Panama has formally requested the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) to approve an expansion of its participatory rights concerning the reflagging of several purse-seine vessels. Insisting that this move will not complicate fishing efforts or disrupt the controls of coastal States in the region’s thriving purse-seine fishery, Panama aims to enhance its administrative oversight over these maritime resources.
In its statement presented at WCPFC22, Panama is seeking to reflag up to five purse-seine vessels that are currently flying the Ecuadorian flag, enabling them to operate in the exclusive economic zones of Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) members. Panama emphasizes that the request is strictly administrative and will not contribute to increasing fishing effort within the region.
“Panama is requesting approval for the inclusion of these vessels under the Panamanian flag. They are already recognized in the WCPFC Record and currently operate under Ecuadorian authorization,” the statement clarified. The delegation reassured that the application poses no risk of expanding fishing opportunities or new pressures on the fishery, as the vessels will continue to operate within existing national licensing systems and regional limits.
Addressing potential concerns regarding fishing pressure, Panama reiterated its commitment to respecting coastal State authority and ensuring proper compliance with existing allocations and regulations. “Should Members approve this request, the vessels will continue to operate solely under the conditions established by each coastal State, maintaining full alignment with regional arrangements,” the statement noted.
To mitigate fears about potential increases in access to Kiribati’s purse-seine fishery, Panama emphasized that the reflagging process will not change the limits on fishing effort. The vessels will operate strictly within the number of days allocated by Kiribati, without generating additional fishing days or modifying the Total Allowable Effort (TAE).
Panama’s proposal highlights a commitment to good governance and is designed to ensure that no coastal State is adversely affected by this transition. The country stated that this change of flag aligns with conservation measures and licensing conditions already imposed by coastal States.
This well-organized and transparent proposal aims to support responsible management of highly migratory species, ensuring that the existing balance of fishing efforts in the region remains intact. As Panama advocates for the approval of its request, it believes the move will contribute to stability and uphold both national and regional management guidelines while supporting sustainable fisheries in the Western and Central Pacific.
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