Imports of seafood into New Zealand have been found to violate marine mammal protection laws by the court.

A federal judge has ruled that imports of seafood from New Zealand's North Island are subject to stricter U.S. trade regulations due to concerns about protecting the highly endangered Māui dolphins.

Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves of the U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered the Commerce Department to reconsider the effectiveness of New Zealand's marine mammal protection policies compared to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The department is required to provide evidence of MMPA comparability by Nov. 24.

NOAA Fisheries is reviewing the court decision and considering the appropriate next steps with respect to the comparability finding for New Zealand. As of November 2023, the agency is continuing its review of New Zealand's marine mammal protection policies to assess their comparability with the U.S. MMPA, but no final determination has been publicly announced.

The review and consideration by NOAA Fisheries are in response to the ruling by Judge Choe-Groves. However, it is important to note that the Commerce Department, not NOAA Fisheries, is directly involved in providing evidence of MMPA comparability to the court.

Environmental groups had sought an immediate ban on seafood imports from New Zealand's North Island, but the U.S. Court of International Trade has not imposed such a ban yet. The ruling does not mean an immediate ban on these imports, but it does set the stage for potential stricter regulations in the future.

The ruling by Judge Choe-Groves is in response to concerns about protecting the highly endangered Māui dolphins. These dolphins are found only in New Zealand and are critically endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 60 individuals. The Māui dolphins are at risk due to fishing practices and habitat loss, among other factors.

NOAA Fisheries has not yet made a decision on whether to enforce stricter regulations on seafood imports from New Zealand's North Island. The agency's review and consideration process does not have a specified timeline at this time.

The ruling by Judge Choe-Groves is a significant step towards protecting the Māui dolphins and ensuring that U.S. trade regulations are consistent with the MMPA. As the review and consideration process continues, it is important to stay informed about any updates and developments related to this issue.

Imports of seafood into New Zealand have been found to violate marine mammal protection laws by the court.