Ciguatera is a foodborne intoxication associated with the consumption of fish that have accumulated ciguatoxins produced mainly by benthic dinoflagellates of the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa. This study aimed to estimate the potential risk of ciguatera in two areas of the Panamanian Pacific: The Gulf of Chiriquí (PTY-3) and the Gulf of Panamá (PTY-4). All available information regarding the subject was examined, as well as the existence of reports from neighboring countries that could increase the risk of ciguatera in the country. A risk index based on seven criteria was applied: occurrence of ciguatera-associated benthic dinoflagellates, availability of suitable substrates, presence of potential vector species, epidemiological reports, coastal productive activities, environmental regulations, and ocean circulation patterns. Each criterion was weighted according to its relative importance and integrated into the CRI risk index. The study is a continuation of the previous study, in which the risk index for the Eastern Caribbean and the Western Caribbean of Panama was calculated. The Gulf of Chiriquí reached a value of 3.20, higher than that obtained for PTY-4 (2.20). At PTY-3, the main contributions to the index stemmed from regional evidence of ciguatera-associated dinoflagellates, the high representation of potential vector fish, and the zone's characteristic intrusive and retentive patterns meanwhile PTY-4 was notable for the greater pressure from coastal productive activities, although the gulf's circulation patterns are influenced by areas where ciguatera is not currently a problem. Limited epidemiological information and the lack of local confirmation of Gambierdiscus/Fukuyoa remain the main sources of uncertainty. The results indicate that PTY-3 presents a higher relative risk than PTY-4 and should be prioritized for surveillance programs including benthic dinoflagellate sampling, molecular identification, and ciguatoxin detection in commercially important fish.
