On May 1st, the “closed season” began in the Gulf of Nicoya to protect the reproduction periods of commercial fish species. This prohibition will last until the end of July.

This yearly established season involves banning fishing in a specific zone and period, thus protecting the habitats where certain species grow, feed, and reproduce. This allows time for them to regenerate and ensures their permanence.

“The closed season is fundamental to preserve marine biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of fishing resources in the Gulf of Nicoya. This period of rest allows the species to regenerate and thereby ensures their reproduction and future capture, which is vital for the coastal communities that depend on fishing activity”, said Katherine Arroyo, executive director of the MarViva Foundation.

 Is fishing in the Gulf of Nicoya in crisis?

The Gulf of Nicoya is one of Costa Rica’s most important fishing sectors and the area with the most artisanal fishing settlements in the country. More than 2,600 artisanal fishermen belonging to 29 coastal communities depend on this area.

However, according to reports from Gulf fishermen, the catch was practically nil in the months leading up to the closed season, which represents a socioeconomic crisis for the fishing communities that have historically dedicated themselves to this activity. Illegal fishing, poor management, overfishing, and pollution are threats taking their toll on these waters.

“We are worried; the Gulf is in a grave crisis. We have fishing days of up to twelve hours, and we return with nothing but rather losses due to the ice and fuel we spend. Illegal fishing and other problems are leaving the Gulf without its resources. What should the thousands of us who depend on fishing do? We need more surveillance at sea, but also controls on land by the Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA),” said José Aguirre Medina, president of the United Fishermen’s Association of Bocana Sur Isla Chira.

According to him, it is common in the “closed season” for illegal fishermen to carry out fishing operations despite the prohibition, taking advantage of the limited control and surveillance and worsening the situation.

As consumers, what can we do?

 Consumers are an important part of the supply chain of responsible fishing. One recommendation is to avoid the consumption of fresh fish species captured in the Gulf of Nicoya, such as sea bass, which mainly come from the Gulf and have a high chance of having been captured illegally.

“Consuming species of fresh sea bass during these three months of closed season creates a high chance of being captured in the Gulf, which means it was illegally fished. Let’s act as responsible consumers, and we say no to illegal fishing. We benefit marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that comply with the recommendations and guidelines of responsible fishing”, added Arroyo from MarViva.