The Grenada House of Representatives has approved several changes to the Caribbean nation's fisheries laws to comply with the United States' marine mammal protections as the government works to ensure its seafood exports to the U.S. aren't banned next year.
Grenada was one of 12 nations denied comparability findings under the U.S. Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA), a law that requires commercial fisheries to take measures to prevent bycatch. While the law has applied to domestic fisheries for decades, the U.S. is now requiring foreign fisheries exporting products to the U.S. to show that they have implemented protections comparable to those in place in American commercial fisheries. Foreign governments wishing to continue exporting seafood to the U.S. starting in 2026 must secure comparability findings from NOAA Fisheries for their fisheries.
In August, NOAA Fisheries announced that it had denied comparability findings to 240 fisheries spread across 46 nations - including all of Grenada's fisheries.
"Based on Grenada's initial application, its responses to the clarification questions, and the information described below, NMFS has determined that all of Grenada's exempt and export fisheries are not comparable in effectiveness to the U.S. regulatory program because Grenada does not prohibit the intentional mortality or serious injury of marine mammals during commercial fishing operations," NOAA Fisheries explained in its findings. "Grenada's current and planned activities would otherwise meet the elements of a marine mammal bycatch reduction program."
Grenada's government had applied for comparability findings for several fisheries, including tuna, snapper and grouper, crabs, squids, and spiny lobster.
According to NOAA Fisheries, the agency first consulted with Grenada about the marine mammal requirements in 2021, but the nation's government became unresponsive after that as "Grenada's fishing ministry was undergoing a significant turnover/staff transition." Contact resumed in early 2025, with Grenada claiming it was working to hire the necessary fisheries staff.
Now, the government is working rapidly to comply with the new U.S. requirements. On 19 November, the Grenada House of Representatives unanimously approved the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025. The legislation contains several conservation measures with the MMPA in mind, including new definitions for "observer" and "marine mammal," the establishment of a fisheries observer and monitoring program, authorizations to enact conservation regulations, and license for the minister to impose penalties of up to XCD 100,000 (USD 36,944, EUR 32,067) and 12 months of prison time for violations.
"Our marine resources are vital to Grenada's economy and heritage. These amendments will ensure that we protect marine mammals while supporting a sustainable fishing industry. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our fisherfolks to achieve this balance," said Javan Williams, Grenada's permanent secretary with responsibility for the blue economy and marine affairs.
Grenada is also launching a digital vessel monitoring pilot program, which will include the installation of 20 Remora electronic monitoring/vessel monitoring system (EMS/VMS) devices on longline vessels.
NOAA Fisheries previously stated that agencies can reapply for a comparability finding beginning 1 January 2026.