In a boost for Central America’s blue economy, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has committed $4.3 million (€3.8 million) to finance PescARTE, a landmark initiative designed to revitalize El Salvador’s artisanal fishing sector and promote sustainable coastal management. Under an agreement published in the Official Gazette, the project will be executed by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari) in close coordination with local authorities until at least December 31, 2027.

The program targets vital marine zones where artisanal fishing remains a socio-economic lifeline. Crucially, CIHEAM Bari and non-domiciled service providers will benefit from significant tax exemptions on imports, VAT, and direct taxes—including the acquisition of up to five vehicles—ensuring that maximum funding directly reaches local fishermen. Upon completion, all acquired equipment and assets will be officially donated to Salvadoran fishing institutions to guarantee long-term operational autonomy.

This international alliance arrives at a pivotal moment of institutional transition. The project’s local counterpart, Cendepesca, was recently dissolved and replaced by the newly established Salvadoran Blue Economy Authority (ASEA), which will now lead the joint steering committee. “This transition aligns perfectly with the country’s strategic shift toward modern, structured ocean governance,” representatives noted, highlighting the need to integrate diverse fishing environments, from open coasts to lagoons and estuaries.

PescARTE’s strategic implementation will be heavily guided by El Salvador’s latest Fisheries Census, which underscores the geographical diversity of the trade, noting that while 20.2% of fishermen operate on the coastal-marine strip, over 50% rely on rivers, estuaries, and bays. By addressing these varied ecosystems, the Italy-backed initiative seeks to build climate resilience, establish robust logistics, and secure a sustainable economic future for thousands of Salvadoran families.