South Africa’s fishing industry has been granted continued access to the lucrative United States seafood market beyond January 2026 following a favourable ruling by US authorities that its marine mammal protection standards are on par with American regulations.
The decision, announced by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), confirms that South Africa’s regulatory framework for marine mammal protection meets the requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions.
“This determination will allow us to continue exporting South Africa’s fish and fish products from the listed fisheries to the United States beyond January 2026, securing critical market access and reaffirming South Africa’s role as a responsible fishing nation,” Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dion George said on Monday.
He said the US decision aligned with South Africa’s commitment to building an ethical and capable state and driving inclusive economic growth.
The approval followed a rigorous review of South Africa’s comparability application, including supplementary documentation submitted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
South Africa’s marine mammal protection regime includes strict prohibitions on the intentional harm of listed species as outlined in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA).
The department is currently reviewing the MLRA to ensure it remains responsive to evolving sustainability standards and international obligations.
George urged all fishing right holders and stakeholders to maintain full compliance with permit conditions and legislation, noting that continued adherence is essential to keeping South Africa’s fisheries competitive and environmentally sound.
Source:APA News
