Experts say fishing subsidies have inadvertently contributed to illegal activity such as finning, the practice of catching sharks, removing their highly valuable fins for sale in the Asian market, then tossing the carcasses back into the sea. (Photo courtesy of WWF)
Evidence that government fishing subsidies in Costa Rica are being used by organized crime to traffic drugs and conduct other illicit activities, such as catching sharks for their fins, has spurred calls for a review of the payments. In theory, fishing subsidies are designed to create jobs and stimulate local economic activity; boost food security; and promote sustainable fishing. But critics say government subsidies share blame for over-exploitation of the world’s marine biomass. The World Trade Organization (WTO) acted to address such criticism in June 2022, when it adopted its Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. But as of March 2025, 17 WTO members still needed to ratify the treaty to muster the two-thirds necessary for its implementation. Costa Rica, which ratified the agreement in November 2024, would benefit from improved regulation, supporters of the reform say. The country` provides subsidies in part by exempting commercial and tourist fishing vessels... [Log in to read more]
