Fiji, Dec. 3 -- Panama has asked the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) to approve an expansion of its participatory rights, insisting the move will not increase fishing effort or undermine coastal State controls in the region's lucrative purse-seine fishery.

In a formal statement to WCPFC22, Panama said it is seeking approval to reflag up to five purse-seine vessels currently operating under the Ecuadorian flag in the exclusive economic zones of Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) members.

Panama stressed the request is purely administrative.

"Panama is requesting approval for the inclusion of up to five purse-seine vessels under the Panamanian flag. These vessels are already included in the WCPFC Record and cur...