ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA MARCH 4TH- The Grenadian government has unveiled a wide-ranging package of measures to support the country’s longline fishing sector following a ban on fish exports to the United States, which came into effect in January 2026.

At a press conference this week, government officials and private sector partners presented an aggressive strategy to find alternative markets, both regionally and internationally, while also laying the foundation for a modernised, value-added fishing industry.

The ban, enforced by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), stems from concerns that Grenada had not taken adequate steps to protect sea mammals in line with US standards — a requirement that has been on the books since 2016. Grenada reapplied for export access in December 2025 after updating its 1986 Fisheries Act, passing new regulations, and installing video cameras on longline vessels. NOAA acknowledged the reapplication but has yet to issue a formal response.

The stakes are significant. Longline fishermen exported 1.7 million pounds of fish valued at EC$24.4 million in 2023. In 2024, earnings stood at EC$18.5 million from 1.4 million pounds. With livelihoods now disrupted, the government has moved quickly to soften the blow.

Chief Fisheries Officer Mr. Nigel Gibbs confirmed that discussions with Guyana have identified an urgent market for approximately 100,000 pounds of yellowfin tuna, driven by demand from Guyana’s growing tourism sector. A formal MOU is being drafted between both states.

Mr. Hoyt Oliverre of the Grenada Longliners Association said an agreement to supply up to 20,000 pounds of chilled yellowfin tuna every two weeks was close to being signed. “The gentleman assured us that everything is in place, and hopefully, they can start buying fish from us by the end of this month,” Oliverre said.

Meanwhile, businessman Mr. Trevor Bishop presented a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian company Super X, which commits to developing distribution channels for Grenadian fish across Canada, targeting a minimum of 40,000 pounds per shipment, with at least 2 shipments per week.

The government also confirmed that both China and Japan are in active discussions for fish exports, with China’s ambassador having already granted permission for Grenadian fish to enter that market.

Beyond market diversification, the government is exploring the construction of a modern fish processing plant to produce value-added products, including sardines, dried fish, and mackerel. Bilateral and multilateral financing discussions have already begun.

Financial relief is also on the way for affected fishermen. The government has written to lending institutions requesting a debt moratorium for longline fishing folk, and is seeking to have Grenada placed on the agenda for talks with the Canadian Prime Minister through the OECS.