The US highlights Panama’s work against illegal fishing

Panama receives credit for decision to revoke 34 Panamanian permits for vessels that have been linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

During a meeting between high commands United States Coast Guard (USCG), Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) and Water Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP)It was noted that positions were exchanged regarding high-profile cases, including the specific case of a Panamanian-flagged ship that ignored instructions by not allowing US Coast Guard agents to conduct a patrol inspection at sea, in accordance with applicable national and international regulations.

In this case, ARAP fined the vessel in question $300,000 for non-compliance, had its fishing license revoked and was removed from the vessel register.

Additionally and for the first time, General Administration of Seafarers of the Panamanian Maritime Administration (AMP)led by Captain Juan Maltez, fined the captain of that vessel $25,000.00, revoked his current titles and all of his documentation related to AMP’s automated application system.

During the meeting with United States Coast Guardrecognized these actions, especially the management at the international level before the Regional Fisheries Management Agency, indicating that this reflects force and concrete efficiency in the fight against IUU and pointed out that this is the first time that a Bandera has acted effectively in the face of non-compliance with international agreements related to fisheries .

United States security forces have also recognized Panama’s willingness to take innovative steps aimed at discouraging IUU fishing, such as Executive Order 245 of 2022, which establishes the authority to cancel vessels with connections or relationships with vessels engaged in illegal fishing.

Panama has currently canceled 34 licenses, considering that they do not represent the interests of the Panamanian state.

As part of the meeting, the need to strengthen preventive mechanisms, i.e. conducting exhaustive due diligence before registering a ship, was emphasized.

Minister of Agricultural development, Augusto Valderrama He reiterated Panama’s commitment and willingness to do things right.

Valderrama acknowledges that there is still much work to be done and thanked the United States for its support, especially with regard to illegal fishing.