Twelve fishing vessels and their crew, dedicated to artisanal fishing, were detained by officials from the ARAP and SENAN, under orders from the Panama Maritime Authority, after being caught allegedly using prohibited trammel nets during the closed season in the southern coastal area of Mariato. The operation was carried out during a maritime verification patrol, in compliance with Executive Decree 158 of 2003, which prohibits the use of a 3-inch mesh trammel net during the closed season. The vessels were detected near Isla Cébaco in the Malena sector. Yaneth Pinto, regional director of ARAP in Veraguas, confirmed that in addition to using the restricted fishing gear, the vessels did not have the valid documentation required for the fishing activity. 'We proceed with what the decree stipulates, which is the seizure of the fishing gear,' affirmed Pinto. She indicated that the vessels were using 'volantín' type fishing gear, not bottom-set trammel nets, as established in a previous agreement with ARAP. 'The permits were expired, but the fishing gear used is 'volantín' and not bottom-set,' stated Fuentes, who assured that, nevertheless, the authorities proceeded with the seizure and the detention of the two vessels. He pointed out that this measure is a hard blow for the affected families, who now do not have equipment to earn their daily livelihood. The authorities reiterated that maritime surveillance operations will continue during the closed season to protect marine resources and ensure compliance with the regulations. Meanwhile, the fishermen will have to face the administrative process that will determine the corresponding sanctions.
