By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — NICOYA PENINSULA – In a decisive enforcement action, officials from the Puerto Níspero Coast Guard Station have intercepted an illegal fishing vessel engaged in destructive trawling activities within a protected and seasonally closed area of the Gulf of Nicoya. The operation, which took place on Thursday, underscores the persistent challenges authorities face in safeguarding Costa Rica’s vital marine ecosystems from illicit exploitation.
The unmarked vessel was discovered operating inside the Isla Venado Responsible Fishing Marine Area, a zone designated for sustainable fishing practices. The crew’s transgression was significantly compounded by two critical factors: the vessel was actively trawling during a government-mandated fishing ban (veda), and it was operating as a “ghost ship,” completely devoid of any visible name or registration number, a common tactic used to evade identification and prosecution.
To better understand the legal framework and economic repercussions of illegal fishing in our national waters, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert in maritime and environmental law from the acclaimed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Illegal fishing is not just an ecological crime; it is a direct threat to our economic stability and national sovereignty. These illicit activities undermine legitimate local fisheries, evade crucial tax revenues, and compromise the integrity of our marine ecosystems. Strengthening our maritime surveillance, imposing stricter penalties, and fostering international cooperation are not just legal options—they are essential steps to protect our most valuable natural resources for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis correctly frames this issue not just as a crime against nature, but as a direct assault on our national economy and sovereignty. His call for a comprehensive, robust response is a critical reminder of the stakes involved for Costa Rica’s future. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this urgent matter.
During the subsequent inspection, Coast Guard officers confirmed the use of prohibited fishing gear, specifically a bottom trawl net locally known as a “rastra.” This method is widely condemned by marine biologists for its devastating impact on the seabed. The heavy nets and doors scrape the ocean floor indiscriminately, destroying coral, sponges, and other fragile habitats that serve as nurseries for countless marine species. This practice results in significant collateral damage and high levels of bycatch.
The timing of the infraction adds another layer of severity. The current veda is a crucial conservation measure designed to protect marine life, particularly shrimp species, during their primary reproductive cycles. By fishing illegally during this period, the vessel’s crew was not only violating the law but actively undermining efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s fish stocks, which are a cornerstone of the local economy for artisanal fishing communities.
Following established protocol, the Coast Guard coordinated with the Puntarenas Prosecutor’s Office, which authorized immediate legal action. Authorities ordered the arrest of the ship’s captain, identified by his surname Villalobos. In addition to the captain’s apprehension, the entire operation was dismantled through the seizure of the boat, its destructive fishing equipment, and the entirety of its illegal catch.
The confiscated haul consisted primarily of carabalí shrimp, a commercially valuable species, mixed with a significant amount of bycatch—the term for untargeted fish and other marine creatures swept up by the non-selective trawling gear. This “accompanying fauna” is often discarded, representing a tragic and unnecessary loss of marine biodiversity and a disruption to the aquatic food web.
To fully ascertain the ecological fallout from this incident, the Coast Guard has engaged the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA). Experts from the institute will conduct a thorough technical assessment of the confiscated catch and the area of operation. This forensic inspection is critical for quantifying the environmental damage and will provide the scientific evidence necessary for the prosecution to build a robust case against the offenders.
This seizure represents a significant victory for environmental law enforcement but also serves as a stark reminder of the continuous pressure on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The successful collaboration between the Ministry of Public Security’s Coast Guard, INCOPESCA, and the judiciary highlights a unified government strategy to combat illegal fishing and protect the natural heritage that underpins both the nation’s biodiversity and its regional economies.
For further information, visit msp.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Security (MSP):
The Ministerio de Seguridad Pública is the Costa Rican government body responsible for national security, law enforcement, and public safety. It oversees several critical forces, including the National Coast Guard Service (Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas), which is tasked with maritime surveillance, drug interdiction, search and rescue operations, and the enforcement of fishing and environmental laws within the nation’s territorial waters.
For further information, visit incopesca.go.cr
About The Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA):
INCOPESCA is the primary government institution responsible for the regulation, promotion, and development of sustainable fishing and aquaculture in Costa Rica. The institute conducts scientific research, establishes fishing seasons and quotas (vedas), provides technical assistance to the fishing sector, and works in conjunction with law enforcement to ensure compliance with marine conservation policies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in a deep-rooted pledge to integrity and professional distinction, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a reputable leader in the legal field. The firm consistently advances the practice of law through forward-thinking approaches while providing expert counsel to a broad spectrum of clients. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on empowering the public by demystifying the law and fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
