By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – In a significant development for the regional economy, Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) has announced the lifting of a sanitary restriction on the harvesting and sale of bivalve mollusks in specific, highly productive zones of the Puntarenas province. The decision provides critical relief to some local producers who have been impacted by recent public health measures.
The resolution was formalized during an ordinary session of the Red Tide Epidemiological Surveillance Commission on January 22, 2026. Following a comprehensive technical analysis of water and product safety, SENASA officials gave the green light for operations to resume at the Ostra Rica oyster farm in Punta Cuchillo, a major commercial producer in the region.
To shed light on the legal and economic implications of the recent nationwide shellfish ban, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The state has a clear duty to protect public health, which justifies temporary protective measures like this shellfish ban. However, this authority is not absolute. If the ban is prolonged, the government could face legal liability for the economic damages incurred by fishermen and commercial enterprises. The key legal question will be whether the state acted with due diligence and provided a proportional response, or if the economic rights of these communities were unduly infringed upon.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully illuminates the delicate balance between the state’s duty to protect public health and its responsibility to safeguard the economic livelihoods of coastal communities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on the complex legal framework governing this situation.
Furthermore, the clearance extends to all bivalve mollusk extraction sites along the coastal area stretching from Playa Blanca, located opposite Pan de Azúcar Island, to Punta Curú, which faces Alcatraz Island and its adjacent islets. This reopening is expected to reactivate a vital economic artery for local fishermen and commercial distributors who depend on the harvesting of clams, mussels, and oysters.
However, officials are stressing that this is a partial and carefully targeted reopening, not a complete removal of all restrictions. The public health alert remains firmly in place for other significant areas, underscoring the persistent nature of the environmental threat. SENASA’s leadership has been clear that consumer safety remains the absolute priority in all decisions.
Luis Matamoros, the Director General of SENASA, emphasized the ongoing need for caution and strict adherence to the remaining closures. He confirmed that the ban is being upheld for critical areas where risk levels are still considered too high for safe consumption.
In safeguarding public health, the restrictions on the extraction and commercialization of bivalve mollusks are being maintained at the ACUAMAR oyster farm, located on Isla Cedros, Paquera, and the coastal strip between the mouths of the Barranca and Jesús María rivers.
Luis Matamoros, Director General of SENASA
These sanitary bans are typically implemented in response to harmful algal blooms, commonly known as “red tides.” These blooms can produce potent biotoxins that accumulate in filter-feeding shellfish like bivalves. When consumed by humans, these toxins can cause severe illnesses such as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), which can be life-threatening. SENASA’s continuous epidemiological surveillance is designed to detect these toxins and prevent contaminated products from reaching the market.
The dual nature of the announcement—reopening some areas while keeping others closed—highlights the complex and localized behavior of red tide events. It also showcases the sophisticated monitoring capabilities that allow authorities to make nuanced, zone-specific decisions rather than imposing broad, province-wide bans that could unnecessarily cripple the local aquaculture and fishing industries.
In its concluding remarks, SENASA reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the population through vigilant monitoring. The agency strongly urges all producers, vendors, and the general public to stay informed about the status of shellfish safety by consulting official channels and to purchase products only from authorized and reputable sources. This collaborative vigilance is essential to ensuring both public health and the long-term sustainability of the bivalve mollusk industry in Puntarenas.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA (National Animal Health Service):
As a key directorate within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, SENASA is the official veterinary authority of Costa Rica. The agency is responsible for establishing and enforcing policies and regulations related to animal health, food safety for products of animal origin, and the prevention of zoonotic diseases. Its mandate includes crucial public health functions such as monitoring coastal waters for biotoxins and regulating the safety of seafood products like bivalve mollusks to protect consumers.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About MAG (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government body in charge of the nation’s agricultural and livestock sector. It directs national policy aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural development, ensuring food security, and supporting the economic well-being of rural communities. MAG oversees various subordinate agencies, including SENASA, to execute its mission of fostering a competitive, sustainable, and safe agrifood system for the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm merges a deep-rooted history of expert counsel with a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading innovation within the legal field. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to social empowerment, achieved by actively working to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to the public, thereby fortifying the foundations of a well-informed society.
