NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hollywood icons and environmentalists Ted Danson and Billy Joel have championed a key World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement on fisheries subsidies as the international community struggles to put the agreement into force step before it expires. Their advocacy is the focus of the groundbreaking documentary “Change Makers: The Global Race to Save our Seas,” produced by Jayde Lovell, CEO of ReAgency Lab, which exposes the global problem of fishing subsidies and their harmful impact on our oceans and marine communities.
Marine biologist and marine economist Daniel Pauly and Rashid Sumaila, the distinguished recipients of this year’s Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, also appear in the documentary to express their support for the WTO agreement.
ABOUT THE PROBLEM
Globally, government subsidies to the fishing sector amount to over $35 billion. They encourage industrial fishing, even when it is no longer profitable, and lead to a drastic decline in global fish stocks. Despite two decades of activism and negotiations, an international agreement to resolve the issue appeared impossible.
But on June 17, 2022, the WTO unexpectedly reached a global consensus to ban some of the most harmful fishing subsidies. This legally enforceable agreement would enable fish stocks to recover and protect the food security and livelihoods of millions of people.
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a historic achievement:
- The first WTO agreement to focus on the environment.
- The first goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) must be fully achieved (Goal 14.6).
- Only the second agreement of the WTO since its founding.
Commenting on the potential impact of the agreement, Ted Danson said:
“If you manage the world’s fisheries properly, you could provide a billion fish meals a day forever, at a time when food security is a huge problem.”
ABOUT THE PROBLEM
For the agreement to come into force, it must be ratified by two-thirds of the 164 WTO member countries by February 26, 2024, but this has not yet happened. According to the WTO, only 17 countries have submitted their instruments of acceptance to ratify the agreement.
ABOUT THE SUPPORTERS
Known for his unwavering commitment to ocean conservation, actor Ted Danson co-founded the American Oceans Campaign in 1987, which eventually became the influential campaign organization Oceana. Billy Joel has also long been committed to marine conservation initiatives and has generously donated his Commuter Yacht to the International Seakeepers Society.
In the documentary, Ted Danson talks about the future of the oceans and concerns about overfishing, while Billy Joel’s 1990 hit “Downeaster “Alexa” highlights the impact of overfishing on everyday Americans.
ABOUT THE FILM
“Change Makers: The Global Race to Save our Seas” is an international initiative by filmmakers from the USA, Great Britain and Australia. The women-led documentary highlights the urgent race for the global support needed to bring the WTO agreement into force.
Director Simone Kisiel, CEO of Magic Dog Productions, explained the making of the film:
“With less than 20 weeks until the WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the eyes of the world will be on the countries that have not yet submitted their consent. It’s inspiring to know that celebrities like Ted Danson and Billy Joel stand with us as we fight to make a real difference to our oceans and the people whose lives depend on them.”
MEDIA ASSETS
The media package, including high-resolution behind-the-scenes photos, is available here.
To keep up with “Change Makers: The Global Race to Save Our Seas,” please visit ChangeMakerFilm.com
PRESS CONTACTS
ASIA-PACIFIC
Jayde Lovell, producer and media contact
[email protected]
+61 422 003 244 / +1 347 698 3291
AMERICA
Simone Kisiel, director
[email protected]
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