News
Research Finds Thousands of Sea Turtles Killed by Costa Rica Longline Fishery
Studies conducted by researchers from Drexel University, Costa Rican conservation group Pretoma, and US conservation group The Leatherback Trust found that the longline fishery of Costa Rica is responsible for the deaths of thousands of endangered sea turtles, and potentially putting fish populations affected by the fishery at risk of collapse.
The data came from scientific observers on longline fishing boats over a decade (1999-2010) who recorded every species that was pulled from the sea, including target species and bycatch. During the study period, roughly 699,000 olive ridley and 23,000 green sea turtles were recorded as bycatch from fisheries that targeted mahi mahi, marlin, sharks, and tuna.
Concurrent data recorded on olive ridley nesting populations on Costa Rica’s Ostional Wildlife Refuge, an important nesting ground for the species, showed declines in nesting populations were directly linked to longline fishery catches. Seasonal closures for the fishery, as well as the establishment of marine protected areas, were recommended by the research team in order to mitigate damages. They also called for INCOPESCA, the fisheries management agency of the Costa Rican government, to begin enforcing national laws that were enacted several years ago and realize their current methods are unsustainable.
Gear Reviews
GEAR REVIEW: JOBY SeaPal Underwater Housing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy (Watch Video)
In a video shot exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman reviews the JOBY SeaPal underwater housing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones.
Blogs
Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire
Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.
Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.
Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:
- 12 April
- 5 July,
- 20 September
- 29 November
Partnership with Casita Palma
If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.
Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.
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