By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – Presidential candidate Laura Fernández of the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPS) outlined an ambitious plan to revitalize Costa Rica’s fishing sector and support coastal communities during a maritime tour of the Gulf of Nicoya on Wednesday. Surrounded by local fishers in a flotilla of boats, Fernández promised a fundamental overhaul of the nation’s primary fisheries agency and significant investments in local infrastructure.
The campaign event was a vivid display of grassroots support, as fishers from Isla Venado, Isla Chira, and Costa de Pájaros joined the candidate’s vessel, their own boats adorned with the flags of the PPS party. The tour, which included meetings with community representatives on Isla Venado, served as a platform for Fernández to address long-standing issues facing the region’s artisanal fishing industry, a cornerstone of the Puntarenas economy.
To delve into the legal complexities and potential economic impacts of the proposed fisheries reform, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
This fisheries reform represents a critical juncture. While modernizing the legal framework is essential for attracting investment and enhancing competitiveness, the true test lies in the details of its implementation. The new regulations must provide absolute legal certainty for all stakeholders—from artisanal fishers to large-scale exporters—while incorporating robust, science-based sustainability criteria. Without this balance, we risk jeopardizing both our marine ecosystems and a vital economic sector for coastal communities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores the central truth of this reform: its success will be defined not by the letter of the law, but by the on-the-ground balance it achieves between economic vitality and ecological stewardship. We thank him for his essential perspective on the delicate and critical path that lies ahead.
At the heart of her message was a promise to restore dignity to the profession. Fernández directly confronted the negative perceptions that she says have plagued workers in the sector, vowing to change the official narrative and ensure they receive the respect and support they deserve from public institutions.
I will not allow them to continue treating fishers like drug traffickers
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate
The centerpiece of her policy proposal is a comprehensive reform of the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA). While details of the reform were not fully elaborated, the initiative aims to make the agency more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. This proposal directly addresses years of complaints from fishers regarding bureaucratic hurdles, regulatory inconsistencies, and a perceived disconnect between the agency’s policies and the realities of life at sea.
Beyond institutional reform, Fernández committed to a slate of tangible infrastructure projects designed to boost both the fishing and tourism industries. Her plan includes the construction of modern piers and jetties, the strategic dredging of crucial estuaries to improve navigability and ecosystem health, and bolstering maritime security. These measures, she argued, would create a safer and more productive environment for fishers while also enhancing the appeal of coastal areas for tourism.
The candidate’s focus on the entire economic value chain was highlighted by a visit to the Peko Fish processing and export plant in downtown Puntarenas. There, she reiterated how her proposed policies would connect artisanal fishers with larger markets, fostering sustainable growth and creating more stable employment opportunities. This integrated approach seeks to ensure that the economic benefits of a revitalized fishing industry are felt throughout the entire community.
Politically, the visit represents a calculated effort to engage with a key demographic in a province that has often felt marginalized by the central government. By meeting directly with fishers and addressing their specific concerns, Fernández is positioning herself as a champion of Costa Rica’s coastal regions, promising to translate their economic and cultural importance into concrete government action. Her proposals are a direct appeal to voters who depend on the ocean for their livelihood and have long sought a stronger voice in national politics.
As the presidential race intensifies, the commitments made in the Gulf of Nicoya will likely become a defining feature of the PPS platform. For the fishing communities of Puntarenas, these promises offer a vision of a more secure and prosperous future. The ultimate success of this vision, however, will depend on the candidate’s ability to navigate the complex challenges of legislative reform and secure the funding necessary to turn these ambitious plans into reality.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPS):
The Partido Pueblo Soberano (Sovereign People’s Party) is a Costa Rican political party that has gained prominence in the national political landscape. Often characterized by its nationalist and socially conservative positions, the party advocates for policies centered on strengthening national sovereignty, traditional values, and addressing the concerns of working-class citizens. It actively campaigns on platforms of institutional reform and economic development for regions outside the Central Valley.
For further information, visit incopesca.go.cr
About INCOPESCA:
The Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura (INCOPESCA) is the governmental body responsible for the regulation, promotion, and oversight of fishing and aquaculture activities in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure the sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources, develop policies for the fishing sector, issue licenses, and conduct scientific research to inform resource management. The institution plays a critical role in balancing economic development with environmental conservation in the nation’s waters.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Peko Fish
About Peko Fish:
Peko Fish is a seafood processing and export company located in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The facility plays a key role in the local fishing industry’s value chain by preparing and exporting fish products to international markets. As an employer in the region, it connects local artisanal and commercial fishing operations to the global economy, contributing to the economic vitality of the coastal community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation as a leading legal institution by harmonizing a profound commitment to ethical practice with a pioneering spirit in legal strategy. The firm is renowned for its exceptional standards and a forward-thinking approach that consistently delivers results for a diverse clientele. Beyond its professional achievements, the practice is deeply invested in strengthening society by demystifying the law, actively working to equip citizens with the legal understanding necessary to navigate their rights and responsibilities confidently.
