The Government of Panama has issued a forceful rejection of a national deputy’s claims that the country is inactive in fighting illegal fishing. In a joint statement released this week, multiple ministries labeled the accusations as contradictory to verified progress recognized by the European Union.
Deputy Roberto Zúñiga, while in Brussels, alleged Panama maintained an insufficient effort against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The administration of President José Raúl Mulino responded directly, stating the comments do not align with the reality of work undertaken since July 2024. Officials provided a detailed list of enforcement actions and legislative upgrades already implemented.
European Union Validated Progress Before Comments
According to the government’s statement, a high-level Panamanian delegation held an official meeting in Brussels with European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Costa Kadis, on October 24, 2025. During that encounter, the European Union Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) formally acknowledged Panama’s substantial advances.
The European authorities recognized the strengthening of the nation’s maritime and fisheries control system. They provided an optimistic projection that Panama would pass a critical DG MARE audit in the first half of 2026.
“The openness, constructive commitment and progress of the country in the fight against IUU fishing were recognized,” the government stated, quoting from a joint EU-Panama communiqué dated October 30, 2025. [Translated from Spanish]
This recognition, officials argued, directly contradicts the deputy’s recent statements. The government invited Zúñiga to review official data channels for details on operations, sanctions, and legislative progress.
Government Details Enforcement and Legal Actions
The joint communique from the Foreign Ministry, the Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP), the Maritime Authority (AMP), and others outlined specific, verifiable measures. These actions form part of Panama’s National Action Plan against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Key steps include a significant institutional reinforcement of ARAP. This involves enhanced technical capacity, expanded use of satellite tracking for vessels, and the imposition of stronger sanctions. The Government of Panama also highlighted intensified port state control inspections to deter illicit operators.
Joint surveillance operations between the AMP, ARAP, and the servicio nacional aeronaval have increased in frequency. A program placing observers directly aboard fishing vessels for direct activity monitoring is now active. The legal framework itself is undergoing modernization to impose harsher penalties and stricter controls on both national and international vessels operating in Panamanian waters.
Panama maintains its ultimate goal is the full recovery of its “green card” status from the EU. This certification confirms a country’s cooperation in the fight against illegal fishing. The administration asserts its constant dialogue with European authorities is focused on achieving this.
“Panama is not reacting. It is correcting, preventing, and leading the regional response against this threat which compromises environmental sustainability and food security,” the government’s statement declared. [Translated from Spanish]
Officials reasserted that combating illegal fishing remains a state priority. The final part of the communique urged all sectors, including the National Assembly, to support the necessary legal tools. Strengthening the protection of the country’s maritime resources, they concluded, requires a unified national effort backed by concrete action and verified data.