Our Mission
Through public and private partnerships, we support sustainable fishing practices to create jobs, policies and awareness through integrated marine biology, satellite data, economic and conservation science to educate, advocate and influence local and international policies.
Join Our Mailing List
Learn about the latest threats to Costa Rica's coastal waters and what FECOP is doing to help. Stay up to date on events including seminars and kids activities in your area.
Our Vision
We strive to insure vibrant and sustainable coastal communities where marine lovers, recreational, artisanal and commercial fisheries collaborate to ensure the ocean’s resources are protected from overfishing today and for future generations.
Our Campaigns
Tourist and sport fishing is essential for the development of coastal communities and according to studies it contributes more than $520 million dollars annually to the Costa Rican economy, generates more than 33,000 direct and indirect jobs, and represents 13% of the country’s tourism revenue. We are active in a wide range of campaigns and projects to support this important tourism sector.
Operation Sailfish
Tuna4Ticos
Women's Nautical School
Social and Political Advocacy
Helping train and educate community leaders and politicians in the importance of Costa Rica’s sport fishing tourism and protecting fish species of touristic interest.
Our Work &
Impact
We are an NGO in Costa Rica dedicated to maintaining healthy fisheries of tourism interest, marine conservation, as well as protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities. Early in this century, the number of fish caught by anglers off Costa Rica began a steady decline, leaving tourists disappointed and charter fleets scratching their heads. Then it was discovered in 2008 that more than 600,000 pounds of sailfish meat were being exported to the United States each year, often ending up in restaurants as smoked-fish spread.
Help us
protect and restore
Costa Rica's Oceans
Help Us
Make a Difference
- Stopped the Exportation of Sailfish from Costa Rica
After several studies FECOP concluded the sharp decline in sailfish productivity was due to the killing and exportation of these fish for food
- Creating Protected Marine Areas
Created the Largest Marine Area of Responsible Fishing in Central America, The Golfo Dulce.
- Governement Training Programs
Invested More Than $100,000 in a Training Program With Two Go Government Agencies to Explore and Teach Selective Types of Fishing for Tuna with no Billfish Bycatch.
- Moved Tuna Purse Seine Boats 80 Miles Offshore
As well as Protecting a Total of Over 200,000 Square Miles of Territorial Water from Tuna Operations
- Satellite Tagging Program
Joined with Gray Fish-Tag Research in Tagging Operations and Scholarship Program for Costa Rica University Students to Conduct Research on Species of Sport Fishing Interest.
- Reduced Marlin Bycatch
Reduced the marlin bycatch from 30 Metric tons to just Over 5 Metric tons annually.