Pakistan has received approval to continue seafood exports to the United States for an additional four years, according to a statement made by Pakistan Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Saturday.
The authorization follows the classification of Pakistani fisheries as ‘comparable’ by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
“This classification confirms that Pakistan’s fisheries meet U.S. standards for protecting marine mammals from incidental mortality and serious injury during fishing operations,” Junaid Chaudhry said.
The MMPA requires fisheries to “minimize bycatch of marine mammals, implement conservation measures, and adopt sustainable practices” to promote healthier marine ecosystems.
The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s successful submission of a detailed compliance report to NOAA under the MMPA marked a significant achievement. This recognition affirms Pakistan’s continuous efforts to regulate its commercial fisheries, promote sustainable fishing practices, and comply with global environmental standards.
He further stressed that the approval is crucial for protecting Pakistan’s multi-million-dollar seafood exports to the U.S., while also boosting the country’s global standing in responsible and sustainable fisheries management.
Pakistan’s seafood exports reached $465 million in fiscal year 2024–25, marking a 13.4% rise in value and an 8% increase in volume compared to the previous year, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) in July. During this period, the country shipped 242,484 metric tons of fish and related products, with an average price of $2 per kilogram.
If export volumes remain consistent, seafood exports are expected to generate nearly $600 million next year.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PFEA) reported that the majority of seafood processing facilities are functioning at only 20–25% capacity because of raw material shortages. Additionally, restricted access to high-value markets such as the European Union and the ongoing U.S. ban on shrimp imports continue to pose challenges.
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