Target: Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President of Costa Rica
Goal: Limit fishing and enhance protections for marine corridor extending from Cocos Island.
The Galapagos Islands and Cocos Island represent two of the most biologically rich and diverse natural havens on the planet. They have both been designated as World Heritage Sites and enjoy conservation measures as a result. The 46,000 square miles of sea between the two biodiversity hotspots is equally filled with amazing marine life, but it does not benefit from nearly as many protections. The abundant sea turtles, sharks, whales and numerous other animals that traverse this tapestry of sea remain at risk.
The proposed Cocos-Galapagos Swimway could change this narrative. The proposal would create a superhighway of sorts between the two island systems by implementing no-fishing zones along the marine animals’ migration routes. Curbing industrial fishing in this area is important because net entanglements and overfishing are the greatest dangers to the inhabitants. Ecuador, which oversees the Galapagos portion of these routes, has already done its part by creating a new marine reserve that expands its protected marine areas by 23,000 square miles.
Now is the time for the overseer of the Cocos Island marine area, Costa Rica, to do its part in making this important swimway a reality. Sign the petition below to urge movement on an integral marine conservation measure.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Robles,
By conservative estimates, a quarter of a million sea turtles perish every year in fishing nets. Human activity has driven the leatherback turtle close to extinction. And every day, countless other turtles, sharks, whales, and other vibrant marine life face the same perils. Costa Rica boasts a World Heritage Site in Cocos Island, and the vast sea-space between this natural wonder and the equally invaluable Galapagos Islands is brimming with more vibrant life that play crucial roles in ecosystem balance and even climate resilience.
Ecuador recognized the immense importance of this expanse of ocean with the Hermandad Marine Reserve. This massive conservation measure brings the dream of a massive Cocos-Galapagos Swimway one step closer to reality. Please make the dream come true by meeting this effort halfway with the extension of a Cocos marine reserve and the establishment of a no-fishing zone.
Help preserve this rich biodiversity for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Jeremy Bishop
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