Granjas Atuneras de Golfito S.A. established itself very quietly in Costa Rica in 2002. Since then, they have worked diligently to obtain the permits and licenses to creat an installation of ten huge cylindrical mesh nets to cultivate Yellow Fin Tuna at the mouth of the Golfo Dulce. These nets would be located approximately one kilometer south, and two kilometers into the Pacific from the coast at Punta Banco, almost directly in front of the Guaymi Indigenous Reserve. The strange thing is, that until recent months, after many approvals from government and independent agencies were already in place, did it become public knowledge to the people it would most affect, those who live near and their livelihoods from the relatively pristine Golfo Dulce.
The plan is to create an experimental operation of “growing” yellow fin tunas in an industrial setting. The operation would consist of the use of a network of boats to capture live young tunas in their natural habitat in the open waters between fifty and two hundred and fifty miles off coast, and transport them to the nets off the coast of Punta Banco. Here, using sardines, frozen and exported from Chile and Peru, to fatten the tuna for a period of three months. Once sufficiently fattened, these fish would be exported directly to the Asian market. Sounds like a great idea? One would think so until you consider the impact on the environment and the local businesses, fishermen, tourism, and those who enjoy the wildlife and waters of the Golfo Dulce. Presently, the momentum has been slowed down by local and internation environmental awareness warriors who are protesting the project and asking for investigation in to the many considerations which have not been addressed by the very institutions who should be fighting to protect the risks to the environment and local economy which they are responsible to protect. Below are a few considerations to be aware of:
Here are some of the impacts of the installation of the proposed Tuna Farm in the Golfo Dulce:
Economic Impact:
No one in Golfo Dulce region benefits, other than the few who may be hired by the company initially to set the nets in the water, there is no real employment benefit. As well, it will affect the local businesses which rely on subsistence fishing, catch and release sport fishing, dolphin and whale watch tours and other eco-tourism activities.The economic benefits from the sale of the fish will be garnered in Spain, not in Costa Rica, yet it will affect the economy of a place that is dependent on the quality and well-being of the waters and marine life of the area.
Ethical Impact:Costa Rica is a country known for its defense and protection of the environment. The installation of the fishery is contrary to the philosophy, not only of the Osa Peninsula but the philosophy by which this country is known.
Health and Sanitation Impacts:
The feeding of the young Yellow Fin Tuna is sold in Peru and Chile, and has caused illnesses in the marine life in Australia and the Mediterranean Sea in similar projects. Impact of the WastesNo program or plan to deal with the waste of the Yellow Fin Tuna, concentrated in the growing pens which the plant will install, has been presented, and represents a huge contamination situation in local waters. Ecological Impact:The proposed location for the growing pens is off of Punta Banco, south of Pavones, which is a nesting ground for the marine turtles. This presents enormous risks for the migration of the species in this zone. The Golfo Dulce is also the nursery for the humpback whales, who come to have their babies in the warm calm waters of the Golfo Dulce.
THIS IS THE LAST PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE THIS SHOULD HAPPEN!
What can you do to help?
Be aware of what is happening by reading up on it, and staying advised of the progress of this battle. Donations can be sent to aid in the legal costs and the dissemination of information for public awareness.
