2026-05-12 · percent of fishery subsidies
Two-thirds of fishing subsidies are harmful
Fuel tax breaks keep too many boats chasing fewer fish.
Too many boats are chasing fewer fish, and public money keeps them there: 63% of global fishery subsidies are capacity-enhancing — fuel tax breaks and similar support. Just 37% are classed as beneficial or neutral.
1 cell = 0.1 percent of fishery subsidies (0.1% of fishery subsidies) · 1,000 cells
Context
The 63% share, from 2026 data, sits within the ~60–65% range that Sumaila et al. and the WTO estimate for subsidies that increase overcapacity.
Capacity-enhancing subsidies cut the cost of fishing — fuel tax breaks are the classic case — letting boats fish harder even as catches shrink.
The World Bank groups fisheries with aquaculture and ocean economies under its planet agenda, tying ocean resources to sustainable food systems and healthy people and planet.
Sumaila et al. / WTO: ~60–65% subsidies increase overcapacity.
Share and export
Credit this grid as Inagrid — https://inagrid.com/e/2026-05-12-fishing-subsidies