Representatives of the National Chamber of Tuna (CANAPATUM) declared that Executive Order 38681 signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) should be repealed because the actions established within the Order have not been complied.
They reported problems regarding the granting of fishing licenses and complained about Costa Rican Institute of Fishing and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA) inability to protect satellite devices. therefore, illegal fishing boats are stealing the fish.
Foreign fishing boats need a license to operate. The income from those licenses contributes to INCOPESCA budget and also funds a few universities.
The decree creates a new way to grant fishing permits and even the Constitutional Chamber has said that it´s illegal,
said Enrique Beeche, CANAPATUM spokesman.
Tuna fleets pay 30,000 dollars and at least 50 licenses per year are issued. An important part of that money goes to INCOPESCA so the breach is very reproachable.
On the other hand, INCOPESCA technical director, Antonio Porras, denounced the failure to meet deadlines established in the decree.