Panama Aims to Get EU Green Card to Fight Illegal Fishing

Obtaining the European Union's green card certifying Panama as a cooperating country in the fight against illegal fishing is one of the authorities' goals for 2026. The Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, reiterated that Panama's inclusion in these lists is 'unjust,' but the country will do what is necessary to meet international standards and achieve a definitive removal. The Administrator General of Panama's Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP), Eduardo Carrasquilla, mentioned that a series of changes will be implemented to improve export controls through a new traceability system to facilitate the certification of catches in national waters. Regarding the restriction on marketing seafood in Europe, he assured that the State will fulfill its obligation to safeguard the fishing route to avoid issues in the next evaluation and obtain the green flag. 'The fact that Panama has been removed from that list is a significant change in status,' he asserted. The authorities detailed that farmed shrimp has seen substantial growth, becoming the main seafood product exported to markets like Taiwan and the United States, and they expect to surpass the 100 million dollar barrier this year. This new monitoring model, according to Carrasquilla, will not only ensure the country's certification but also open doors to new markets. 'This will allow us to maintain stricter and closer control of the national fishing fleet, preventing non-compliance and illegal fishing,' he indicated. He reiterated that the 'dignified fishing' operations, in conjunction with the National Aeronaval Service, the Panama Maritime Authority, and the Ministry of the Environment, will continue to safeguard the coasts, mainly the Pacific coast, for which three patrol boats will be acquired. 'We expect to launch it next year, approximately in the first quarter, to start exporting to the European Union,' he said. Calviño indicated that her visit to the country will mark the beginning of a new relationship between the EIB and the Panamanian government, which will bet on growth, prosperity, and development. Marine product exports, according to data provided by ARAP, reflect a 10% increase compared to 2024, amounting to 248 million dollars. Likewise, talks are underway with representatives of Arab countries to enter their markets. Recently, the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño, praised the efforts the country has made to improve its fishing certification and exit the discriminatory lists for money laundering and terrorism, stating that these actions will boost investments.