STATUS, POTENTIALS AND PROBLEMS OF MARICULTURE IN COSTA RICA

Despite the existence of important fishery resources and a considerable potential for aquaculture the present annual fish consumption in Costa Rica amounts to about 4 kg per capita, which represents only about 2% of the total consumed protein. Due to a low rating of aquatic organisms among the food preferences Costa Rica has in the past shown only a relatively little interest in mariculture. However, a favorable political climate, limited legal restrictions, production incentives, an existing basic infrastructure, and suitable sites for mariculture, especially for the farming of the blue and white shrimp (Penaeus stylirostris and P. vannamei) and of the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), have in the last years attracted the interest of private companies for investment in mariculture, and for the production of luxury food for exportation, mainly to the United States. The intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture endangers many of the existing and potential sites for aquaculture. The lack of trained manpower, willing to do practical work in mariculture enterprises, adds to the difficulties for expanding and intensifying mariculture in Costa Rica.