November 21, 2025

 

Ireland's aquaculture sector seeks government help as US intends to ban Irish farmed salmon imports

 

 

Aquaculture producers in Ireland have called for urgent government intervention after US regulators confirmed that imports of Irish farmed salmon will be prohibited from January 1, 2026.

 

The decision follows a determination by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that Irish salmon from aquaculture sources does not meet equivalence requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. An Information Notice issued by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) stated that NOAA had raised concerns about provisions in Ireland's Wildlife Act 1976, which it considers insufficient to satisfy US regulatory standards.

 

The ban will apply to salmon from aquaculture sources and spiny lobster. From January, US-bound consignments of other seafood products will require Certificates of Admissibility confirming they do not contain either species.

 

IFA Aquaculture said the move is disproportionate and rooted in a technical legal interpretation rather than any evidence of non-compliance by Irish producers. Vice-chair Catherine McManus described the decision as a setback for a sector that positions itself at the premium end of the market.

 

The Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association (IFPEA) warned that the ban could have wider consequences if not addressed quickly. General secretary Brendan Byrne said the loss of access, while affecting a relatively small volume of exports, poses commercial and reputational risks for the industry.

 

"We need immediate diplomatic effort from all of Government to resolve this issue," Byrne said. "The loss of access to the US market not only threatens jobs and investment in coastal communities but also undermines confidence in Ireland's seafood exports globally."

 

He added that a delay in responding would send "the wrong signal internationally".

 

Both organisations are urging ministers from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to engage with NOAA and the European Commission to secure an interim solution. They are also calling for amendments to the Wildlife Act to bring Ireland's framework into line with international equivalence requirements.

 

IFA Aquaculture and IFPEA said they will continue working with government and industry stakeholders to secure the reinstatement of export eligibility as soon as possible.

 

- Salmon Business