WildAid Launches Major Marine Protection Initiative in the Eastern Tropical Pacific with Landmark Agreement in Panama

WildAid’s marine team just wrapped up a historic week in Panama, marking the official launch of our groundbreaking project to strengthen marine protection and sustainability across four Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) countries. The week culminated in a landmark cooperation agreement with Panama’s government, securing a five-year commitment to safeguarding the nation’s invaluable marine resources.

This week’s achievements mark a pivotal moment for one of the world’s most ecologically vital regions.

A critical place and time for our work

Conserving the ETP is imperative to the health of oceans worldwide. ETP is a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem that is vital for the reproduction, migration, and distribution of wildlife such as tuna, sharks, sea turtles, whales, and marine birds. The region includes an “Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area” designated by the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as four UNESCO Marine World Heritage Sites.

Despite its value, illegal fishing in this area persists. In January, Panamanian authorities seized six longliner vessels for fishing illegally in protected waters. An additional 10 vessels are under investigation, as surveillance data showed they had been fishing in the area (but had avoided authorities).

Protecting the ETP requires global cooperation that WildAid is facilitating

As highlighted by the major seizure in Panama, protecting the oceans of the ETP—and the world—depends on partnerships across countries and sectors.

With generous support from the Canadian government’s Global Affairs Canada, WildAid and our partners launched the project “Strengthening Marine Enforcement in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) Seascape,” this week by bringing together representatives from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador to facilitate regional collaboration. The project will improve monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) capacities, bolster regional cooperation, and promote the role of women’s roles in marine conservation efforts in coastal communities.

Collaboration among the countries of the ETP is essential to address the challenges of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and marine conservation. Our launch encouraged country cooperation through various workshops, including training with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans on the Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) platform, and experience-sharing sessions on the use of other satellite tracking platforms, an important tool in the efforts to stop illegal fishing and wildlife trafficking. On behalf of Panama’s Ministry of Environment, the Director for Protected Areas and Biodiversity Tomás Fernández Loaiza inaugurated the event and stressed the need for joint action.

Strengthening our partnership with the Panamanian government is key—and historic

In the spirit of collaboration, we signed a landmark agreement with Panama’s Ministry of Environment to combat IUU fishing and strengthen marine protection. Although our team has been working in Panama for many years, this milestone marks our first official partnership with the Panamanian government, setting the stage for five years of impactful collaboration.

The agreement will enhance the protection of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and priority zones through cutting-edge technology, specialized training, and interagency coordination. Just as importantly, it establishes a framework to empower local communities to play an active role in preserving their marine ecosystems.

WildAid has long been committed to safeguarding Panama’s rich marine biodiversity, and this partnership solidifies a shared vision for a sustainable future. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey to protect the ETP’s vital ocean resources.