Bejuco beach contains a beautiful 3 miles expanse of dark grey sand. The beach starts at the beginning of the Bejuco River. On this estuary, a wide red mangrove protects and feeds a community of fishermen. Spread on the coastal side of the estuary, the mangrove acts as a natural barrier and prevents flooding and storms while hosting a wide diversity of species. It is a natural “super market” for the community.

The community of fishermen uses a local dialect – which is like an equivalent to the Joual dialect in Quebec- called Pachuco. With a village of 50 closely knit families, the whole community depends on marine resources. The main sources of income and food come from a species of fish called “Red snapper,” which may only be caught at night.  Artisan fishing is the only fishing practice in Bejuco and it requires small motorized boats to reach a high enough level of production in order to become commercial. This model has proven to be very successful in creating local jobs and preventing rural exodus.

Artisan fishing practices range from longline fishing (a main line with baited hooks attached at intervals) to harpooning and angling. One of the top priorities of the Bejuco community is to protect marine resources such as; seawaters, beaches, coastals, mangroves, coral Reefs and sea meadows. Fishermen are aware that cooperating with biodiversity turns into more sustainable and profitable fishery.

To prevent shrimp trawls and spearfishing with sophisticated weapons, a group of fishermen joined last year in order to create a Marine Protected Area. This MPA would become one of Nicoya Peninsula’s largest protected areas and cover 14 miles long, ranging from “Playa de Caletas” North to “Camaronal Refuge.”A MPA protects marine habitats, ensures renewable ecosystems services and allows fishermen to manage the area on a community-based system. Also, ecotourism can bring alternative sources of income. A responsible fishing certification will increase the global income.

Bejucos also want to adopt the best biodiversity management practices. Learning about the successful project of artificial reefs in Guatemala, Myriam, the chief of the community declares:”Guatemalan fishermen saw their populations of snappers and lobsters doubled in less than 3 months. We want to build 10 to 15 artificial reefs out of concrete, to ensure coastal fish reproduction. Inevitably, we have to make some research to determine the size and the best location. Boats will also have to be contracted to deposit the reefs”. Myriam is aware about the magnitude of such a project, although she remains very skeptical about financing it without external help.

After each fishing session, brown pelicans and Urunus vultures are systematically fed with ovals. Fishermen live in harmony with their environment. For instance, batteries used on net’s floating lamps at night are gathered and recycled to prevent soil and water contamination. Traditional knowledge, cultural understandings of reciprocity and mutual respect with nature are transmitted from one generation to another.