By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With the 2026 presidential elections on the horizon, the conservation organization MarViva has issued a sweeping set of proposals aimed at rectifying critical gaps in Costa Rica’s marine management. The initiative places direct pressure on aspiring national leaders to commit to a robust and scientifically grounded strategy for protecting the nation’s vast maritime territory, which constitutes the majority of its sovereign space.
The campaign underscores the significance of voter decisions in the coming months, urging the public to scrutinize candidates’ environmental platforms. MarViva frames this as a pivotal moment for the country’s long-term ecological and economic health, demanding concrete commitments rather than vague promises to secure a sustainable future for all Costa Ricans.
To delve deeper into the legal framework surrounding marine governance and its implications for national sovereignty and economic development, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective marine governance requires a delicate balance between sovereign rights and international obligations, particularly under conventions like the Law of the Sea. The primary legal challenge is not just establishing protected areas, but creating an enforceable, transparent regulatory framework that encourages sustainable investment in sectors like fisheries and marine tourism. Without legal certainty and robust enforcement, even the best-intentioned policies will fail to protect our marine resources or deliver economic benefits.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on a robust and enforceable framework is a critical point; it underscores that legal certainty is the essential bridge between well-intentioned policy and tangible results for both conservation and our blue economy. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and valuable perspective.
This publication aims to tell Costa Ricans that our decisions are important, especially in these electoral times we find ourselves in, and that we must carefully analyze the proposals and select initiatives that protect marine ecosystems, considering a more sustainable and better future for all of us.
Melissa Álvarez, MarViva Spokesperson
At the heart of MarViva’s agenda is a call for the complete restructuring of the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Incopesca). The organization argues that a fundamental overhaul is necessary to eliminate perceived conflicts of interest within its governance structure. The proposal insists that all future fisheries management decisions be guided by binding scientific criteria, a move designed to prevent short-term economic interests from overriding long-term sustainability goals and halt the deterioration of key fish populations.
To bolster enforcement and combat rampant illegal fishing, the document proposes the creation of a unified National Maritime Surveillance Center. This new body would integrate the operational capacities of the Coast Guard, the National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac), and a reformed Incopesca. By centralizing surveillance and response efforts, proponents believe Costa Rica can more effectively patrol its waters and protect its valuable marine resources from illicit activities.
Claudio Alpízar of the Partido Esperanza Nacional acknowledged the economic leakage caused by weak oversight, framing it as a matter of national sovereignty and development.
We believe in human development, and protecting people’s capabilities and livelihoods is fundamental; in the sea and the oceans, there is great wealth that, in Costa Rica’s case, is often stolen from us due to a lack of preparation.
Claudio Alpízar, Partido Esperanza Nacional
Further demands from MarViva include unprecedented transparency measures, such as opening all fisheries data to public and scientific scrutiny and conducting the country’s first-ever national census of fishermen and fleets. The plan also calls for mandatory fishing regulations, including strict limits on the quantity and length of hooks, restrictions on “soak time” for fishing gear, and an outright prohibition on fishing in critical spawning and reproduction zones.
The proposals have elicited varied responses from political figures, who are navigating the complex task of balancing conservation with the needs of coastal communities. Fernando Zamora of the Partido Nueva Generación emphasized a middle-ground approach.
We believe in firmly protecting the sea, but also in allowing Costa Ricans, especially those living on the coasts, to responsibly harness our maritime wealth. Our commitment is essentially a real balance.
Fernando Zamora, Partido Nueva Generación
Similarly, Álvaro Ramos of the Partido Liberación Nacional referenced a philosophy of “integral ecology,” advocating for a framework that respects both nature and human dignity. This highlights the urgent challenge of crafting policies that support both ecological integrity and the socioeconomic well-being of the thousands of Costa Ricans who depend on the ocean for their livelihood.
In the case of the sea, we start from a vision of integral ecology, like the one proposed by Pope Francis: protecting nature without abandoning the right of fishermen and coastal communities to live with dignity. Costa Rica faces an urgent challenge.
Álvaro Ramos, Partido Liberación Nacional
As the election cycle intensifies, MarViva’s comprehensive document serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating the candidates’ commitment to Costa Rica’s marine future. The organization’s detailed roadmap pressures them to move beyond rhetoric and articulate specific plans for managing one of the nation’s most vital, and vulnerable, resources.
For further information, visit marviva.net
About MarViva:
MarViva is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. It operates in several countries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, promoting responsible fishing practices, strengthening marine protected areas, and advocating for public policies that ensure the long-term health of ocean ecosystems.
For further information, visit incopesca.go.cr
About Incopesca:
The Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura (Incopesca) is the governmental body responsible for regulating, promoting, and overseeing fishing and aquaculture activities in Costa Rica. Its mandate includes managing fish stocks, issuing licenses, and developing policies for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Esperanza Nacional
About Partido Esperanza Nacional:
Partido Esperanza Nacional (National Hope Party) is a political party in Costa Rica. It participates in national and local elections, articulating platforms on various issues including economic development, social welfare, and resource management, as represented by its candidate Claudio Alpízar.
For further information, visit pnge.cr
About Partido Nueva Generación:
Partido Nueva Generación (New Generation Party) is a Costa Rican political party that fields candidates for presidential and legislative elections. The party often focuses on themes of modernization, economic balance, and responsible governance, as articulated by its representative Fernando Zamora.
For further information, visit plncr.org
About Partido Liberación Nacional:
The Partido Liberación Nacional (National Liberation Party), commonly known as PLN, is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most established political parties. With a long history in national governance, it has a broad platform that addresses economic, social, and environmental issues, as voiced by figures like Álvaro Ramos.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, built on a foundation of integrity and the pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of providing expert counsel to a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions legal innovation and upholds a strong commitment to its community. Its drive to democratize legal information is fundamental to its overarching mission: to build a more knowledgeable and capable society.
