The Municipality of Panama has initiated a critical environmental operation to remove abandoned ‘ghost nets’ from the wetlands of Boca La Caja. The cleanup drive, announced on October 24, 2025, aims to protect local marine biodiversity and restore the health of a vital coastal ecosystem located within Panama City.
This proactive measure targets derelict fishing gear, primarily fishing nets, which are lost or discarded in the ocean. These ‘ghost nets’ continue to trap and kill marine life indiscriminately for years, posing a severe threat to fish, crustaceans, and bird populations in the area. The municipality’s direct action underscores a commitment to addressing tangible environmental hazards affecting its coastal communities.
Municipal Government Mobilizes for Wetland Conservation
The cleanup is a coordinated effort led by the local government, mobilizing municipal resources and personnel to tackle the pollution problem head-on. The Boca La Caja wetlands serve as an important ecological zone within the urban landscape of Panama City, providing habitat for numerous species and contributing to water quality. The removal of these hazardous materials is seen as essential for preserving these natural functions.
In an official statement, the Municipality of Panama emphasized the importance of the initiative, framing it as a duty to both the environment and the citizenry. The administration stated its commitment to the ongoing preservation of natural resources.
“Our administration is committed to the rescue and preservation of our natural resources, fulfilling our responsibility to the environment and to the citizens,” a representative from the Municipality of Panama said. [Translated from Spanish]
The operation involves the physical extraction of the tangled nets from the water and mangrove areas. This labor-intensive process is the first step in a larger effort to rehabilitate the wetland area, with the goal of seeing a measurable recovery in local wildlife populations following the removal of this persistent threat.
Addressing a Persistent Threat to Marine Life
Ghost nets are a global problem, but their impact is acutely felt in biodiverse and sensitive areas like the Boca La Caja wetlands. By launching this targeted cleanup, the Municipality of Panama is taking a stand against a significant source of plastic pollution and a direct cause of wildlife mortality. The initiative highlights the tangible ecological consequences of marine debris.
The local government has positioned this project as part of its broader environmental and transparency commitments. The cleanup aligns with wider municipal goals of fostering sustainable practices and maintaining the ecological integrity of Panama City’s natural spaces for future generations. Officials hope the project will also serve as a public awareness campaign about the dangers of improperly discarded fishing gear.
With the cleanup now underway, the focus is on the immediate positive impact for the Boca La Caja ecosystem. The success of this operation could set a precedent for similar environmental interventions in other vulnerable coastal areas under the jurisdiction of the Panama City municipality.