It is the first fishery in Central and Pargo to enter the MSC program.

The artisanal fishery Pargo of the Nicoya Peninsula is located in the waters near the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica Pacific, has voluntarily entered the full assessment of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The objective of this fishery species are spotted snapper (Lutjanus guttatus), Yellowtail snapper (Lutjanus argentiventris) And sour Corvina (Micropogonias altipinnis). The evaluation is being conducted by third party certification, SCS Global Services. If the fishery is certified, fishery products may be eligible to carry the blue MSC ecolabel.

The standard for MSC fishery is the most recognized in the world for the certification of fisheries environmentally sustainable and well-managed wild capture. The transparent evaluation will examine the impact of fishing on fish stocks and the marine ecosystem. It will also evaluate the process of fisheries management to ensure that they are taking all necessary steps to protect the ocean environment for future generations.

About artisanal fishery Pargo the Nicoya Peninsula.

The artisanal fishery Pargo of the Nicoya Peninsula is located on the peninsula of the same name in Costa Rica and includes all waters of the Pacific from the north, the Pacific border with Nicaragua, to the point of Cabo Blanco in the south.

The bottom longline fishermen use small boats–known as pangas–to catch fish all year, but usually ceases fishing during October which is the snapper spawning season and the time of year marked by increased rainfall.

The client for this evaluation is the Red Costa Rican Association for Environment and Education (ARCAE), a local non-profit environmental education and promoting responsible and sustainable small-scale fisheries fishing practices in the country.

The MSC welcomes the program's first fishery in Central and Pargo

Brian Perkins, Regional Director for the Americas of the MSC, said: "We are delighted to see the artisanal fishery of the Nicoya Peninsula Pargo move towards assessment under the most globally recognized standard for sustainable fisheries. Upon entering the MSC program, the commitment that fishing associations Costa Rica are proving to responsible and sustainable fisheries management practices, sets an example for other small-scale fisheries in Central America and around the world. "

Press Contact:

Micaela Vivero

Communications Manager—Americas

Marine Stewardship Council

(Seattle, WA)