US backs SA fisheries — exports secured as NOAA confirms sustainability

Cape Town — The United States has officially recognised the quality and sustainability of South Africa’s fisheries, ensuring continued market access for the country’s fish and fish products.

The announcement came from the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, following confirmation by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries).

The agency found that all South African fisheries listed on the US List of Foreign Fisheries (LOFF) are comparable under the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions.

“This determination will allow us to continue exporting South Africa’s fish and fish products from the listed fisheries to the United States beyond January 2026, securing critical market access and reaffirming South Africa’s role as a responsible fishing nation,” Minister George said. He added that the decision aligns with “the Government of National Unity’s mandate of building an ethical and capable state, as well as drive inclusive economic growth.”

Good News for South Africa’s Fisheries: The U.S. NOAA Fisheries has confirmed that all South Africa’s fisheries listed on the List of Foreign Fisheries (LOFF) meet the conditions of comparability under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions. This recognition… pic.twitter.com/quK8UVJpty

— Environmentza (@environmentza) September 8, 2025

NOAA Fisheries’ determination acknowledges that South Africa’s regulatory programme for protecting marine mammals is as effective as that of the United States. The decision follows a thorough review of South Africa’s comparability application, including additional information submitted by the Department during the process.

Minister George expressed gratitude to industry stakeholders, saying: “We welcome this decision and extend our appreciation to the fishing industry for its cooperation and compliance throughout the review process.”

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and strengthening regulatory measures, not only to meet comparability requirements but also to uphold “the highest environmental sustainability standards.” In line with this commitment, the Department is reviewing the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) to ensure it remains modern and responsive to evolving national and international sustainability imperatives.

The Department also urged all fishing right holders and industry participants to continue adhering strictly to permit conditions and legislation under the MLRA to ensure South Africa’s fisheries remain “sustainable, inclusive, and competitive in the global marketplace.”