Proposed Tuna Farm in Pavones area

Written on August 20th, 2006:

The pictures above were provided by FUNDACION TISKITA of the proposed set up.

My annual Costa Rica surf trip brought me once again down into the country's Southern Zone to the classic spot of Pavones. As usual all looked pristine but after several days I began reading and hearing news about a proposed Tuna farm almost directly offshore from this tropical paradise break.

Upon further inquiry I was aghast about what was to possibly happen. Large pens filled with massive schools of Yellow Tail Tuna will be anchored to the sea floor at the mouth of the Golfo Dulce home to Pavones and Matapalo, two of the world's classic surf spots.

Anyone with a brain can assume what a business operation of this caliber will create within such a biodiverse region. First of all the catching of the Tuna will take place about 250km offshore. The fishing process will kill many species of marine life such as dolphin, turtles and whales. Once the Tuna are brought in closer to shore the effects will continue to devastate the region by drawing in sharks who will be doing their job as cleaners of the oceans. Once close to shore the sharks will want to see what else is around. This area currently has no documented shark agressions towards people which will no doubt change for the worse. Not to mention the waste from the operation such as fish excrement and ship related debris which will surely kill all the remaining life in the region.

The Golfo Dulce area thrives on the livelihood provided from this natural tropical fjord such as fishing, ecotourism and of coarse surfing.

Help spread the word about this terrible injustice which will happen if we let it.

To read more about this proposed travesty to the environment click on the link below and do what you can to make a difference. You can also download the specific info by clicking on the second link. The third link is a statement from Conservation International's President.

Word Document - Opinion Article in English.

Word Document - Opinion Article in Spanish.

http://pacificallsurf.com/content/view/18/lang,en

Word Document - Specific Info.

Word Document - Conservation Intl's President Statement

- Arsen Brzostek