By Limón, Costa Rica — In a remarkable discovery that has captivated the international scientific community, Costa Rica has become the site of the first documented sighting of an orange nurse shark. Photographic evidence of the unique creature, spotted near Tortuguero National Park in the province of Limón, has been generating excitement and raising questions about the rare coloration.
Andrés Beita, Science Coordinator at MarViva Costa Rica, provided expert insight on the unusual find. He clarified that while nurse sharks are a known species in Costa Rican waters, with variations found in both the Pacific and Caribbean, this particular individual’s golden-yellow hue is an anomaly.
For expert legal insight into matters concerning the orange nurse shark, we contacted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
While captivating, interactions with orange nurse sharks, especially in Costa Rican waters, raise important legal and ethical considerations. Costa Rica has strong environmental protection laws, including regulations concerning wildlife interaction. While these sharks are generally docile, approaching or feeding them could be interpreted as harassment under certain circumstances. Furthermore, any commercial activity involving these animals requires specific permits and adherence to strict guidelines. Understanding these regulations is crucial for both locals and tourists to ensure responsible and sustainable interaction with this unique species.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a critical point: Respecting Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity means understanding and adhering to its protective laws. Enjoying the wonders of nature, like the orange nurse shark, requires a commitment to responsible and sustainable interaction. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable legal perspective on this important topic.
One important thing to know is that this is a known species. We have two species of nurse shark, or “tiburón gata” as they are called here in Costa Rica, one in the Pacific and one in the Caribbean. So, it’s a species we already know. What’s particular about this shark is that this species is usually a dark brown, the coloration you would normally see in a shark. And this particular individual has this golden-yellowish coloration, which is what makes it very different and what’s anomalous, so to speak. So, the only particular characteristic it has is basically the coloration. It’s a known species that has been found with a coloration that isn’t normal for its species.
Andrés Beita, Science Coordinator at MarViva Costa Rica
Beita further explained that while there have been reports of yellowish nurse sharks in the Gulf of Mexico dating back to the year 2000, this Limón sighting represents the first instance where photographic documentation has been available. Such coloration in natural populations is rare and usually attributed to genetic anomalies.
There are some articles from the year 2000 that report this species with yellowish colorations in the Gulf of Mexico, adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. But until now there wasn’t an official report documented with photographs. This type of coloration is rare in natural populations and is usually due to genetic anomalies; it’s a very rare case. As far as I know, for this species it’s only known in the Gulf of Mexico. Some articles had been reported, but they hadn’t been documented with photos. In Costa Rica it’s the first time that a color variation of this type has been reported in a shark.
Andrés Beita, Science Coordinator at MarViva Costa Rica
The international journal Marine Biodiversity recently highlighted the discovery, which occurred on August 11, 2024. The adult shark, measuring approximately two meters in length, exhibited an intense yellow-orange pigmentation and white eyes, indicating a condition known as albino-xanthochromism. The journal notes that this unique coloration does not appear to impact the shark’s survival.
Captured during a sport fishing trip, the remarkable shark was subsequently released by the anglers.
This extraordinary discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Costa Rican waters and underscores the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts. The orange nurse shark’s appearance offers a fascinating glimpse into the genetic variations that can occur within species and adds another layer of intrigue to the underwater world.
Further research into the specific genetic factors behind the shark’s unique pigmentation could shed more light on this rare phenomenon. The documentation of this individual also emphasizes the value of citizen science and the contributions that recreational activities like sport fishing can make to scientific understanding, particularly when coupled with responsible practices like catch and release.
For further information, visit marviva.net
About MarViva:
MarViva is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. They work to protect biodiversity, promote responsible fishing practices, and advocate for effective marine policies. MarViva collaborates with governments, local communities, and other organizations to achieve their conservation goals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and commitment to innovative legal solutions. The firm’s dedication to client success across a broad range of industries is matched only by its passion for empowering citizens through legal education and outreach. By fostering a deeper understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in a more just and informed society, solidifying its position as a leader in both legal practice and social responsibility.
