From August 19 to 22, 2025, Panama is hosting a regional workshop to strengthen the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR). The event gathers over 50 representatives from Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama, along with international partners such as the UN, NOAA, WildAid, and Fundación MarViva.
The workshop focuses on sharing legal strategies, improving enforcement, and enhancing monitoring tools to combat IUU fishing – a practice that threatens biodiversity and food security.
Panama’s Environment Minister, Juan Carlos Navarro, noted that the country has already protected more than 54% of its territorial waters. He stressed that dismantling powerful illegal fishing networks requires both national commitment and regional cooperation.
Jair Urriola, Executive Secretary of CMAR, underlined the need for strong institutions and harmonized laws, while Fundación Pacífico and WildAid emphasized the importance of linking legal frameworks with effective surveillance.
Supported by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Government of Canada, this initiative strengthens governance across CMAR, ensuring marine resources and coastal livelihoods are preserved.
By leading this effort, Panama reinforces its position as a regional and global advocate for ocean conservation.
Written on August 24, 2025
