INCOPESCA will request from its Board of Directors a possible moratorium on the fee for the whale watching permit.

Costa Rica has been blessed with a great amount of biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine; the countless species that visit our territory are a great attraction for many local and foreign tourists.

Unfortunately, in 2020 the tourism sector has been one of the most affected by the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, and losses of $2,000 are expected, according to the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR).

However, despite this impact on the industry, the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA) mentioned the fee for a permit for vacationers and ship crews to participate in whale watching, with the amounts distributed as follows: For the license The annual fee for the permit itself (not the card) is ¢83,000; for the observer's permit, the amount would be ¢30,000 annually. or $5.00 per day, and $15.00 annually for the captain, crew, or assistants. This reminder is given due to the approaching whale-watching season along the national coast.

The amounts announced last Friday really took many residents by surprise and caused enormous discontent, as they considered it inappropriate to charge a fee at a time when the tourism sector is struggling to get ahead.

Given the current situation and due to widespread criticism, INCOPESCA announced that it will put the option of postponing the collection of this fee to its Board of Directors.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, under its minister, Renato Alvarado, requested the suspension of the fee for whale watching permits, since, according to Alvarado, this measure does not contribute at all to the reactivation of tourism.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero