By Dave Sherwood
Tico Times

Effective immediately, Costa Rica's public and private docks are closed to international shark boats, according to a statement released by the Costa Rican Fisheries Institute (INCOPESCA).

The order to close the docks, which came from Ministry of Public Works and Transport, prohibits landings of sharks or shark products until these private docks comply with a mandate from the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Sala IV).

The mandate requires that private docks provide public infrastructure, allowing for full disclosure and enforcement, a measure enacted two years ago and intended to ensure transparency and prevent the illegal practice of shark-finning.

According to Carlos Villalobos, president of the institute, the measure is temporary, and an enforcement code is in process that would allow landings to resume shortly.

“The new code will guarantee that government authorities have the facilities necessary to do their work, according to customs, environmental and fisheries laws,” he said.

Environmental groups hailed the decision as a victory, but did so cautiously.

“The decision is temporary. There is tremendous pressure from the owners of these docks and the boats to permit the offloading of sharks again,” said Randall Arauz, of the Marine Turtle Restoration Program (PRETOMA).

Arauz has called on President Oscar Arias to sign a moratorium that would end use of private docks, requiring that international boats unload only at public facilities.