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.<\/p>\n
Deputy Roberto Z\u00fa\u00f1iga, while in Brussels, alleged Panama maintained an insufficient effort against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The administration of President Jos\u00e9 Ra\u00fal 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.<\/p>\n
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)<\/a> formally acknowledged Panama’s substantial advances.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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 communiqu\u00e9 dated October 30, 2025. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This recognition, officials argued, directly contradicts the deputy’s recent statements. The government invited Z\u00fa\u00f1iga to review official data channels for details on operations, sanctions, and legislative progress.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> also highlighted intensified port state control inspections to deter illicit operators.<\/p>\n\n
Government Details Enforcement and Legal Actions<\/h2>\n