On the pacific coast of Costa Rica, a unique haven rests on the Nicoya Gulf; the Chira Island. These 4300 hectares of paradise contains the richest and most dense dries forest biodiversity of Costa Rica. Geologically, it is on the top hill of a mountain, circled by water since an earth geological fault happened. The island is in the heart of an estuary that forms a canal within a mangrove forest. These mangroves float, while preventing erosion and hosting diverse birds, crabs, molluscs, shrimps and fishes.

Chira Island is a refuge for 230 families who make a living out of fishery, agriculture and salt marsh. Salt marshes are famous for roseate spoonbills and other wading birds; long-legged birds that shallow water in search of food.

During the last decade, the fishermen of Palito had to face serious problems: over-exploitation of marine resources, clandestine fishing in reproductive areas and water contamination.

With a strong will to protect their marine biodiversity, 32 fishermen joined to create the association ACOPESCA and protect their Recife. Strong determination and the help of international organizations made this dream come true. They now can benefit from their protected area called «Pescadores a la Cuerda Protegiendo el Arrecife de Palito en Isla de Chira».

The zone is limited with water buoys. At night, 2 to 3 fishermen traverse the zone to prevent any illegal fishing.

The Recife of Palito is one of Chira’s largest and provides the fishermen and people of Palito with shrimp, bar and chuchecas.

Artisanal fishing allows only three methods of fishing: trammel (a fishing net with three layers), trolling and hand lines. With an efficiently protected Recife, fishermen catch more abundant fish. They now raise their voice to promote traditional fishery as a noble way of life that contributes to biological conservation and coastal conservation.

With PRETOMA, they are preparing a sustainable fishery certification to communicate their commitment to control the fishery by considering the species interactions and their reproduction time. This certification will decrease one or two levels of intermediaries on the fish market, while also increasing the fishermen’s income.