Kochi::In a landmark development for India’s seafood sector, the United States National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the Department of Commerce, has officially approved India’s seafood exports as compliant with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) standards. This recognition allows India’s seafood shipments to continue uninterrupted to the U.S. market beyond December 31, 2025.

The US NMFS has determined that all of India’s exempt and export fisheries are comparable in effectiveness to the U.S. regulatory programme based on India’s initial application and its detailed responses to clarification queries.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the nodal agency that filed the Comparability Finding Application with U.S. authorities. MPEDA, with the assistance of ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), initiated India’s first comprehensive marine mammal survey project. The success reflects MPEDA’s collaboration with NETFISH, Fishery Survey of India (FSI), ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), and the Union Departments of Fisheries and Commerce, alongside extensive support from industry stakeholders.

The NMFS observed that India’s fisheries framework prohibits the intentional killing or serious injury of marine mammals, mandates permits or licenses for all commercial fishing operations and ensures reporting of incidental injuries or mortalities involving marine mammals. India has also conducted marine mammal visual surveys to estimate population abundance and bycatch limits, along with fishermen surveys to identify bycatch by gear type—demonstrating a robust commitment to scientific and regulatory oversight.

At a time when other major seafood exporters such as China, Mexico, and Ecuador were denied certification, India’s approval highlights its adherence to international environmental and animal welfare norms and its leadership in sustainable aquaculture. India continues to undertake the mammal survey by all the above-mentioned participating agencies and with the fund support of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. 

India’s seafood exports were valued at USD 7.45 billion in FY2025, with shipments worth USD 2.7 billion directed to the United States alone. The NMFS approval reinforces India’s position as a responsible, sustainable, and globally trusted seafood supplier, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Issued by:

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Website: www.mpeda.gov.in