Veraguas fishing community balances industrial growth with El Niño challenges

In the Mariato district of Veraguas, the Asociación Agropecuaria de Pesca y Ecoturismo de Palo Seco (AAPEPS) has inaugurated a new agro-industrial processing plant. Supported by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), the facility aims to add value to local fish production by manufacturing products such as fish burgers, nuggets, and vacuum-packed items.

Despite this industrial advancement, artisanal fishermen in the Golfo de Montijo region face significant economic challenges. The El Niño phenomenon and rising water temperatures have caused a decline in fish species in traditional areas, forcing fishermen to travel to deeper waters. This environmental shift, combined with high fuel costs and stagnant market prices, has led to decreased profitability and financial losses for many local fishing families.