The Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP) has initiated the public consultation of two executive decree drafts aimed at regulating sport fishing and billfish sport fishing in the country.
This opening marks a decisive step to strengthen the national regulatory framework through a participative, technical, and transparent process.
The administrator general of ARAP, Eduardo Carrasquilla, stated that the institution "has made this consultation available to the public through its website, so that all interested parties can submit observations and contributions that will help enrich a modern regulation, aligned with the best international practices".
In turn, Alfredo López, from the IGFA, praised ARAP's initiative and positively valued the technical clarity of the proposal, highlighting the importance of involving both the sport fisherman and the tourism sector in a process that will contribute to strengthening environmental sustainability and positioning Panama as a destination for responsible fishing.
Carrasquilla highlighted that this advance is part of the strategic objectives of ARAP to position Panamanian sport fishing at the international level, underlining the relevance of having an updated and robust legal framework for one of the last fishing subsectors pending comprehensive regulation.
The documents can be consulted at www.arap.gob.pa, where the procedure for submitting comments and observations is also detailed.
He added that the proposal will be presented next year to the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) for its review, approval, and subsequent entry into force.
The event was attended by representatives of the sport fishing and nautical tourism sector, including Gavino Acevedo, coordinator of sport fishing tournaments in the Los Santos province; Edwin Fábrega, on behalf of the Yacht and Fishing Club of Panama; Alfredo López, from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA); and Roger Ducruet, from the Nautical Tourism Association, among other sector actors.
The public consultation period will be valid from December 2, 2025, to January 2, 2026, for a period of 30 calendar days.
