Panama: fishery
From Handelswijzer Midden-Amerika
Fishing
Most fishing takes place on the Pacific coast. It is divided into two major sectors: industrial fishing using vessels of over ten gross registered tonnes (mainly for anchovies, herring and tuna); and small-scale fishing (for various species). Fish farming is another important component, mainly producing shrimps.
The Autoridad de Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá – ARAP (Panamanian Aquatic Resources Authority) is responsible for managing, conserving and exploiting marine and coastal resources. Pursuant to Decree No. 10 of 1985 and Executive Decree No. 41 of 7 October 1977, industrial fishing requires authorization from the ARAP, as well as an industrial licence granted by the MICI. These licences are given to Panamanian nationals and foreigners without restriction. Commercial shrimp fishing is restricted to vessels built in Panama. Foreigners are not allowed to engage in small-scale fishing. A series of other legal instruments lays down requirements applicable without distinction to Panamanian nationals and foreigners in order to limit the exploitation of fisheries resources, for example, requirements relating to mesh size and restrictions on the power of vessels' engines.
Bron: Organization of American State's Foreign Trade Information System (SICE)
