COSTA RICA Trends and Developments Contributed by: Germán Pochet Ballester, BioIuris
Marine Spatial Management and Participatory Fisheries Governance in Costa Rica: Lessons from the National Tuna Regulation Process Introduction The process of establishing marine spatial planning and fisheries management frameworks in Costa Rica represents a milestone in the country’s environmental governance. Rooted in the principles of sustainable development, intersectoral collaboration and partici- patory decision-making, the national tuna manage- ment initiative reflects both the institutional challenges and the innovative potential of Costa Rica’s environ- mental policy. This chapter of the guide examines the origins, development and implications of the country’s tuna fisheries regulation and the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), highlighting the collaborative role of civil society, governmental institutions and the fishing sector in shaping a sustainable maritime policy. Context and background For decades, Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean fisheries faced significant pressures stemming from overlapping activities among different fleets. Conflicts between the national longline fleet, foreign purse seine vessels and other national subsectors were common, particularly due to competition for the same fishing zones. Despite repeated appeals from representatives of the tourism fishing sector and the national longline industry, insti- tutional responses remained insufficient. Government authorities and the fisheries institute were unable to design a solution that addressed the underlying com- petition and resource management issues. By the early 2010s, tensions among fleets had esca- lated, posing a threat to resource sustainability and national sovereignty over marine spaces. This situa- tion prompted leaders from the national fishing sec- tor, along with the Costa Rican Fisheries Federation (FECOP), to initiate discussions on the spatial regula- tion of fishing zones. The goal was to prevent further conflicts and to establish clear, equitable rules for the use of Costa Rican marine resources. The emergence of a participatory solution Under the leadership of FECOP and supported by key figures in the national fisheries sector, a transdiscipli- nary team was established to build a comprehensive
proposal for marine spatial management. This initia- tive brought together diverse expertise, including: • fisheries biology; • environmental law; • economics; and • traditional ecological knowledge contributed by fishers. The process was characterised by intense delibera- tions and a spirit of collective problem-solving. Stake- holders recognised the need to design a framework that balanced ecological protection with economic viability, ensuring fair access to marine resources and the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks. The pro- posal sought to harmonise the interests of all fleets – national and international, artisanal and industrial – while preserving Costa Rica’s environmental lead- ership. Legal and institutional development The culmination of this collaborative process was the presentation of a comprehensive policy proposal to the national government in 2013. The proposal integrated technical, legal, social and environmental dimensions and laid the groundwork for what would later become a cornerstone of Costa Rican marine governance. During the following administration, the propos- al matured into a national regulation known as the Regulation for the Management of Tuna and Related Species in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean. This instrument represented a turning point in Costa Rica’s fisheries policy. It estab- lished clear spatial divisions for fishing activities, limiting the zones accessible to certain fleets and reserving specific areas for national operations. The regulation also emphasised equitable distribution of the economic benefits generated by fishing activities and introduced strong environmental safeguards. Marine Protected Areas and the role of the FAO definition A central feature of this regulation was the establish- ment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as an integral component of marine spatial planning. In line with the definition provided by the Food and Agriculture
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