Cape town: South Africa's fishing industry has secured continued access to export fish and fish products from designated fisheries to the United States beyond January 2026. This achievement follows confirmation by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) that South Africa's fish products meet the standards set by the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions.
According to South African Government News Agency, NOAA Fisheries' decision highlights that South Africa's regulatory programme for marine mammal protection is comparable in effectiveness to that of the United States. This determination allows for the uninterrupted export of South Africa's fish products, reinforcing the country's position as a responsible fishing nation and aligning with the government's objectives of fostering economic growth.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of maintaining critical market access. He noted that the decision came after a thorough review process, supported by industry cooperation and compliance, which showcased South Africa's commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
The department is actively reviewing the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) to ensure the regulatory framework remains relevant and aligns with both national and international sustainability goals. The government encourages all stakeholders to adhere to the established permit conditions and legislation under the MLRA to maintain South Africa's competitive edge in the global market.