Panama
Our work
Since 2019, Global Fishing Watch has been supporting Panama in its endeavors to improve the oversight and accountability of its sizable international fishing fleet as well as sanction and prevent opportunities for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.Â
At the heart of our engagement is a longstanding relationship with the Panamanian Authority of Aquatic Resources (ARAP)—the agency responsible for fisheries compliance. ARAP has been crucial in advancing our shared objectives to strengthen transparency and promote sustainable ocean governance.
What began as a commitment to publish vessel tracking data on our map has grown into an ambitious collaboration. Global Fishing Watch now provides Panama with critical data and intelligence to bolster monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) of maritime activities, including transshipment activity and fleet compliance. We offer specialized training to national agencies, acknowledging the value of investing in the country’s capacity and empowering authorities and policymakers to utilize technology for more informed decision making.Â
To strengthen Panama’s biodiversity conservation efforts, specifically across marine protected areas in the Pacific, we are supporting their utilization of Marine Manager, an innovative technology portal that aids in the designation and management of protected waters.
Highlights
Our collaboration extends across various stakeholders, including ARAP, the Panama Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Environment and local nongovernmental organizations.
Vessel Tracking: Making vessels publicly visible
Since 2019, we have been collaborating closely with ARAP to share Panama’s vessel tracking data for its international fleet, making 350+ vessels visible on our map. Building on this foundation, we are expanding our efforts to include Panama’s domestic fleet and integrate its automatic identification system data into our platform, significantly bolstering monitoring and control capabilities.
Operational Support: Strengthening surveillance and compliance
Our work with Panama has produced significant results, including over 30 analytical reports since 2019 that have supported the country’s administrative sanction processes. These reports have led to fines and detentions for vessels engaged in IUU fishing, such as the high-profile detention of the MV Nika in collaboration with Indonesia and Interpol.
Marine Protection: Supporting effective conservation
Marine conservation is central to our mission in Panama. Since 2023, we have trained over 30 stakeholders from various sectors to take advantage of our marine manager portal, including the Ministry of Environment, ARAP, the Panama Maritime Authority, the coast guard, local NGOs and academia. We also support the implementation of management plans for Coiba Island National Park and Coiba Ridge, which are both part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, and contribute to Panama's new MCS center for marine protected areas.
Capacity Development: Adopting technology
To ensure long-term success in compliance and fisheries management, we have implemented a customized training program to develop standard operating procedures for transshipment—these serve as clear, essential blueprints for enforcing regulations and promoting responsible fishing practices.
Policy Support: Advocating for transparency
Panama has been a steadfast advocate in the push for fisheries transparency. With a renewed collaboration in 2024, Global Fishing Watch is well positioned to support the country on both domestic and international policy fronts and offer expert guidance on fisheries management.
About Panama
With over 8,500 vessels registered under its flag—the largest open registry in the world—Panama plays a significant role in the global fight against IUU fishing.
The diversity of Panama’s fleet—which spans domestic shrimp trawlers, purse seine vessels targeting small pelagics with certified fisheries and longliners targeting tuna and mahi-mahi, to an international fleet of tuna purse seiners, longliners and support vessels—necessitates robust MCS measures. Without such efforts, Panama risks not only its global reputation but also the livelihoods tied to its marine industries. This makes Panama acutely aware of the stakes involved in combating unsustainable fishing practices on a global scale.
Managing the largest fleet in the world has posed significant challenges for Panama, particularly in demonstrating compliance with international standards. After receiving two yellow cards from the European Union, Panama has taken decisive actions to address these issues, focusing on strengthening policies, improving processes and increasing transparency. These efforts not only support sustainability but also yield economic benefits for Panamanian people.Â
Panama’s proven commitment to transparency and accountability, alongside its active membership in key regional fisheries management organizations such as the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, makes it a vital partner in the global mission to enhance fisheries transparency. This unique position enables Panama to lead the way in setting new, higher standards for the international community.