US Renews Panama's Tuna Export Approval for Five Years

You might care about this because the United States government has renewed a key approval for Panama. This approval means Panama can continue to export yellowfin tuna and tuna products to the United States for the next five years. This decision was made by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The approval is called an "affirmative finding" under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It allows tuna caught by large fishing boats using special nets, called purse seine vessels, in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to come into the US. This is only possible if Panama follows an agreement called the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP) and is a member of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). These groups work to protect dolphins during tuna fishing. The finding is effective from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031. NMFS based its decision on documents provided by the government of Panama and information from the IATTC. What makes this notice interesting is that it highlights the ongoing effort to balance international trade with marine mammal protection. The United States has specific laws, like the Marine Mammal Protection Act, that aim to reduce harm to dolphins during tuna fishing. For countries to export certain tuna to the US, they must show they are meeting these protection standards. Panama's renewed "affirmative finding" shows that NMFS believes Panama is upholding its commitments under the AIDCP and as an IATTC member. This program is important because it sets rules and monitors fishing practices to help keep dolphin populations safe. The process involves a thorough review of evidence every five years, with annual checks to make sure countries continue to follow the rules. This ensures that the tuna imported into the US from these regions is caught using dolphin-safe methods. Several groups will find this legal document very relevant. Tuna importers and seafood businesses in the United States will be interested because it confirms the continued supply of yellowfin tuna from Panama. This impacts their supply chains and business planning. Fishing companies and vessel operators in Panama will also pay close attention, as this decision directly affects their ability to sell their catch to a major market. Environmental and marine mammal protection organizations will see this as an important update on the effectiveness of international conservation agreements like the AIDCP. They monitor these findings to ensure that dolphin populations are indeed being protected. Government agencies and international trade experts will also be interested, as this notice illustrates how the Marine Mammal Protection Act influences global trade relations and environmental policy. Finally, consumers who care about sustainably sourced and dolphin-safe tuna may also find this notice useful, as it provides assurance about the origin of their seafood.