By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
Panama has asked the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) to approve an expansion of its participatory rights, insisting the move will not increase fishing effort or undermine coastal State controls in the region’s lucrative purse-seine fishery.
In a formal statement to WCPFC22, Panama said it is seeking approval to reflag up to five purse-seine vessels currently operating under the Ecuadorian flag in the exclusive economic zones of Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) members.
Panama stressed the request is purely administrative.
“Panama is requesting approval for the inclusion of up to five purse-seine vessels under the Panamanian flag. These vessels are already included in the WCPFC Record and currently operate under the Ecuadorian flag within the EEZs of PNA members.”
Panama told the Commission its application does not expand opportunities or add new effort to the fishery.
“The vessels concerned are already operating in the region under authorisations issued by coastal States. Panama is seeking only the acquisition of participation rights to allow their reflagging, without generating any additional fishing opportunities, effort, or fishing days.”
The delegation emphasised that all operations would remain strictly governed by the same national licensing systems and regional limits they currently fish under.
In response to concerns about fishing pressure and vessel reflagging, Panama said it will continue to fully respect coastal State authority.
“Should Members approve this request, the vessels will continue to operate solely under the conditions, allocations, and national regulations established by each coastal State, in full alignment with regional arrangements.”
Panama added it has held consultations with Kiribati and several PNA members to ensure the transition is fully compliant.
Addressing fears that reflagging could expand access to Kiribati’s purse-seine fishery, Panama stressed the shift does not alter effort limits.
“The reflagging of these five purse-seine vessels from Ecuador to Panama does not result in any increase in fishing effort. The vessels will continue to operate strictly within the number of days allocated by Kiribati under its PAE, with no additional days created and no changes to the TAE.”
Panama said its proposal supports good governance and does not disadvantage any coastal State.
“Panama therefore reiterates that its request … constitutes a change of flag only, while maintaining full compliance with conservation and management measures and with the licensing conditions issued by the coastal State.”
It said the transition would be carried out responsibly and with full transparency.
“This proposal represents a transparent, orderly, and fully compliant transition that supports the responsible management of highly migratory stocks without altering the balance of existing effort in the region.”
Panama urged WCPFC members to approve the request, saying it would maintain stability and uphold national and regional management rules as the vessels continue fishing in the Western and Central Pacific.
