Assahafa.com
Morocco has officially received recognition from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries). The acknowledgment confirms the compliance of Moroccan fisheries with American legislation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries announced on Friday.
The accreditation, valid from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2029, represents a decisive milestone that will allow Morocco to continue exporting seafood products to the United States, unless otherwise revoked by NOAA during this period.
According to the Secretariat, the decision follows a detailed review of Morocco’s application for compliance, which confirmed that all Moroccan fisheries listed under the U.S. “Foreign Fisheries List” meet the required standards. This recognition highlights the country’s alignment with international environmental and sustainability norms.
For Morocco’s fisheries sector, the move is described as a strategic breakthrough. It not only strengthens the competitiveness of Moroccan seafood in one of the world’s largest markets but also reinforces international confidence in the country’s commitment to sustainable resource management.
The recognition reflects years of public policy efforts to preserve marine resources through concrete and effective measures designed to ensure both sustainability and optimal use.
The U.S. is a vital market for Moroccan seafood exports, alongside Europe. In 2024, U.S. imports of Moroccan meat, fish, and seafood preparations reached $97.2 million, with live fish exports totaling $2.37 million.
The timing of NOAA’s recognition is significant, as seafood imports face increasing scrutiny in Washington. Under the MMPA, foreign suppliers must demonstrate that their practices limit harm to marine mammals at levels comparable to U.S. standards.
Countries failing to comply will be barred from the American market starting in 2026. Legal disputes, such as a U.S. court challenge against New Zealand’s dolphin bycatch, illustrate how the law extends its influence well beyond U.S. waters.
At the same time, trade frictions have added to the complexity of seafood exports. A 10% tariff on nearly all seafood imports, imposed under the Trump administration—with some products facing even higher duties—has raised concerns among American buyers about supply shortages and price surges.
By clearing the MMPA compliance hurdle, Morocco secures its position in the U.S. market and avoids another potential barrier at a time of shifting global supply chains.
The recognition also aligns with Morocco’s national strategy to boost the competitiveness of its fisheries sector, expand global market integration, and balance economic development with the sustainable preservation of marine resources.
Source: Morocco word news
