The Ministry of The Blue Economy and Marine Affairs on Friday convened an urgent high level meeting to address the implications of the United States’ decision to prohibit imports of fish and fish products harvested by Grenada’s fisheries effective January 1, 2026, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
This action follows NOAA Fisheries’ final comparability finding determinations, which assess whether foreign fisheries have protections for marine mammals comparable in effectiveness to U.S. standards. Grenada’s fisheries were denied comparability. Unless corrective actions are implemented and a new application is approved, exports to the U.S. will remain restricted from January 1, 2026.
The MMPA requires countries exporting fish to the U.S. to implement measures – including a prohibition on the intentional killing or serious injury of marine mammals in commercial fishing – that minimize marine-mammal injury or mortality.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2016: The U.S. introduced MMPA import provisions with an exemption period for trading partners to come into compliance.
- 2020: NOAA issued the List of Foreign Fisheries (LOFF) identifying fisheries (by country and gear) required to obtain a comparability finding for U.S. market access. • March 2021: Grenada engaged with NOAA and was advised to submit a full comparability application.
- November 30, 2021: Application deadline extended to this date due to COVID-19; consultations occurred in May 2021, but compliance gaps remained.
- 2022–2025: The U.S. extended the exemption period, ultimately to December 31, 2025, to allow additional time for compliance.
- September 2, 2025: NOAA announced final determinations; Grenada was denied comparability findings due to the absence of a legal prohibition on intentional killing/serious injury of marine mammals.
- January 1, 2026: U.S. import restrictions on fish and fish products harvested by Grenada’s fisheries take effect. Nations denied may reapply after this date.
Findings Reviewed
The Ministry reviewed an internal briefing on MMPA compliance. Key issues identified include:
- Absence of a legal prohibition on intentional killing or serious injury of marine mammals in commercial fisheries.
- Missed deadline for a complete comparability application (originally November 30, 2021).
- Insufficient monitoring and bycatch reporting systems.
Government Response and Next Steps
Minister’s Statement: “The U.S. market is important to our fishing community. We are acting swiftly to close the identified gaps – through urgent legal reform, stronger monitoring, and close engagement with international partners – so Grenada can restore U.S. market access as quickly as possible in 2026.”
Immediate actions underway:
- Legislative fix (Q4 2025): Fast-track regulations to prohibit intentional killing or serious injury of marine mammals in commercial fisheries; establish penalties and enforcement. 2. Monitoring & reporting (Q4 2025): Introduce mandatory reporting of all marine mammal interactions; enhance monitoring at sea and at landing sites.
- Reapplication (Early 2026): Submit a new comparability application to NOAA with updated laws, enforcement provisions, and monitoring evidence.
- Stakeholder support (Q4 2025–2026): Provide guidance and technical assistance to fishers and exporters during the transition.
- International cooperation: Engage FAO, OECS, and U.S. counterparts for technical support and capacity building.
Assurance to the Public
These U.S. import restrictions do not affect Grenada’s ability to fish, sell locally, or trade in other markets. The Ministry is working collaboratively with stakeholders, legal experts, and partners to restore access to the U.S. seafood market in 2026 and to uphold Grenada’s reputation for responsible marine stewardship. Public consultations will be held to keep stakeholders informed and to invite recommendations.
