FiTI advances fisheries transparency in Panama, Colombia & across Latin America
PANAMA CITY, 25 FEBRUARY 2026 – The FiTI International Secretariat recently participated as an observer in the 14th Commission Meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO). The meeting, held in Panama City, brought together government representatives, industry actors and members of civil society to address key issues related to the sustainable management of fisheries in the South Pacific, providing a platform for dialogue among stakeholders and advancing efforts towards more transparent and participatory fisheries governance in the region.
FiTI Regional Coordinator for Latin America Mr Nicolás Rovegno attended the discussions, which included ongoing efforts to improve data standards and the introduction of minimum requirements for electronic monitoring systems to support more reliable and comprehensive fisheries data. By improving the quality and availability of information, these measures contribute to more informed, science-based decision-making and help reinforce transparency and trust among stakeholders across the region.
On the margins of the meeting, the FiTI met bilaterally with key countries, including Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Belize, to identify opportunities to advance transparency and fisheries governance processes in the region and coordinate next steps. The FiTI also engaged with regional actors, including the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific (CPPS), reinforcing collaboration and alignment across Latin America.
Mr Rovegno also met with the meeting’s host, the Panamanian fisheries authority, Autoridad de los Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá (ARAP), including its Administrator General and technical team, to discuss the implementation process of the FiTI Standard in Panama, including next steps and key milestones for advancing the process.
Colombia
Following the Commission Meeting, the FiTI undertook a brief mission to Colombia, where discussions were held with the national fisheries authority, Autoridad Nacional de Acuicultura y Pesca (AUNAP). The exchange focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration to support the implementation of the FiTI Standard to enhance fisheries transparency and participation, including the potential to formalize this cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding.
