NOAA Fisheries has announced its latest comparability findings under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) import provisions, a move that strengthens U.S. leadership in sustainable seafood production and levels the playing field for American fishermen.
The agency granted full comparability findings to 89 nations, partial findings to 34, and denied findings to 12. In total, fisheries from 46 nations now face import restrictions to ensure seafood entering U.S. markets meets the same high standards as U.S.-caught seafood. Beginning January 1, 2026, fish and fish products from foreign fisheries without an approved comparability finding will be barred from the U.S. market.
The MMPA import rule requires foreign fisheries to demonstrate effective marine mammal bycatch mitigation that is comparable in effectiveness to U.S. standards. Fisheries are categorized as either Exempt (minimal or no marine mammal bycatch) or Export (higher bycatch risk or insufficient data). Nations must reapply for comparability findings every four years to maintain export eligibility.
“By enforcing these standards, we’re protecting our domestic seafood industry and ensuring only safe, sustainable seafood reaches American tables,” said Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator.
For U.S. commercial fishermen – who already operate under world-class conservation and bycatch reduction requirements – the rule is seen as a significant win. It not only upholds American conservation leadership but also promotes fair competition by holding foreign suppliers to the same standards.
Learn more about marine mammal bycatch criteria for U.S. imports.