The Thermal Dome, one of the richest marine areas on the planet, is in the waters of the Central American Pacific. Winds and ocean currents cause the cold waters charged with nutrients to emerge from the depths to the surface, creating a productivity oasis.

The Dome is a vital space for the feeding, reproduction, and migration of several marine species, including dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles, stingrays, and fish that arrive at the site in search of other organisms that take advantage of the high nutrient concentration in the area.

The Dome is not a static system; on the contrary, it is constantly being displaced, expanded, and contracted. At the start of the year, it is closer to the coast. At the same time, from June on, it finds itself in international waters and occupies part of the jurisdictional seas of most Central American countries.

“The Dome’s characteristic movement means that it sometimes occupies marine territories of many Central American countries and, simultaneously, international waters. This means that its protection and management require a hybrid system between the legislation of the countries and the high seas”, said Katherine Arroyo Arce, executive director of Fundación MarViva.

Apart from being an essential biological hotspot, the Dome greatly benefits humans. The microalgae in the site help in carbon fixation, making it an ally in the face of climate change. The Dome also has a significant economic impact on the region, generated especially by its influence on commercial fishing, sport fishing, and the sighting of marine species.

Despite its importance, the Thermal Dome is widely unknown and exploited, facing substantial management and governance challenges. Threats such as overfishing, illegal fishing, poorly regulated maritime traffic, climate change, and pollution put the Dome and its resources at risk.

“The Dome is a greatly relevant phenomenon, on which we depend enormously, and determines the ecology and economy of coastal zones in Central America. It is vital that the region’s political decision-makers recognize the importance of the Dome”, added Arroyo.

Central America will primarily benefit from a sustainably managed Dome, where fishing and maritime navigation produce the most minor possible impact on the critical habitats and species that inhabit it. But to achieve this, a joint regional effort is urgently needed.

Images: IrinaK/Shutterstock

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Published in La Nación, Costa Rica. Friday, June 7, 2024.