February 27, 2025 — In a major win for ocean conservation and ethical seafood sourcing, the U.S. government has agreed to halt seafood imports linked to deadly bycatch that harms whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
This landmark decision strengthens protections for marine ecosystems while giving consumers greater confidence in the sustainability of their seafood choices.
The agreement, announced this week, will prevent seafood from entering U.S. markets if it is sourced from fisheries that do not meet American standards for reducing bycatch — the unintentional capture of non-target species like marine mammals and endangered sea turtles.
This move addresses long-standing concerns from environmental groups and consumers who want to ensure their seafood purchases do not contribute to harmful fishing practices.