Unauthorized sports fishing yacht intercepted in Panama's Coiba National Park

Panamanian authorities intercepted a sports fishing yacht operating illegally within the protected waters of Coiba National Park. The vessel was found to be present in the marine reserve without the necessary permits during a maritime surveillance operation conducted by park rangers from the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and units from the National Aeronaval Service (Senan).

This action is part of intensified patrols over the past seven days in this Special Marine Protection Zone, aimed at curbing illegal fishing activities and enhancing the protection of one of the country's most vital marine ecosystems. Following the detection of the unauthorized yacht, officials ordered it to leave the area in accordance with environmental regulations.

During the same operation, three other fishing vessels were inspected. Their permits and documentation were found to be in order. The patrol covered 246 nautical miles in ecologically significant sectors, including Hannibal Bank, Montuosa, Jicarón, Contreras, Uva, and Brincanco islands, as well as Punta Anegada and the 12 de Octubre sector. This extensive patrol was conducted in coordination with the international organization Earthrace, utilizing the specialized vessel Modoc.

Minister of Environment Juan Carlos Navarro highlighted that these operations strengthen the state's presence in protected marine areas. He noted, "With the support of President José Raúl Mulino, we have reinforced inter-institutional coordination to ensure the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable use of the country's fishing resources." The operation involved park rangers and Senan units responsible for boarding and inspection, with parallel monitoring from MiAmbiente's Marine Monitoring and Coordination Center using satellite platforms.

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With the support of President José Raúl Mulino, we have reinforced inter-institutional coordination to ensure the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable use of the fishing resources of the country.