San José — Sustainable fishing has become a priority issue for Costa Rica, not only due to its economic relevance but also for its direct impact on food security, marine biodiversity, and the stability of coastal communities.
San José — Sustainable fishing has become a priority issue for Costa Rica, not only due to its economic relevance but also for its direct impact on food security, marine biodiversity, and the stability of coastal communities.
In response to the growing challenges facing this sector, the Civic Environmental Parliament presented the report “Key Elements for Sustainable Fishing,” the result of a Technical Meeting held in January 2025 with the participation of national experts, scientific organizations, community representatives, and authorities linked to the marine-coastal environment.
This document offers a clear diagnosis of the current state of fishing in Costa Rica, outlines the main obstacles to its sustainable development, and proposes a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening fisheries governance, improving the quality of available scientific information, incorporating climate change into management, and promoting equity in coastal communities.
Multiple and Urgent Challenges
Among the main findings of the report are:
The lack of updated scientific data on the status of fish populations and applied fishing effort, which prevents adequate evidence-based management.
The institutional and regulatory weaknesses of the sector, with limited inspection processes, low transparency, and poor traceability of catches.
The increasing impact of climate change, which could reduce catches in the Pacific by 15% and in the Caribbean by 30% by the year 2050, affecting not only fisheries productivity but also food security.
The lack of viable economic alternatives for fishing communities, many of which depend almost exclusively on artisanal fishing for their livelihoods
A Call to Action: Recommendations to Transform the Sector
The report proposes a clear path to achieving fisheries sustainability in the country, articulated in three strategic axes. On the technical and scientific level, it urges the establishment of monitoring and biological data collection systems to estimate the status of populations and define catch limits.
From a social perspective, the importance of involving coastal communities through environmental education, active participation, and economic diversification is highlighted. Activities such as ecotourism and sport fishing can reduce pressure on resources while improving local incomes and promoting sustainable practices.
Finally, at the governance level, the report recommends reforming INCOPESCA (Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture) to align with sustainability objectives and establishing dynamic regulatory frameworks that respond to current challenges, including climate change. Tools such as fishing bans, minimum sizes, and marine protected areas are essential for the recovery of species and the health of the marine ecosystem.
Damián Martínez-Fernández, a member of the Marine Coastal Commission of the Civic Environmental Parliament, emphasized:
“Costa Rica faces the challenge of redirecting its fishing model towards sustainability. This report not only highlights the areas we must improve but also offers ideas on how to achieve fishing that respects the limits of the ecosystem and strengthens the well-being of coastal communities. It is an open invitation to all sectors to build together a future where conservation and development go hand in hand.”
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Finally, at the governance level, the report recommends reforming 
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