Not legal advice. This summary is based on the official law and regulation texts as published, checked Oct 22, 2026. The fisheries authority changed in 2026 and procedures may change with it. Confirm with the authority or your charter before you fish.
Who regulates fishing: CENDEPESCA to ASEA
For years, fishing permits were issued by CENDEPESCA, part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG)[1]. In February 2026 the Legislative Assembly created the Autoridad Salvadoreña de Economía Azul (ASEA), an autonomous body linked to the executive through the Ministry of Economy, to take over CENDEPESCA's role. Its powers include issuing and revoking authorizations and licences, setting closed seasons and catch limits, and sanctioning violations[2]. Older documents and some websites still refer to CENDEPESCA.
What the fisheries law says about sport fishing
- Authorization periods (Ley General de Ordenación y Promoción de Pesca y Acuicultura, Art. 54)[3]:
- two years for sport fishing with Salvadoran-flagged boats;
- thirty days for foreigners who want to sport-fish with foreign boats;
- per event for sport-fishing tournament organizers.
- Target species. The regulation defines the objects of sport fishing as billfish (picudos) such as sailfish, swordfish and marlin, plus dorado, tuna and other species set by resolution (Reglamento, Art. 51)[4].
- Catch and release is the principle. Fish are to be returned in a condition that allows them to survive (Art. 52). The required handling: remove the hook quickly, do not touch the gills, and do not squeeze the fish or handle it with dry hands, preferably keeping it in the water (Art. 53)[4].
- Circle hooks. Authorized sport fishers must use circle hooks, with dimensions set by resolution (Art. 55)[4].
- Tournaments need a per-event authorization, and the organizer must report participants, catches and releases afterwards (Arts. 54 and 56)[4].
- Individuals applying for their own sport-fishing authorization submit a form with notarized ID copies and photographs (Art. 57)[4].
What this means for a visiting angler
- On a licensed charter: the operator holds the boat's licence and authorization. Ask to see them (see booking questions).
- Bringing your own boat into Salvadoran waters: the law provides a 30-day authorization for foreigners with foreign vessels[3]. Contact ASEA well before arrival.
- Shore fishing: one third-party guide notes the law has no explicit exemption for shore fishing[5]. Rules are unclear here; ask locally.
- Protected areas: Los Cóbanos and Bahía de Jiquilisco are protected areas with management plans and zoning[6][7]. Some zones restrict activities.
Bringing fish home
Billfish are released. If you plan to bring other fish back to the United States, check U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules before you travel. We have not summarized them here.
Sources
- Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería, Administración Pesquera y Acuícola (authorizations and vessel licences). Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- El Diario de Hoy / elsalvador.com, "Estas son las funciones de la nueva Autoridad de Economía Azul en El Salvador, ASEA" (Feb 4, 2026). Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- Ley General de Ordenación y Promoción de Pesca y Acuicultura y su Reglamento (PDF, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería), Art. 54. Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- Reglamento de la Ley General de Ordenación y Promoción de Pesca y Acuicultura, Decreto No. 38, Arts. 51–58 (PDF, El Salvador eRegulations). Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- Fishing World Guide, El Salvador country page (third-party guide). Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- Ramsar Sites Information Service, management plan for Complejo Los Cóbanos (PDF, MARN). Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, Xiriualtique–Jiquilisco Biosphere Reserve. Checked Oct 22, 2026.