South Africa’s fishing industry has successfully secured access to export fish and fish products to the United States, extending beyond January 2026. This development follows the confirmation from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) that South Africa’s fish products are comparable under the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions.
The NOAA Fisheries’ determination acknowledges that South Africa’s regulatory program for protecting marine mammals is as effective as that of the United States. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, stated that this determination allows for the continued export of South African fish products, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a responsible fishing nation.
“This critical market access aligns with the government’s mandate to build an ethical and capable state while driving inclusive economic growth,” the Minister emphasized.
This determination comes after an extensive review of South Africa’s comparability finding application, including additional information provided by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The support from the fishing industry was vital in demonstrating the country’s robust management measures and commitment to sustainable practices.
Dr. George expressed gratitude to the fishing industry for its cooperation and compliance throughout the review process, highlighting the importance of maintaining and strengthening South Africa’s regulatory programs to meet comparability requirements and uphold environmental sustainability standards.
In line with this commitment, the department is currently reviewing the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) to ensure its relevance to evolving national and international sustainability needs.
The department urged all fishing right holders and industry stakeholders to strictly adhere to permit conditions and legislation under the MLRA, ensuring that South Africa’s fisheries remain sustainable, inclusive, and competitive in the global market.