OPS Officer Stops Illegal Lobster Fishing in Panama

officer pointing at fishing boats in the distance

On April 21, around 2 a.m., Officer Martinez observed four individuals fishing for lobsters on Galeta, a protected island near the entrance of the Panama Canal and the Smithsonian Tropical Institute’s first Caribbean marine lab. He said illegal fishing is usually a seasonal problem, so it was unexpected this time of year. Once Officer Martinez spotted the individuals near the visitor center, he called the Panamanian Ecological Police assigned to the station. Sergeants Victor Robert and Winston Gallardo responded, and a chase ensued.

Officer in front of marine display at STRI

“Galeta is surrounded by a mangrove area,” said Martinez. “Roads are very narrow and in order to catch up with the fishermen that fled, our only resource was the vehicle. While in pursuit, we hit a branch, but we continued down the road to catch up with them and make the arrest.”

The left-rear view mirror was broken as a result, but the suspects were caught and arrested. Personnel from the Panamanian Ecological Ministry also arrived on scene and confiscated the lobsters, which were still alive.

You can read more about the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama on their website.