Costa Rica Identified for Illegal Fishing Practices
The U.S. has flagged Costa Rica for failing to meet international monitoring standards on its longline fishing fleet.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Central America
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has identified Costa Rica for involvement in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This designation follows the country's failure to maintain required observer coverage on longline vessels between 2022 and 2024.
Why it matters
The identification highlights significant gaps in maritime oversight and catch reporting. Consultations are now underway to resolve these deficiencies, which could eventually lead to U.S. port restrictions for the nation's fishing boats.
International rules mandate that at least 5% of fishing activity by longline vessels longer than 20 meters be monitored by observers. Costa Rica reported 21 such vessels in 2024, yet has not submitted catch data to the regional commission since 2020.
The players
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This is a U.S. federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere.
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
This international organization manages the conservation and sustainable use of tuna and tuna-like species in the Pacific.
The details
Costa Rica struggled to implement onboard observer programs due to challenges regarding vessel size, continuous work schedules, and national labor laws. In response, the country launched a pilot program in June 2025 that utilizes a mix of human observers and electronic monitoring to track activities in regional waters.
Timeline
Costa Rica last reported species catches to the commission in 2020.
The U.S. first identified Costa Rica for management issues in 2021.
Failed observer coverage occurred between 2022 and 2024.
The United States granted a positive certification to Costa Rica in 2023.
Costa Rica reported 21 longline vessels to the commission in July 2024.
Travel Outlook
This identification marks a departure from the positive certification granted to Costa Rica in 2023, signaling a tightening of international enforcement. It follows the precedent established by the 2026 Report to Congress in tracking global adherence to maritime sustainability standards.
Tourists and maritime businesses should note that while current operations continue, future U.S. port restrictions remain a possibility if compliance goals are not met. Travelers relying on local seafood supply chains may see shifts in market availability depending on the resolution of these fishing regulations.
The takeaway
Maintaining transparency in maritime fishing is essential for preventing international trade barriers and protecting regional ecological stability. Developing electronic monitoring systems remains a vital step for nations balancing small-scale fleet operations with global sustainability requirements.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest regulatory developments in Central America.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.
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