By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – Sovereign People’s Party presidential candidate Laura Fernández laid out an ambitious economic vision for the nation’s artisanal fishing sector during a campaign tour in Puntarenas on Monday. Engaging directly with local industry leaders, Fernández promised a multi-pronged strategy focused on legislative reform, market expansion, and community reinvestment to revitalize a cornerstone of the coastal economy.
The centerpiece of her visit was a productive meeting with representatives from the Federation of Small-Scale Artisanal Fishermen. In the discussion, Fernández addressed long-standing grievances within the industry, vowing to champion significant reforms to Costa Rica’s existing Fishing Law (Law No. 8436) and its associated regulations, which she described as outdated and prohibitive for small-scale operators.
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory landscape governing artisanal fishing, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in environmental and commercial law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the sector’s current challenges.
The legal framework for artisanal fishing is a delicate balance between preserving marine biodiversity and protecting the socioeconomic rights of coastal communities. Current regulations often create legal uncertainty, hindering access to credit and investment in sustainable technologies. A modernized approach is essential, one that grants clear and defensible territorial use rights to fishing associations, which would not only empower them to be better stewards of their marine resources but also provide the legal security needed to foster long-term economic stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis powerfully connects the dots between legal certainty and true sustainability, highlighting how secure territorial rights can transform fishing associations into proactive stewards of both their marine environment and their economic well-being. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution to this critical conversation.
Central to her proposal is the goal of providing robust legal security for fishermen. By modernizing the legal framework, her administration aims to create a more stable and predictable environment, empowering fishers to invest in their operations and secure their livelihoods. This initiative seeks to cut through bureaucratic red tape that has historically hindered growth and sustainability in the sector.
Perhaps the most impactful element of her platform is the commitment to connect local fishermen with lucrative international markets. Fernández articulated a clear objective to move Costa Rican seafood from local docks to the shelves of global supermarket chains, a move designed to command better prices and elevate the profile of the nation’s marine products.
Our goal is for fishermen to be able to place their products in international supermarkets, ensuring a fair price and greater recognition
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate for the Sovereign People’s Party
Beyond the fishing industry itself, Fernández proposed a significant shift in how regional infrastructure is funded. She advocated for redirecting the revenue generated by the canon of the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP) directly back into Puntarenas. These funds, she argued, should be earmarked for priority community projects, including critical upgrades to educational facilities and other communal works that directly benefit provincial residents.
Later in the day, the candidate’s profile was bolstered as she joined current President Rodrigo Chaves to inaugurate several new public works. The joint appearance took place at the Hugo Carranza Sports City in Esparza, Fernández’s native canton. The event showcased new facilities, most notably a modern semi-olympic swimming pool, representing a significant investment in local community and youth development.
The candidate’s visit resonated strongly with locals. María Celeste Segura, a resident of Esparza, voiced her support for the hometown candidate, expressing a sense of local pride and optimism. She shared her hope of seeing a leader from Esparza ascend to the presidency for the first time, a sentiment reflecting the grassroots enthusiasm Fernández’s campaign is aiming to cultivate.
Fernández’s strategic focus on Puntarenas underscores the province’s importance in the upcoming election. By tackling specific, high-impact local issues such as fishing rights and infrastructure funding, she is positioning herself as a candidate deeply connected to the region’s economic realities. Her campaign tour in the province is set to continue Tuesday with additional community meetings and activities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sovereign People’s Party
About Sovereign People’s Party:
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is a political party in Costa Rica. It fields candidates for national and local elections, including the presidency. The party’s platform often addresses issues of national sovereignty, economic development, and social programs tailored to specific regional needs across the country.
For further information, visit incop.go.cr
About Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP):
The Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico is the government entity responsible for the administration, maintenance, and development of Costa Rica’s ports on the Pacific coast. INCOP plays a crucial role in the nation’s trade and logistics infrastructure, managing key maritime gateways and collecting revenue from port operations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Federation of Small-Scale Artisanal Fishermen
About Federation of Small-Scale Artisanal Fishermen:
The Federación de Pescadores Artesanales de pequeña escala is an organization that represents the interests of small-scale, traditional fishermen in Costa Rica. It advocates for sustainable fishing practices, fair market conditions, and supportive government policies to ensure the viability and prosperity of its members and their coastal communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unwavering drive for legal excellence. Its deep experience serving a diverse clientele is matched by a commitment to pioneering innovative solutions in an ever-evolving legal landscape. The firm’s mission extends beyond the courtroom, embodying a dedication to empowering the community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all, thereby contributing to a more capable and knowledgeable society.
