As part of the cooperation agreement between the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA) and the Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO), the course “Introduction to Fisheries Biology” was conducted. This initiative was made possible thanks to financial support from the United States Embassy and the Blue Action Fund (BAF).
The course, held from December 10 to 12 at the facilities of the State Distance University (UNED) in El Cocal, Puntarenas, brought together 25 participants, including officials from INCOPESCA, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC-MINAE), the National Coast Guard Service, representatives of the national longline sector, and members of non-governmental organizations. The session was facilitated by the company Integrated Services for Aquatic and Environmental Biological Resources (SIRBAA) and Dr. Fernando Márquez from the Faculty of Marine Sciences of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (FACIMAR-UAS), who shared their expertise in fisheries biology and the sustainable management of marine resources.
The primary goal of the course was to strengthen the technical capacities of stakeholders involved in fisheries resource management, fostering a shared understanding based on scientific concepts for informed decision-making. Participants explored key topics such as definitions and basic concepts of fisheries, population dynamics, demographic models, as well as techniques and analyses for monitoring and evaluating fisheries. These tools are essential for promoting sustainable and informed management in strategic areas of Costa Rica’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific.
The exchange of knowledge among various sectors involved in marine conservation underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resources. This course represents a significant step toward advancing conservation strategies and sustainable management practices that benefit marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
FAICO reaffirms its commitment to capacity building and interinstitutional collaboration, which are essential for conserving Costa Rica’s marine biodiversity and resources.
