Panama is launching a new Fisheries Tracking and Satellite Surveillance Center at the International Port of Vacamonte. The center will monitor the activities of the national fishing fleet, which consists of 500 vessels operating in the Pacific and Atlantic regions, 24 hours a day. This operation will be conducted in three shifts with 18 officials. Eduardo Carrasquilla, the general administrator of the Panama Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP), stated that the center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. According to Carrasquilla, the operation of this center represents a significant step towards full traceability of catches, a crucial element for strengthening the export of seafood products. This technology will help prevent Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, ensure respect for restricted areas, and certify catches within the bounds of the law. By law, all industrial vessels in the country are equipped with a satellite device known as VMS, which transmits real-time signals monitored through a technological platform. The center will be linked to the National Aeronaval Service (Senan), the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), and the Ministry of the Environment. The objective is to guarantee the protection of marine resources and ensure that commercial catches meet all legal and traceability requirements necessary to access international markets.
