It is estimated that approximately 9,000 kilograms will be produced annually using artisanal methods.

Coopeacuicultores RL of Isla Venado in the Gulf of Nicoya will install shrimp farming farms at sea this month.

The initiative is made possible by a non-refundable investment of 4.5 million colones from the National Program for Support to Micro and Small Enterprises (Pronamype), which is under the responsibility of the Vice Ministry and Directorate of Social Solidarity Economy of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) and is financed with funds from FODESAF.

This project will involve the Ministries of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), and Environment and Energy (MINAE), as well as several state institutions, including the Costa Rican Fisheries Institute (INCOPESCA), the Rural Development Institute (INDER), the National Institute for Women (INAMU), and the National Learning Institute (INA), among others. The entire process will be carried out under the technical coordination of the Pacific Marine Park.

Allan Barrios, manager of Coopeacuicultores RL, emphasized that women will play a crucial role in this process, as well as in other projects planned for Guanacaste and Puntarenas. Barrios also affirmed that this initiative will provide the island with an economic boost while respecting the area's marine life.

“It’s a great initiative, and we on the island are very motivated and grateful to be included in this project, which we hope will bring great benefits, not only to us as islanders but also to the country in general, which has been discussing shrimp trawling in recent weeks,” said Jorge Rodríguez, a local artisanal fisherman.

“Isla Venado already had efforts underway in this area for research and small-scale production, but with this expansion of infrastructure and capabilities, it is expected that the activity will reach higher levels of production and marketing. It is an innovative initiative from the social and solidarity economy that fills us with pride. This artisanal fishing cooperative sets an example of the effort to work towards a sustainable economic reactivation using natural resources,” stated Luis Diego Aguilar, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Security.

The project is expected to have a quick and effective impact and will be put into action in November, run by 14 residents of the island in vulnerable conditions, also causing more employment in the shrimp farming cage facilities.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero