A Yacht Operating Without a Fishing Permit in Coiba was Intercepted by MiAMBIENTE
The Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) reported that a sport fishing vessel, operating without authorization within Coiba National Park, was intercepted during a maritime surveillance operation carried out jointly with the National Aeronaval Service (Senan), as part of the actions to combat illegal fishing and reinforce the protection of marine protected areas. The agency explained that, after detecting the yacht within the Special Marine Protection Zone, it was ordered to leave the area in accordance with current environmental regulations. Additionally, three other fishing vessels were inspected during the operation, and their permits and documentation were found to be in order.
According to MiAMBIENTE, this action is part of the intensive patrols carried out during the last seven days in Coiba National Park, work that the institution has maintained since February of this year to strengthen the surveillance of the marine and coastal ecosystem. The operation was carried out in coordination with Senan and the conservation organization EARTHRACE, aboard the ship M/Y MODOC, with which 246 nautical miles were covered in sectors of high ecological value, including Hannibal Bank, Montuosa Island, Jicarón Island, Contreras Island, Uva Island, Brincanco Island, Punta Anegada and the 12 de Octubre sector.
Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro stated that “these types of patrols increase the institutional presence in the country’s marine protected areas to combat illegal fishing and other illicit activities that could harm the marine ecosystem.” He added that “with the support of President José Raúl Mulino, we have strengthened inter-institutional coordination to guarantee the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable use of the country’s fisheries resources.”
The patrols involved two park ranger technicians from the National System of Protected Areas and three units from the National Air and Naval Service (SENAN) responsible for boarding and inspecting vessels. During the checks, vessel documentation, valid fishing permits, and authorizations to operate within marine protected areas were reviewed. In parallel, the Marine Monitoring and Coordination Center of MiAMBIENTE monitored the alerts issued by its satellite platforms and maintained constant communication with the units deployed in the ocean, in coordination with the Regional Center of Air and Naval Operations of Senan.
MiAMBIENTE (Ministerio de Ambiente) is the Panamanian government’s lead institution for environmental protection. It manages the country’s natural resources, protected areas, and climate change policies. Currently, under President José Raúl Mulino’s administration, the institution is headed by Minister Juan Carlos Navarro. MiAmbiente plays a crucial role in regulating environmental impact assessments, preserving biodiversity, and enforcing environmental laws. You can explore their ongoing conservation initiatives, find regional office contacts, and review national policies directly on the official Ministerio de Ambiente de Panamá Website.
