Morocco has officially obtained recognition from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries), confirming the compliance of its fisheries with the provisions of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act, the State Secretariat for Maritime Fisheries announced on Friday.
The certification, valid from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029, represents a decisive step that allows the Kingdom to continue exporting its seafood products to the US market, unless otherwise decided by NOAA during this period.
According to the State Secretariat, the recognition follows a thorough review by US authorities of Morocco’s compliance application. The process concluded that all national fisheries listed on the “List of Foreign Fisheries” now meet the strict environmental and sustainability standards set by the United States.
This achievement is considered a strategic milestone for Morocco’s fisheries sector, consolidating the presence and competitiveness of Moroccan seafood in one of the world’s largest markets. It also reinforces international consumer and importer confidence in the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable management and environmental protection.
The State Secretariat underlined that this recognition reflects the maturity of national policies aimed at preserving marine resources, through concrete and effective measures to guarantee their sustainability and responsible exploitation.
Moreover, the development is aligned with Morocco’s broader strategy to boost the competitiveness of the fisheries sector, expand the global reach of national products, and ensure a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
