Fishermen took to some of the main streets in Puntarenas, Limon and Guanacaste in a strike to demand better conditions for their industry.

Changes to some of the fishing policies which have been established by the government for example, minimum size in some species of fish have affected their activity and profitability.

Fishermen consider that government authorities and the Costa Rica Fishing Institute (INCOPESCA) have failed to properly regulate the commercial fishing activity.

Unfortunately, the strike affected other industries, in particular tourism, since the strike took the streets close to the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, route 21 the only access to the airport and the road that connects Liberia, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya affecting hundreds to tourists who in some cases had to walk several blocks to specific areas designated by the police and the Fuerza Publica who took them to the airport terminal.

Representatives from the National Tourism Chamber (Canatur) demanded the Government not to be permissive when it comes to blocking accesses to airports and take immediate forceful actions when this occurs.

“We demand that the authorities act immediately to prevent blockages that will restrict the access to airports”, stated Sary Valverde, President of Canatur.

Finally, after hours of negotiation, the government reached an agreement with the fishermen sector and the strike came to an end.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), the agreements “conciliate the protection of marine resources with the needs of the fishermen who have to feed their families”.