FECOP continues with the campaign Operation Sailfish, aimed at protecting this highly relevant sport fishing species. Staff members have presented the science criteria to Incopesca´s Board of Directors, the Sportfishing Commission and the Department of Research and

Marine Management within Incopesca. A follow up meeting was coordinated with Incopesca´s Executive President and the Vice Minister of Agriculture. A technical report was submitted in February and a series of questions were received from INCOPESCA. A second document was presented in early March to address all comments. FECOP is expecting that the report and request for protection for #sailfish will be forwarded to ICNOPESCA’s Scientific Commission for review so a recommendation can mebe made to the Board of Directors. For more information and to learn how to get involved you can write us at info@fecop.org.

The National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) recently held its annual Assembly and Damian Martinez from FECOP was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors. Our goal is to discuss issues of importance for the sportfishing sector in this space of discussion and contribute to improving conditions for this sector in the months to come.

During February, we participated in the Pescadora fishing tournament, where we shared a booth with the Brujas del Mar group during the opening of the tournament. Brujas del

Mar representatives promoted and sold their artisanal lures among 250 women anglers. FECOP shared the Operation Sailfish main objectives and received great feedback and support for this important campaign. Also, in march we promoted Operation Sailfish in the Sailfish Slam Tournament, where we received support from crews and participants. FECOP staff members had the chance to share our message at the awards ceremony. We are very grateful with Marina Pez Vela for all the support.

Our Director of Communications Todd Staley was awarded the Barry M. Fitzpartick Conservation award by the IGFA. Mr. Staley has lived in Costa Rica for more than 30 years and has always worked actively in conservation of sport fishing species of interest. We thank Mr. Staley for all his work promoting a sustainable use of our marine resources in Costa Rica to protect recreational fisheries.