Fisheries: Morocco Receives U.S. Recognition for Compliance with Marine Mammal Protection Standards
The State Secretariat responsible for fisheries announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries) has granted Morocco official recognition for its fisheries’ compliance with the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This acknowledgment allows the Kingdom to continue exporting its seafood products to the U.S. market from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029.
According to a statement from the Secretariat, this recognition followed a thorough assessment conducted by relevant U.S. authorities, which concluded that all Moroccan fisheries listed in the “Foreign Fisheries List” meet the environmental standards set by the U.S. for the protection of marine mammals.
This recognition is a significant milestone that affirms Morocco’s commitment to international standards for marine sustainability and opens up broader opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan seafood products in one of the world’s most important markets.
The U.S. recognition reflects, according to the same source, the maturity of Moroccan policies in the field of protecting marine resources, through the implementation of practical and effective measures that ensure the sustainability of fisheries and maintain ecological balance, in complete harmony with the principles of responsible resource utilization.
This development is the result of ongoing efforts by the Kingdom as part of the national strategy for the development of the fisheries sector and the enhancement of its resources, aimed at increasing added value and achieving a balance between economic development requirements and environmental conservation.
Moreover, this international recognition bolsters consumer and importer confidence in the quality and commitment of Moroccan seafood products, affirming the Kingdom’s ability to successfully integrate into global markets despite environmental and economic challenges.
