Back in March 35 members of congress approved in first debate a project that would allow trawling practices once again disputing the previous ruling of the Constitutional Chamber which annulled the trawling permits that had been issued by Costa Rican Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute (Incopesca).

Today, the Constitutional Chamber, known as Sala IV in Costa Rica, declared unconstitutional the bill establishing that the project failed to present “technical and scientific studies that supported their position”.

Back in 2013 the Constitutional Chamber had made clear its position by forbidding the renovation or emission of new trawling permits due to the environmental damages this practice causes, and they stated “the only way they could reconsider allowing this practice would be if enough changes were met to make it a sustainable practice”, which “would need to be demonstrated through technical studies supported by the scientific community”.

Incopesca, with the support of the previous Government, had argued they had implemented several changes to guarantee conditions for the protection of marine resources, among these the use of bycatch reduction devices, the use of satellite technology to confirm the location of the shrimpers, environmental zoning to help reduce impacts, protect sharks and turtles, and avoid conflicts between artisan fishing and industrial fishing, among others.

The new President, Carlos Alvarado, has clearly stated his opposition to trawling practices. Regarding this new resolution the Presidency commented that their focus is now on offering alternative jobs and opportunities to fishermen in this sector.