TUNA FISHING

Environmentalists gleefully received the entry into force of article 11 of the Law of Coiba, which prohibits fishing for tuna purse seine in the Pacific waters of Panama.
Eliana Morales Gil
emorales@prensa.com

After eight months of fighting, the country’s conservation groups won an important battle. The president, Martín Torrijos, approved last April 6 Article 11 of the Law of Coiba, which prohibits fishing for tuna purse seine in the Panamanian Pacific.

The provision came into force yesterday when it was published in Official Gazette. The news was greeted with glee by the environmental organizations.

Gabriela Etchelecu, director of the Foundation MarViva, it was a very positive development, adding that although much remains to be done at the Marine Conservation in Panama, having achieved the enactment of this Act is a clear message that society civil guard to be that the country’s environmental laws.

Leslie Marin, counsel for the Marine Program of the Center for Coastal Environmental Impact, also applauded the measure. “Not only has taken action against the global crisis facing our oceans and the species living there, but was restored to a basic rule that economic activities such as commercial fisheries, provide the national economy while being sustainable, “he said.

The controversy over Article 11 of this law began in mid-2008 when it warned that a group of deputies of the National Assembly had made repeal this article [11], through reforms that were made to the Code of Commerce.

Due to pressure from civil society, the Assembly approved in third debate restitution article last March 25.

Source: Prensa.com