Cape Town – The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) has confirmed that all of South Africa’s fisheries listed on the U.S. List of Foreign Fisheries (LOFF) have been found to be comparable under the Marine Mammal Protection Act Import Provisions.
NOAA Fisheries’ determination recognises that South Africa’s regulatory programme for the protection of marine mammals is comparable in effectiveness to that of the United States.
Announcing the development on Monday, 8 September 2025, Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister Dr. Dion George said: “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.”
He said the determination secures critical market access and reaffirms South Africa’s role as a responsible fishing nation.
“Ensuring this critical flow of business is in line with the Government of National Unity’s mandate of building an ethical and capable state, as well as drive inclusive economic growth,” said Minister George.
This determination follows a rigorous review of South Africa’s comparability finding application, including additional information submitted by the Department during the process.
Industry support has been central to the process, demonstrating South Africa’s robust management measures and commitment to sustainable practices.
“We welcome this decision and extend our appreciation to the fishing industry for its cooperation and compliance throughout the review process,” said the Minister.
South Africa remains fully committed to maintaining and strengthening its regulatory programme, not only to meet comparability requirements but to uphold the highest environmental sustainability standards.
In line with this commitment, the Department is currently reviewing the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) to ensure it remains modern and responsive to evolving national and international sustainability imperatives.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment called on all fishing right holders and industry stakeholders to continue adhering strictly to permit conditions and legislation under the MLRA, thereby ensuring that South Africa’s fisheries remain sustainable, inclusive, and competitive in the global marketplace.
