Abstract:

The Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland is located in Puntarenas province (Costa Rica). Nearby communities are engaged in primary activities such fishing and shellfish extraction, of which the residents are dependent. The purpose of this research was to develop a situational analysis of the fisheries sector, in order to find solutions focused on integrated management. Methods included visits that were made to Coronado, Ciudad Cortés and Sierpe; government institutions, fishing downloads receivers, and a total of 75 interviews to fishers (85% of total about their socio-economic condition, and the current situation of the fishery sector. The study was developed from November 2012 to April 2013. Socially, fisher communities were characterized by high levels of poverty, low education, and a limited use and access to bank loans. There was a weak in institutional management, formal education, and special training processes to strengthen associations.

Key words: wetland; institutional management; fisheries; fishing communities; Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland.