Sustainability defines many of Costa Rica’s recent legislations. As urged by President Laura Chinchilla, the country has shifted its political and environmental policies, blending them together to protect the dynamic ecosystems found within each region.

The Tico Times now reports that Chinchilla is taking yet another step toward conservation.

On February 17, 2014, it was announced that Chinchilla - with help from the Agriculture and Livestock Ministry, the Costa Rican Fisheries Institute and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization of the Central American Isthmus - has created stricter fishing regulations. Fish Aggregating Devices, known commonly as FADs and used to target specific creatures (such as Marlins or Tunas), are no longer permitted. All charters must instead limit their practices, complying with catch and release laws and maintaining specified breed standards.

Chinchilla’s actions have been praised within the environmental community. Through this FADs ban Costa Rica will spare itself the ecological horror of overfishing, which decimates breed populations, damages eco-systems and harms local businesses. These regulations will ensure a safer - and more vibrant - Pacific.

To learn more about President Chinchilla’s regulations click here.

Contact Costa Rica Fishing Adventures to see how these policies will impact charter tours and promotions.