Protecting Costa Rica’s oceans: the battle against shrimp trawling
Costa Rica has long been a global leader in sustainable practices, earning its reputation as a nation deeply committed to biodiversity and conservation. One of its boldest moves was the 2013 constitutional ban on shrimp trawling, a practice notorious for its destructive impact on marine ecosystems. This historic decision came after activists, including biologist Randall Arauz, proved that the industry’s high bycatch rates were unsustainable and unconstitutional.
However, the country’s progressive stance on marine conservation is now under threat. President Rodrigo Chaves has recently promised to seek a repeal of the trawl ban, reigniting the debate over the future of Costa Rica’s oceans.
The Harm of Shrimp Trawling
Shrimp trawling is considered one of the most harmful fishing methods in the world, with bycatch rates — unintended catch of marine species — often reaching alarming levels. This practice devastates local ecosystems, with thousands of tons of marine life discarded each year, including endangered species. Costa Rica’s ban on shrimp trawling was a significant victory for conservation, signaling the country’s dedication to protecting its rich marine biodiversity.
The Battle to Reinstate Trawling
In recent years, the fishing industry has repeatedly attempted to overturn the ban. Industry-led studies, criticized for lacking scientific rigor, have pushed for the reinstatement of shrimp trawling, citing job loss and economic pressure on coastal communities as reasons. Despite this, past presidents have resisted, with Carlos Alvarado vetoing attempts in 2020, thanks to pressure from NGOs like CREMA and MarViva.
The new push from President Chaves raises concerns over the future of Costa Rica’s marine reserves. After the government allowed trawlers to conduct “scientific investigations” in 2022, some were caught operating within marine protected areas, further revealing the industry’s disregard for conservation laws.
The Need for Sustainable Alternatives
As Costa Rica continues to grow as a hub for eco-tourism, there are better alternatives to support coastal communities without jeopardizing the environment. Transitioning shrimp fishers into tourism-related roles could offer a solution, providing economic stability while preserving marine biodiversity. Supporting job transition initiatives is vital to avoiding unsustainable practices that harm both the environment and the fishing communities in the long run.
Take Action for Costa Rica’s Oceans
Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability has inspired the world. Reinstating shrimp trawling would be a step backward, endangering both the marine ecosystem and the country’s environmental leadership. We must stand with local NGOs and conservationists to keep the trawl ban in place, ensuring that Costa Rica continues to lead by example in the fight to protect our oceans.
What can you do?
• Stay informed and share this issue with your network.
• Support organizations like CREMA and MarViva in their fight against unsustainable fishing practices.
• Advocate for alternative solutions for the fishing industry, such as transitioning to eco-tourism.
Costa Rica has the opportunity to continue as a global leader in environmental protection. Let’s ensure that the ban on shrimp trawling remains in place, securing a future where both the environment and communities thrive.