In 1998 the World Trade Organization issued a ruling in which itstated that the U.S. was wrong to prohibit shrimp imports fromcountries that failed to protect sea turtles from entrapment in thenets of shrimp boats. The basic position of the WTO was that whileenvironmental considerations are important, the primary aim ofinternational trade agreements is the promotion of economicdevelopment through unfettered free trade. Justify a position thatthe WTO in decoupling trade and environmental policy is proper ornot proper within the scope of its charge.
