Surfing Costa Rica - The decision regarding hammerhead shark fishing and its inclusion as endangered wildlife will be known in fifteen business days.

On Wednesday of this week, the trial was held regarding the case presented by lawyer Walter Brenes, a specialist in environmental issues, against the State, Incopesca and Sinac for a declaration of fishing interest to an endangered species.

“This week, the final hearing was held regarding the hammerhead shark case, and the goal is to secure its absolute protection, as well as to explore a wide range of legal options to safeguard the species, which has dwindling populations and faces a high risk of extinction. It is important to emphasize that if immediate action is not taken, the hammerhead shark could become extinct in less than 20 years,” stated Walter Brenes.

Mr. Brenes's claims are as follows:

1. Declare the disagreement and partial annulment of resolution number AJDIP/290-2017 signed by the Executive President of INCOPESCA, issued on the thirteenth day of July of two thousand seventeen and published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta Number 154 of Wednesday, August 16, 2017, in what refers to and is related to the determination of fishing interest declared on the populations of Hammerhead Shark (referring to the three species of the genus Sphyrna).

2. The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is ordered to incorporate the Hammerhead Shark populations (referring to the three species of the genus Sphyrna) into the list of endangered wildlife species.

3. The Hammerhead Shark (referring to the three species of the genus Sphyrna) is declared, reestablished and recognized as wildlife - wildlife - and as an endangered wild animal.

4. The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the State and the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA) are ordered to adopt the necessary and appropriate measures to restrict the capture, retention, marketing and unloading of the Hammerhead Shark (referring to the three species of the genus Sphyrna) in the fishing and commercial ports of Costa Rica.

5. It is declared that the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is the competent body to carry out the planning, development, control and
Conservation of the Hammerhead Shark (referring to the three species of the genus Sphyrna) in Costa Rica.

6. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) – The State – is ordered to appoint sufficient and necessary wildlife inspectors to work on management, control and protection activities related to the Hammerhead Shark
(referring to the three species of the genus Sphyrna).

7. The Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA) is ordered to refrain from adopting and carrying out any conduct that may harm the
current and future legal status -wildlife or endangered animal- of the Hammerhead Shark (referring to the three species of the genus Sphyrna).

8. The defendants and co-defendants are ordered to pay both costs of this contentious administrative process.

The final resolution of the case will be announced in 15 business days from yesterday (one day after the trial) and the sharks' defenders are very optimistic that the Administrative Court will rule in favor of the environment.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero