Silver Spring, MD – The U.S. seafood industry is set to see sweeping changes in 2026 as NOAA Fisheries announced Thursday that dozens of foreign fisheries will face restrictions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The move is aimed at ensuring imported seafood meets the same environmental and safety standards as U.S.-caught fish.
According to NOAA Fisheries, the agency issued full comparability findings for 89 nations and partial findings for 34 others. Fisheries from 12 nations were denied comparability altogether, resulting in a total of 46 countries facing new restrictions. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, seafood imports from foreign fisheries without a comparability finding will be barred from entering the U.S.
Officials said the decision reinforces the United States’ role as a global leader in sustainable fishing practices while protecting American jobs. “The import provisions guarantee that foreign fisheries meet the gold standard that is set by American fishermen,” said Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator. “This is a major win for American workers, consumers, and our marine ecosystems.”
Under the program, foreign fisheries must show they prohibit or effectively manage the killing or serious injury of marine mammals as part of commercial operations. Export fisheries considered higher risk must maintain regulatory programs comparable to U.S. standards, with reviews required every four years. Fisheries denied approval can reapply after January 2026 if they can demonstrate improvements.
The new provisions are designed to address bycatch, the unintended capture of marine mammals, which remains a global concern. American fishermen have long been recognized for using advanced methods to reduce bycatch, a model that NOAA hopes to extend internationally.
By enforcing these rules, NOAA officials said the U.S. is both supporting domestic fishermen and ensuring consumers have access to safe, sustainable seafood.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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