In trade negotiations, such as current efforts to revitalize fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO), knowledge of fisheries issues and awareness of the interconnectivity of the various policy frameworks applicable to the fisheries sector are necessary to assess challenges, opportunities and concerns and to avoid the creation of unnecessary barriers to trade. Technical assistance to trade negotiators has become essential for bridging possible knowledge gaps. Greater weight is placed on the role of fisheries as sources of livelihoods (e.g. income, food and employment), sites of expression of cultural values and a buffer against shocks for poor communities.