Grenada moves to avert US ban on fish exports with New Fisheries Act Amendments

Grenada is racing to prevent a U.S. ban on its fish and fish product exports, with Marine Affairs Minister Lennox Andrews expressing optimism that newly approved amendments to the Fisheries Act will bring the island into compliance with U.S. marine protection standards.

The amendment bill, which faced no objection in the Lower House on Wednesday, is scheduled for approval by the Senate on 21 November. Andrews told lawmakers that the changes put Grenada in a position to submit the required documentation to U.S. authorities by 1 January 2026, the deadline to reverse Washington’s decision.

“We are now in a position to submit the additional information for NOAA’s fisheries reconsideration and reversal of this determination by 1 January 2026,” Andrews said during the debate. He stressed that the updated legislation is “extremely paramount” to averting the impending ban, which is set to take effect early next year.

The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries announced in August 2025 that Grenada was among 12 countries facing a ban due to the absence of a comparability finding. To obtain such a finding, a nation must demonstrate that its fishing regulations and practices — particularly protections that prevent accidental capture of marine mammals — are equivalent to those of the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Following NOAA’s announcement, the Grenadian government established a special Task Force made up of senior fisheries officials and legal counsel. Their mandate was to complete all necessary assessments, reviews, and recommendations by 21 November to bolster the country’s case for compliance. Andrews confirmed that the Task Force met its deadline, and that the presentation of the amended Fisheries Act was among its key recommendations.

The minister acknowledged that a recent shutdown of the U.S. federal government briefly stalled communication with NOAA but said efforts have resumed. “America is open for business and we are working with our ambassador in Washington, Tarlie Francis, to have that direct contact with NOAA,” he said. The goal, he added, is to present Grenada’s updated regulations not only in writing but also in person.

The U.S. ban would pose significant consequences for Grenada’s fisheries sector, which supports roughly 6,000 jobs directly and indirectly, according to Phillip Telesford.

Government officials say they remain hopeful that the strengthened legal framework — once passed by the Upper House — will satisfy U.S. standards and protect one of the country’s most critical export industries.