The World Trade Organization Fisheries Funding Mechanism, affectionately known as the WTO Fish Fund, has recently announced its second Call for Proposals. This call, which began on 2 February 2026, will remain open for grant applications until 24 April 2026.
The Fish Fund aims to provide targeted financial assistance to support eligible developing and least-developed countries in implementing the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Through various technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, the Fund strives to empower these countries to effectively manage their fisheries resources.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future:
Established in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Bank, the Fish Fund is dedicated to assisting developing and least-developed WTO Members in adhering to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Empowering Countries for Success:
By enhancing institutional capacity and technical expertise, the Fish Fund equips countries to meet the new subsidy regulations while promoting sustainable fisheries management practices.
Supporting Progress Through Grants:
The Fish Fund offers grants to eligible WTO Members who have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. These grants are specifically tailored to support activities that directly contribute to the implementation of the Agreement.
There are two types of grants available. Category 1 Project Preparation Grants provide funding of up to USD 50,000 for activities like studies, needs assessments, and project preparation. Category 2 Project Grants offer up to USD 300,000 for more complex interventions related to implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
The Impact of Sustainable Fisheries:
Fisheries subsidies are crucial for marine sustainability, livelihoods, and food security. By assisting developing and least-developed countries in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the Fish Fund helps reduce harmful subsidies, protect marine ecosystems, and promote sustainable fishing practices. This ensures that countries with limited resources can fulfill their global trade and environmental commitments without being left behind.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
- Only governments of developing and least-developed WTO Members that have deposited their instruments of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies with the WTO Director-General are eligible to apply.
- Funding requests must be submitted by national governments, including relevant ministries, agencies, or public entities responsible for implementing the proposed projects.
Key Dates
The second Call for Proposals opened on 2 February 2026. All funding requests must be submitted no later than 24 April 2026.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Fish Fund website. Proposals should clearly outline project objectives, proposed activities, and explain how the project aligns with the disciplines of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the Fish Fund’s Theory of Change.
Each application must also include a detailed work plan, timeline with milestones, budget, and a clear description of project implementation arrangements. Completed proposals should be submitted directly through the online portal.
For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to visit the Fish Fund website and review the “Categories of Projects and Funding Windows for the Fish Fund.” Questions or requests for clarification can be directed to fishfund@wto.org.
What Happens After Submission
Once the Call for Proposals closes, all applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the Fish Fund Steering Committee. Selected applicants will be notified following the Committee’s decisions. Applicants may contact the Secretariat for updates or additional information during the review process.
More Information
Website: www.wtofishfund.org
Email: fishfund@wto.org
