The United States remains a global leader in sustainable fisheries and marine mammal protection, with U.S. fleets already following some of the world’s strictest conservation standards. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NOAA Fisheries has now completed the first round of import reviews for foreign fleets, issuing full comparability findings for fisheries from 89 nations, partial findings for 34 nations, and denials for 12 nations’ fisheries.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the stakes rise: any fish or fish products from foreign fisheries without a comparability finding will be barred from entering the U.S. market. The List of Foreign Fisheries identifies all commercial fisheries exporting to the United States, classifying them as either:
- Exempt – no known or low risk of marine mammal bycatch
- Export – higher bycatch risk or insufficient data
What’s at issue?
To secure a comparability finding, harvesting nations must show they prohibit intentional killing or serious injury of marine mammals in commercial fishing operations. Export fisheries also need bycatch mitigation programs comparable in effectiveness to U.S. requirements.
Why it matters for industry:
This rule levels the playing field for U.S. harvesters, who already face strict bycatch regulations, while raising global standards for fisheries that supply the U.S. market. Countries must reapply every four years to maintain eligibility, with the first renewal cycle beginning after January 1, 2026. Fisheries that were previously denied a finding will have the chance to reapply with new data.
Global outlook:
NOAA Fisheries is collaborating with trading partners and regional fishery management organizations to build capacity, encourage safer gear and practices, and expand marine mammal protections worldwide.