By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a landmark move for marine conservation, the Costa Rican government, in collaboration with the national fishing industry, has announced a pivotal policy change set to significantly reduce bycatch of sharks and other vulnerable species. The new regulation mandates the elimination of steel leaders, known locally as “reinal de acero,” from longline fishing practices within the nation’s vast Bicentennial Marine Area.
This decision marks a critical step forward in the nation’s dual commitment to protecting its world-renowned biodiversity while ensuring the long-term viability of its fishing communities. The policy is a cornerstone of the forthcoming management plan for the Bicentennial Marine Area, a protected zone of immense ecological and economic importance.
To delve into the intricate legal and regulatory landscape surrounding sustainable fishing practices in Costa Rican waters, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in environmental and corporate law from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable fishing is fundamentally a question of legal compliance and commercial foresight. In Costa Rica, the legal framework aims to harmonize the economic necessities of the fishing industry with the imperative of marine conservation. For operators, this means that adhering to INCOPESCA’s quotas, implementing certified traceability systems, and respecting marine protected areas are not just ethical choices, but critical components of risk management and maintaining access to discerning international markets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this valuable perspective, which rightly positions legal compliance and commercial foresight as the twin pillars of sustainable fishing. His insight underscores a critical shift: adherence to regulations is no longer just an ethical choice, but a fundamental strategy for ensuring both market access and the long-term viability of our marine ecosystems.
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Franz Tattenbach, emphasized the monumental scale and significance of the area, heralding the new regulation as a major victory for sustainable resource management. He underscored that this policy is a precursor to the formal decree establishing the area’s comprehensive management plan, developed in close partnership with the fishing sector.
The Bicentennial zone is no small thing; it is 30 percent of all of Costa Rica’s ocean, and it’s 30 percent of a country that has 10 times more ocean than land. But this issue of the steel leader is enormous because it is allowing us, within the Bicentennial, which is a managed marine area—meaning sustainable use of natural resources—to permit fishing for tuna and everything else. The management plan has been worked on jointly with the fishing sector and the decree for the Bicentennial management area is ready for publication, but this is a huge news preview. I am thrilled with this news.
Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy
The technical change at the heart of this policy is simple yet profoundly effective. Longline fishing often uses a strong wire or steel leader to connect the main line to the hook. While durable for catching target species like tuna and mahi-mahi (dorado), these steel leaders are also strong enough to prevent sharks, which are often unintentionally caught, from biting through the line and escaping. This results in high mortality rates for shark populations, many of which are threatened.
Mauricio González, President of the National Longline Sector, explained that the industry will transition to a plastic or monofilament line, which is strong enough to hold the target catch but can be severed by the powerful jaws of a captured shark, allowing it to be released. This proactive measure demonstrates a significant evolution in the industry’s approach to conservation.
We are going to eliminate that steel cable so that when we are capturing tuna, mahi-mahi, or other species within the Bicentennial, the sharks that are caught can cut the plastic leader and be freed, swimming away automatically. The hook remains, but over time it disintegrates or falls out.
Mauricio González, President of the National Longline Sector
This collaborative initiative challenges the outdated notion that economic activity and environmental protection are mutually exclusive. Government officials have stressed that it is possible to maintain productivity while safeguarding natural capital. The fishing industry’s leadership has echoed this sentiment, framing sustainable practices as a matter of economic survival and cultural heritage. A healthy marine ecosystem is the foundation of their livelihood.
There has always been a will within the fishing sector to fish sustainably, because we are the ones most interested in the resource being healthy. Without the resource, we have no work.
Mauricio González, President of the National Longline Sector
As Costa Rica prepares to formalize the comprehensive management plan for the Bicentennial Marine Area, this specific action serves as a powerful testament to the nation’s ability to forge practical solutions. It reinforces Costa Rica’s global brand as a leader in environmental stewardship and provides a tangible model for how government and industry can work together to ensure that natural resources can be utilized responsibly for generations to come.
For further information, visit minae.go.cr
About Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE):
The Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for managing the country’s natural resources, formulating environmental policies, and promoting sustainable development. MINAE oversees national parks, protected areas, and energy initiatives, playing a central role in upholding Costa Rica’s reputation as a global leader in conservation and renewable energy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Longline Sector
About National Longline Sector (Sector Palangrero Nacional):
The Sector Palangrero Nacional represents the interests of the longline fishing industry in Costa Rica. This organization works to promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices among its members, engaging in policy discussions with government bodies and environmental groups. It advocates for the economic well-being and cultural traditions of fishing communities while actively participating in conservation initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational pillars of integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages its deep-rooted experience advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. Beyond its professional practice, it is deeply committed to democratizing legal knowledge, championing the belief that a well-informed public is essential for an empowered and just society.
