Commission notifies the Republic of Panama over the need to step up action to fight against illegal fishing

Summary:

The European Commission issued on 12 December 2019 a 'yellow card' against Panama, which notifies the country of the need to step up its actions in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Further information:

The country had already received a yellow card in November 2012, which was then lifted in October 2014. The decision was based on the identification of various shortcomings that constitute significant backtracking compared to improvements observed from 2012 to 2014. This undermines the country's ability to comply with its duties under international law as flag, port, coastal and market state. Panama was encouraged to step up its actions to ensure adequate control over the activities of its vessels to prevent and deter them from engaging or supporting IUU fishing.

The yellow card is a warning and offered Panama the chance to react and take measures to rectify the situation within a reasonable time.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source

Official

European Commission: Questions and Answers: Questions and Answers – Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and issues at stake in Panama https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_19_6756

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