Pakistan has secured a four-year extension for fish and fish product shipments to the United States, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry declared Saturday. This landmark decision, granting continued access to one of the globe’s biggest seafood importers, is poised to significantly boost Pakistan’s maritime sector.

The extension, granted by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), recognizes that Pakistan’s fisheries adhere to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The MMPA mandates that fishing operations minimize harm to marine mammals, implement preservation strategies, and operate sustainably.

This “comparable” rating affirms Pakistan’s dedication to international conservation benchmarks, according to the minister. The endorsement is anticipated to elevate the value of Pakistani seafood, currently fetching about US$2 per kilogram internationally.

The minister projected that this could generate close to US$600 million in the upcoming financial year, compared to US$489.2 million earned from 242,484 metric tons of fish and related commodities exported in FY 2024-25. He also highlighted the potential for expansion into new markets in Europe and the Gulf.

The approval followed Pakistan’s submission of a comprehensive compliance report to NOAA. This documentation validated the nation’s commitment to responsible fisheries administration and adherence to global ecological standards. Minister Chaudhry stressed the significance of this recognition in safeguarding Pakistan’s lucrative seafood trade with the US.

While celebrating this achievement, the minister underscored the need for continued efforts to protect marine mammals, as advised by NOAA, to ensure the long-term well-being of marine ecosystems.