsidy frameworks
- Feasibility studies
Gap analyses and needs assessments. - Preparatory activities required for implementing the Agreement.
- Development of proposals for Category 2 funding.
This category serves as an entry point for WTO Members that are in the early stages of implementation. It enables countries to conduct foundational research and planning necessary for more comprehensive interventions in the future.
Category 1 funding is particularly useful for governments seeking to evaluate their current fisheries subsidy landscape and identify priority areas for reform.
Category 2 Projects – Up to US$300,000
For more advanced and programmatic initiatives, Category 2 projects offer funding of up to US$300,000.
These projects may:
- Be integrated into broader fisheries reform programs.
- Complement initiatives supported by other development partners.
- Be implemented as standalone national interventions.
To qualify, Category 2 proposals must be supported by a prior national needs assessment. This assessment should clearly identify gaps, priorities, and actionable steps required for effective implementation of the fisheries subsidies disciplines.
Category 2 funding is ideal for countries that have completed preliminary assessments and are ready to undertake more comprehensive reforms. This may include strengthening monitoring systems, improving enforcement mechanisms, enhancing reporting frameworks, and developing institutional capacity for sustainable fisheries governance.
Who Is Eligible?
The funding opportunity is open to developing and least-developed country WTO Members that have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Eligible countries must demonstrate commitment to implementing the Agreement and show how proposed activities will contribute to sustainable fisheries management and compliance with WTO obligations.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested WTO Members are encouraged to submit their applications through the official WTO Fish Fund Portal:
https://www.wtofishfund.org/en/apply
(Short link: bit.ly/4tiHlBu)
Detailed guidance on project eligibility, funding criteria, and application procedures is available on the portal. Applicants are advised to carefully review the guidelines to ensure their proposals align with the objectives of the Fish Fund.
The Second Call for Proposals will remain open until 24 April 2026. This timeline provides sufficient opportunity for developing and LDC Members to prepare comprehensive and well-structured proposals.
For additional inquiries, the Secretariat of the Fish Fund can be contacted at:
fishfund@wto.org
Why This Funding Matters
The sustainability of global fisheries is essential for food security, economic stability, and environmental protection. Millions of people, particularly in developing countries, depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. However, harmful subsidies and weak governance structures have contributed to declining fish stocks and ecosystem degradation.
By supporting implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the WTO Fish Fund helps:
- Reduce overfishing and overcapacity.
- Strengthen national fisheries governance.
- Improve transparency and compliance.
- Protect marine biodiversity
- Support sustainable livelihoods for fishing communities.
This funding mechanism empowers countries to take practical steps toward responsible fisheries management while meeting their international trade commitments.
Take Action for Sustainable Oceans
The WTO Fish Fund’s Second Call for Proposals presents a valuable opportunity for developing and LDC Members to access financial support for meaningful fisheries reforms. Whether through initial assessments under Category 1 or comprehensive implementation programs under Category 2, eligible countries can leverage this funding to strengthen their fisheries sector and contribute to global ocean sustainability.
Governments are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals ahead of the 24 April 2026 deadline and take full advantage of this opportunity to advance sustainable fisheries management.
Apply today and help secure a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans.
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