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EU Extends Deadline for Panama’s Fisheries Compliance
The European Commission has granted Panama an extension until the first half of 2026 to fulfill its action plan to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This decision strengthens Panama’s pursuit of the fisheries green card, a status that would restore full trade privileges with the European fishing compliance system.
This extension follows a technical meeting held in Brussels in June 2025, where Panama presented significant progress toward meeting EU standards on fishing traceability, port controls, and vessel monitoring. These improvements aim to meet the EU’s framework for sustainable and legal fishing practices.
Progress Toward Panama’s Fishing Certification
Panama’s path to a fishing certification has been backed by legal reforms, digital modernization, and enforcement measures. The implementation of Law 204 and Executive Decree 13 now enables stricter oversight of fishing vessels. Additionally, Panama has reduced the number of authorized ports from 249 to 92, limiting access to high-risk operators.
Through the ITRA and Elan software platforms, the country has enhanced its seafood tracking system. They have been improving data capture on vessel positions, catch volumes, and port landings. Panama now actively monitors over 190 vessels and ensures 100% observer coverage on all transshipment operations—earning praise from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Strategic Steps for Achieving Sustainable Fishing in Panama
To secure the EU green card for fisheries, Panama must complete four critical actions:
- Launch a $7.2M national digital traceability platform.
- Expand the Vacamonte fisheries monitoring center.
- Acquire five patrol boats to enforce maritime oversight.
- Install 12 inspection stations across artisanal fishing ports.
These measures aim to fully align Panama with sustainable fishing practices and build regional leadership in marine resource management.
A Path to Trade Recovery and International Trust
Achieving the Panama fisheries green card would mark a turning point for the country’s seafood export sector, which reached $75 million in just the first four months of 2025—a 36% year-over-year increase.
Moreover, the green card would reinforce Panama’s credibility as a responsible fishing nation in global markets, unlocking growth while protecting marine biodiversity.
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Ten years ago, Tom Brymer, I, and many other sportfishing enthusiasts formed the Panama Marine Resource Foundation. Our goal was to assist the government here in Panama in protecting our marine environment. After years and meeting with A.R.A.P.- S.A.N.A.M. A.R.O.N.A.V.A.l. Little progress has been made. Our country still requires no fishing license, and few regulations are enforced. In ten years of sportfishing here in Panama, I have yet to see one patrol vessel checking limits or doing a safety inspection. The large patrol boats are only looking for drug smuggling operations. Panama is being stripped of its natural resources by commercial fishing interests. Tourism and sustainable aquatic fish raising programs could place millions of dollars back into Panama’s economy. Do you care?