Whale Watching Season

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is gearing up to welcome whale watchers from now until October. Tour operators have arranged services to facilitate these observations, with Quepos being a prominent destination. Prices for whale-watching packages start from ¢45 thousand and can reach up to 135 thousand colones. Additionally, bus packages from the San Jose area are available. This season also presents an opportunity for local businesses, from dining establishments to tour guides. Visitors can observe these marine beings, and occasionally, the energetic dolphins that swim alongside. With an extended whale season anticipated this year, Costa Rica promises abundant sightings for visitors interested in observing these graceful giants in their natural habitat.

Shrimp Trawling

The Costa Rican fishing authority INCOPESCA controversially approved 8 vessels to conduct shrimp trawling research in the Pacific, alarming conservation groups as 3 vessels illegally entered protected waters. Shrimp trawling has been banned in Costa Rica since 2013 given its environmental impact. However, INCOPESCA granted 2-year commercial fishing research licenses claiming the studies will inform trawling’s potential reinstatement. Conservation organizations like MarViva allege this is a veiled attempt to revive the destructive practice without adequate science-based justification, violating court rulings requiring robust studies proving minimal ecosystem harm. After the improper encroachment exposure, INCOPESCA faces legal action from MarViva to urgently halt the improperly conducted research lacking technical rigor, which threatens marine sustainability.

Costa Rica Ferry Service

A new ferry service launched on August 10th between Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and Puerto de La Unión, El Salvador, establishing an important maritime trade route between the two Central American nations. Government officials from both countries collaborated to set up the service, which they state will reduce transportation times and benefit companies exporting and importing goods in either direction. The ferry has capacity for 400 trucks weekly and will operate on a Monday/Thursday schedule from El Salvador, and Tuesday/Friday from Costa Rica. Ministers from both nations emphasized the ferry’s potential to strengthen economic and commercial ties through more efficient bilateral trade. They encouraged businesses to capitalize on this new opportunity that promises immense possibilities for connectivity and joint prosperity.

Costa Rica Jaguars

Over the past 20 years, Arizona State University wildlife ecologist Jan Schipper has dedicated himself to protecting jaguars in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains. Through partnerships with the government, researchers, and local communities, Schipper has made significant conservation advancements, combatting threats like habitat loss and poaching. His efforts include implementing a gunshot detection program, establishing a wildlife corridor along the Pan-American Highway, and promoting sustainable agriculture. By pioneering innovative solutions and engaging locals, Schipper has greatly improved jaguar preservation in Costa Rica. His committed work highlights the value of researchers collaborating with stakeholders to safeguard precious wildlife…