Okay this is the last one for Calypso Cruises. The next virtual tours will be of canopy, crocodile, and the Rainmaker near Parrita. This is the closest you will get to seeing Rainmaker tour since they shut down the project to the public. When I inquired why their doors are closed they said their biologists found a frog that was thought to be extinct. So this is great news for the Rainmaker since it was developed as a protected zone for guided tours to the public. They said that the project will be closed for 6 months so they can conduct all of the studies needed to learn about this frog. more…
What does Shrimp fishing and permethrin have to do with surfing? Well, nothing and everything. We surf in the ocean where the shrimp live. Many surfers here in Costa Rica have favorite surf spots that are located at the mouths of the many rivers that feed the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. In nature, Shrimp love the river mouths because they bring food that the shrimp love to eat.
What we just found out today is that the Costa Rican government has taken away the privilege of veterinarians to sell permethrin. “Why would they do this?” we asked. It appears that shrimp fisherman have been using the insecticide to kill shrimp in the ocean as an easier way to collect the shrimp rather by traditional means. It also appears that the Costa Rican government has been aware of this for quite awhile. Their solution has been to prevent veterinarians from selling this insecticide when used as directed is safe and very effective in the control of fleas and ticks on animals and in locations in and around the areas where animals live, which includes our homes. more…
YES! Claims the local goverment and the AyA, wich is the abbreviation for the Costa Rica water and sewer ministry. After the latest round of water tests in and around the river mouths and various locations up and down the beach, the AyA determined that the beach in Jaco is safe. Was that a long sentence or what?
As many of us know who live here in Jaco that the rivers that spill into the ocean are heavily polluted with septic wastes that are untreated. Just walking by over a river here in town, you can smell the terrible odors that are associated with untreated sewage. Luckily for Jaco and all of the surfers, the government realized they needed to get firm with violators who are polluting the rivers. Last year, Jaco was in the news because of very high levels of bacteria coliforms in the water tested at the beach. The result was a media frenzy here in Costa Rica and an embarressment for many in the tourist trade. After all, Costa Rica stands for ecological protection and sustainability. What one preaches they better practice when they invite the media to the dance.
The tourisim minister, the tourism council, and even local leaders were humbled in light of the dangerous bacteria levels becoming public knowledge. There is nothing like potential loss of face here in Costa Rica to motivate a public official or council. Many people questioned AyA’s motivations for releasing the test results to the media without consulting the local government first. Some say it was the word war between the Garabito municipality and the AyA on who was going to take care of the drinking water for the community that led to the public disclosure of the test results. more…
Thursday March 5th I was going to surf and passed through a new park built with funds donated by the government of China. My friend(tourist from California) and I noticed that two Nicaraguans were climbing up the trees and using long bamboo poles. In the past, I have yelled at and stopped various people from capturing iguanas so they could eat them. Without getting all of you, touch feely people out there riled up about the right of these people to eat food. Please understand that most of the time their motivation is not for protein but the belief that the female iguana eggs are natural Viagra (I am sure you get the idea, this is a PG site.) These are the same people who also buy turtle eggs from people who dig them out of the sand (FYI there are no commerical farms where they cultivate turtle eggs) for the same ignorant belief. Anyhow, I saw two park security persons and asked why are they trying to capture the iguanas? He said they are removing them from the park. I was appalled and decided to come back after a few sets to take come pictures and video to show the world what was happening. more…
These days it is becoming chic and hip to be considered green in the surfing world. Today, many surfers, shapers, surf brands, and offical surf organizations either directly or indirectly support many green initiatives.
Living and surfing in Costa Rica, the original mecca of sustainability and green initiatives one cannot help but be conscious of the effects of irresponsible use of our natural resources. There are hundreds of organizations located in Costa Rica with a mission of ecological conservation.
Today, you can find upwards to 50 sites dedicated to “eco-surfboards” or surfer based environmental activisim groups. What makes this movement different from others is that it is truly global activism at its core.
While surfings history is localized in the different countries, today surfers have the disposable income to travel the world seeking the ultimate waves. As a result, local surfers have teamed up with international surfers to fight for whatever issue they have. From “Save the Waves Coalition” to the “Surfrider Foundation” all have a common interest and that is surfing. If you know a surfer, one thing you can bet on is that they live and breathe for the waves. When you combine this committement to the sport and the issue at hand, you will have a formidible activist organization. more…
