Fishing tourism represents a vital industry in Costa Rica, generating over US$520 million and attracting 150,000 tourists every year. The main objective of this study is to examine trends and variability in local abundances of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus, the main sportfish in Pacific waters of Costa Rica, and quantify the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors. We compiled and analyzed sailfish information collected from sportfishing operations. Sailfish abundances were examined in relation to environmental conditions and commercial fishing.
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