Panama’s shrimp ban, which initially commenced on February 1, has been extended until April 11, with the aim of preserving the shrimp population and ensuring its sustainable reproduction.

Joint Effort to Safeguard Shrimp Population

Hamed Tuñón, the administrator of the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP), emphasized the collaborative efforts in place to protect the shrimp population. Tuñón stated, “It is a joint effort, and we have appointed more technicians and more inspectors. We have sanctions, but in recent years, we have imposed very few sanctions. People are behaving well, there is awareness.”

The extended ban affects approximately 100 shrimp boats and around five thousand artisanal fishermen, who are obliged to suspend their shrimp fishing activities during this period.

Shrimp Production in Ponds Continues Uninterrupted

While shrimp fishing in the wild is prohibited during this ban, shrimp production in ponds remains unaffected. The prohibition includes the capture, marketing, and transportation of shrimp, unless it is done under the respective ban.