Written by The World Trade Organization Fisheries Funding Mechanism, widely known as the WTO Fish Fund, has opened its second Call for Proposals. The call opened on 2 February 2026 and will accept grant applications until 24 April 2026.
The Fish Fund provides targeted financial support to help eligible developing and least-developed country members implement the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
What Is the WTO Fish Fund
The Fish Fund was established by the World Trade Organization in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Bank. Its primary objective is to support developing and least-developed WTO Members in effectively implementing the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
By strengthening institutional capacity and technical readiness, the Fund helps countries comply with new subsidy disciplines while promoting sustainable fisheries management.
How the Fish Fund Supports WTO Members
The Fish Fund provides grants to eligible WTO Members that have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. These grants are designed to support activities that directly contribute to the implementation of the Agreement.
Two categories of grants are available. Category 1 Project Preparation Grants provide up to USD 50,000 to support activities such as studies, needs assessments, and the preparation of larger, more comprehensive projects. Category 2 Project Grants provide up to USD 300,000 for more complex and programmatic interventions related to implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Why This Matters
Fisheries subsidies play a critical role in marine sustainability, livelihoods, and food security. Supporting developing and least-developed countries to implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies helps reduce harmful subsidies, protect marine ecosystems, and promote sustainable fishing practices. The Fish Fund ensures that countries with limited resources are not left behind in meeting global trade and environmental commitments.
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