I've had recent contact with Todd Staley, the Fishing Director of Crocodile Bay Resort in Costa Rica and I've agreed to help spread the word about some proposed changes in the Costa Rica laws for commercial fishing.
1.2 million pounds of Sailfish meat passed through the Costa Rican Fish Wholesalers in 2006'
The group that regulates commercial fishing in Costa Rica is INCOPESCA. They recently had the legal limit of Sailfish that long-line fishing boats may keep raised to 15% of their total catch.
Now'The want to increase that to 25% of total catch and allow 35% in the months of January through April'our high season for Sailfish.
They are targeting Sailfish as a commercial fish.
Other Central American countries have realized the value of Sailfish to their economy as a sport fish and prohibit commercial fishing for them.
If you are a captain or fisherman it's time to speak up. Please take 5 minutes and send a mail encouraging the Costa Rican government to prohibit the commercial fishing of Sailfish and Marlin.
A sailfish used as a catch and release renewable resource in sport fishing has a much greater positive impact on the Costa Rican economy than one ground up for cat food.
Please express your opinion to:
Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica'direct to his assistant.. laurasolis@casapres.go.cr
Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minister of Tourism, crbenavides@ict.go.cr
Carlos Villalobos, Executive President of ICOPESCA fax 2661-1760
If you wish to get involved in helping with this important issue contact the Asociacion Pesca Turistica Costarricense (APTC) at aptccostarica@gmail.com
Thanks for your time