Presidential Commission recommends total reform of Costa Rica´s Fisheries Institute

A total reform of Costa Rica´s Fishery Institute, is the main recommendation of a Presidential Commission (spanish only) charged with recommending President Chinchilla on urgent actions to take towards the improvement of marine governance.  The Commission presented their 5 step plan to the public today in the Presidential House, after a 6 month process to study the current scenario and set goals and activities for the future.

"We have been saying this for years," said Randall Arauz, a member of a Costa Rica coalition of NGOs called Front for our Seas.  "The public interest will never be served without the reform of Incopesca, an institution that currently solely serves the economic interests of its Board members," said Arauz.

"The report of the Presidential Commission is historic," said an enthusiastic Wagner Quirós, spokesperson of the Front for our Seas.  "Hopefully, this isn't only the end of Incopesca as we know it, but also the dawn of new era in national marine conservation.", said Quirós.

"We hope President Chinchilla´s prediction becomes true, and that Costa Rica becomes a global and well respected leader and model for marine conservation," said Leonora Jiménez of Front for our Seas.  "The world needs environmental champions, and the Costa Rican people expect that from our nation." Concluded Jiménez. Other recommendations include:

• Create a sole and superior high level authority of permanent nature to lead ocean issues.

• Foster the approval of several laws pertaining to marine governance.

• Promote scientific research and the training of Costa Rican researchers

• Propose a national vision that guarantees the sustainable use, security and conservation of marine spaces and resources.