ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for the seafood industry, Pakistan has successfully secured a two-year extension until Dec 31, 2025 to continue the commercial export of fish and fish products to the United States.

This decision by the US administration exempts Pakistan from adhering to the standards outlined in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 2016, according to an official announcement on Tuesday.

The MMPA typically prohibits the import of commercially fished products that have been caught using techniques that inadvertently cause harm or death to marine mammals beyond the thresholds established by US regulations.

Pakistan stands among a select few of the 130 countries that have been granted this special exemption. The extension was notified in a Federal Register Notice.

The MMPA initially provided a five-year grace period to foreign countries. This was intended to allow these nations sufficient time to establish regulatory measures that address the issue of marine mammal bycatch in a manner comparable to US standards.

The exemption was originally scheduled to end on Dec 31 this year. However, it has now been extended to offer additional time for countries to align their fishing practices with these environmental standards.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) entrusted with evaluating each nation’s regulatory programs, acknowledges the complexity of assessing the incidental and intentional mortality and serious injury of marine mammals in fisheries exporting to the USA.

The Department of Commerce and NMFS, in a strategic move, have determined that additional time is necessary to ensure fair and consistent comparability determinations across harvesting nations.

An official announcement said that securing an extension signifies more than just a prolonged trade agreement. It stands as a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to aligning its fishing practices with the highest international standards.

This extension underscores Pakistan’s dedication to upholding the objectives of the MMPA, while adeptly navigating the practical challenges that come with evaluating regulatory programmes in foreign countries.

Moreover, this achievement sets a powerful precedent on the global stage, encouraging other nations to follow suit. It showcases Pakistan’s leadership in sustainable marine resource management, further solidifying its position as a responsible player in the international seafood industry.

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2023