This Manual shall be in effect from its publication.
FRANZ TATTENBACH CAPRA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY (MINISTRO DE AMBIENTE Y ENERGÍA) "Digitally Signed" Approval (Visto Bueno) Licda. Ana Lorena Polanco Morales Director Legal Advisory Directorate (Dirección de Asesoría Jurídica) Ministry of Environment and Energy (Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía)
APPLICATION FORM MARINE COASTAL PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROGRAM IN MANGROVE FORESTS 1. Name of the requesting Organization: ____________________________________ Legal identification number: _________________________________________________ Full name of legal representative: ______________________________________ Legal representative's identification number: _______________________________________________ Legal representative's telephone and email: ____________________________ Location or Area of Influence: _____________________________________________ Does it have the legal and accounting books: YES ________ / NO__________ 2. Activity to which the organization is dedicated Fishing ___________ Mollusk Collection ___________ Other _________ 3. Total number of members_____________.
Number of participating women_______ and number of participating men________ 4. Does it have accounting services: YES ________ / NO__________ ____________________________________________ Date and Signature
PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT OF THE ASSOCIATION The undersigned (referred to as the User) freely, unequivocally, specifically, and in an informed manner authorizes the Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento Forestal, legal identification number 3-007-204724, hereinafter referred to as FONAFIFO, to create, store, and consult my personal data, whether sensitive or not, which identify me and make me identifiable before different institutions, credit bureaus, databases, and pertinent information, acknowledging: a) That there exists a database called "BASE DE DATOS FONAFIFO (SICGI-SISUS) SISTEMA DE CONTROL DE GESTION INSTITUCIONAL DE LOS SISTEMAS SUSTANTIVOS" that FONAFIFO possesses for the storage and processing of personal data, by virtue of the public services it provides to its users. b) That the collection of this personal data is for the purpose of decision-making in its functions and for the follow-up of the procedures that FONAFIFO's programs entail, such as admission applications, contracts, follow-ups, and controls thereof. c) That the personal data may be used by FONAFIFO for the purposes of the processing and approval of services, as well as the prospecting and offering of other products and services, via any means of communication. d) That the recipients of the personal data, as well as the persons who may consult them, will be the professionals who work directly within the structure of FONAFIFO or by external service providers, all of whom will be obliged to comply with FONAFIFO's own confidentiality and data protection policies. e) That the answers to the questions posed to the user during the data collection process are optional in nature. f) That the processing that FONAFIFO will give to the requested personal data will be its analysis, to determine the user's compliance with requirements to be part of the Programa de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros for exclusively internal purposes. g) That the user has the right to provide or not provide the data that FONAFIFO requests, therefore the user is under no obligation whatsoever to provide personal information; however, the sole consequence of not providing the data requested in the Admission Application forms will be the impossibility for the Data Controller to carry out the activity described above, as the requested information is strictly necessary and not excessive, strictly adhering to the principle of data quality in the relevant regulation. h) That by virtue of Law No. 8968, the user is entitled to a series of rights regarding the personal information provided to FONAFIFO, such as the right to request the rectification, updating, or deletion of the information provided, with the information provided always remaining the property of the user. i) That the controller of the database will be the head of the Information and Communication Technology Unit (IT) of FONAFIFO, located at the main offices of FONAFIFO. j) FONAFIFO, on the occasion of and for the effective provision of the services requested or offered, may collect, purchase, verify, and consult the user's personal data existing in other databases provided by third parties. k) FONAFIFO may assign, transfer, and exchange the personal data it obtains and maintains in its database internally and with third parties, located outside the internal scope, that provide or will provide services to FONAFIFO, such as, but not limited to: collaborators, advisors, creditors, correspondents, regulatory and supervisory authorities, governmental authorities; risk centers, collection agencies, and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Instituto Costarricense sobre Drogas; on the understanding that said information will likewise not be sold or otherwise commercialized in any way, the foregoing on the occasion of and for the effective provision of the services requested or offered by FONAFIFO. I expressly authorize FONAFIFO to access or consult and collect data from the various queries to state websites such as the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social and the Registro Nacional; in particular, but not limited to: a) The records of the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (in the case of being a national), for which the information that said entity makes available to the public is used; b) The Web service called INTERDATA (if a foreigner), which is provided by RACSA through a secure communication channel between its systems and those of FONAFIFO; c) Through the database of the Registro Nacional and public institutions; d) The Sistema Oficial de Consulta y Validación de la Identidad de Extranjeros Residentes en Costa Rica of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería and/or the Verificación de Identidad (VID) system of the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, as appropriate; in order to validate the identification documents I have provided, and to which FONAFIFO will have access by reading my identification data and/or reading my fingerprints, for which I authorize and release FONAFIFO from any responsibility for the use of said identification systems. By signing this document, I grant my informed consent to FONAFIFO to keep my data in its Database in accordance with what has been informed to me herein.
Place: _____________________________ Date: _____________________________ Name of the Association: ______________________ Signature and Identification Number: __________________________
CONTRACT FOR PAYMENT FOR MARINE COASTAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN MANGROVE FORESTS CONTRACT NUMBER XX-01-70-XXX-2024 We, Franz Tattenbach Capra, of legal age, married once, economist, bearer of identity card number one- six hundred twenty-two- three hundred twenty-five, resident of Escazú, in his capacity as Minister of Environment and Energy, according to Agreement number zero one- P of the eighth of May, two thousand twenty-two, published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta number eighty-five, Supplement number ninety-one of the tenth of May, two thousand twenty-two, who through resolution No. R- four hundred one - two thousand twenty-four- MINAE of ten hours forty minutes on the fourteenth day of October, two thousand twenty-four, published in La Gaceta Number one hundred ninety-five, of the eighteenth day of October, two thousand twenty-four, ______________ and (Full Name), of legal age, (marital status), (Profession or trade), identity card number xxx, resident of (indicate Province, District, Canton, and other details), who appears in his/her capacity as xxx with powers of Generalísimo Attorney-in-Fact without limit of sum of THE ASSOCIATION ___________________named XXX, legal identification number three-hundred xxxxxx, domiciled in xxx, as recorded in the Sistema Automatizado de Personas Jurídicas of the Registro Nacional, hereinafter referred to as "THE BENEFICIARY" based on Law number seven thousand five hundred seventy-five "Ley Forestal", Law number ten thousand five hundred seven "Ley para Incentivo para la protección de la biodiversidad Marino-Costera", Executive Decree Number 45141-MINAE "Reglamento A La Ley Nº 10507, Incentivo Para La Protección de la Biodiversidad-Marino Costero" and the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, we agree to enter into this contract, which shall be governed in particular by the following clauses:
CLAUSE ONE: The Permits from SINAC and INCOPESCA THE BENEFICIARY is the permit holder of _____________________________________________ granted by _________________________________ of the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC), through resolution number:__________________ dated_________________, which authorizes it to:_____________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _______________________, area located in _________________________________________________________________________ Likewise, the Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuacultura (INCOPESCA) authorized the commercialization of a total of ______________ members of the BENEFICIARY, for the commercialization of the species _______________ extracted in the area of the permit granted by SINAC, a list that comprises annex number one of this contract.
CLAUSE TWO: The Purpose of the Contract The purpose of this contract is to regulate the relationship between the BENEFICIARY and MINAE in which the latter recognizes the ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos) generated by the BENEFICIARY, through the fulfillment of its obligations. By this act, the BENEFICIARY transfers to FONAFIFO and to MINAE, the ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos) generated in the fulfillment of this contract.
These ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos) shall be delivered in annual and future installments, accounted for from the effective date of this contract, provided that the Professional Biologist so reports, upon confirming that the conditions of the mangrove forest and the agreed obligations are being fulfilled. By virtue of the transfer of ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos) made in this contract, MINAE and Fonafifo are free to dispose of the acquired and transferred ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos) in any manner they deem appropriate, and may sell them to third parties both nationally and internationally, without needing to notify the BENEFICIARY of such action, who may not claim any amount from MINAE and/or Fonafifo for this disposition of the acquired services. In accordance with the foregoing, the BENEFICIARY may not under any concept, sell or dispose of, by any title, the ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos) generated by the forest during the term of this contract.
CLAUSE THREE: The Term The term of this contract is twelve months from its signing, in accordance with the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, and may be extended provided that both parties so agree, as long as sufficient economic resources exist for it and the obligations have been fulfilled. The validity of the contract may be extended only once and for six months only in the event of an express request by the Association to complete the respective reports for the management of the last payment; an extension that must be authorized by Fonafifo.
CLAUSE FOUR: The Project Impact Area The area in which the project will be developed shall be that indicated in the resolution issued by the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación, and is identified in the survey conducted by said institution, which forms part of this contract, constituting annex two.
CLAUSE FIVE: The Price and Form of Payment Fonafifo, as consideration for the transfer established in this contract, shall pay for the acquired ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos), an annual sum of ______________ (colones) for each participating person of the Association, according to the maximum quantity of ______ persons, determined in the permits issued by SINAC. As provided in the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, Fonafifo shall issue the disbursement order and make the disbursements. This amount shall be paid to the Association in four installments, with respect to the amount stated in the preceding paragraph. The first disbursement of 25% shall be made upon the signing of the contract and when compliance with the established formal requirements is reported. The second disbursement, corresponding to 25%, shall be made 3 months after the signing of the contract; a third disbursement, corresponding to 25%, 6 months after the signing of the contract, and the remaining 25% shall be made 9 months after the signing of the contract. Each payment shall be made after verification of compliance with the obligations established in this contract and in the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, as well as the use and commercialization permits established in clause one of this contract.
CLAUSE SIX: The Obligations of the Beneficiary THE BENEFICIARY is obliged to: A) Fully comply with the obligations established by SINAC in the Plan de Aprovechamiento de Moluscos granted through resolution No._________________ dated_______________________________ and ensure that its members comply with the conditions set forth in the respective plan. B) Fully comply with the obligations established by INCOPESCA in the Plan de Extracción issued through resolution No._________________ dated_______________________________ and ensure compliance with these by its members. C) Keep the authorizations issued by SINAC and INCOPESCA current. D) Not carry out felling, extraction, or any other activities that damage or alter the mangrove forest and its surrounding areas, except for the activities expressly authorized in the respective permits. E) Take the necessary actions to protect the mangrove forest subject to the use permit, as well as prevent any damage caused by third parties; these protection actions shall at a minimum be: demarcation and delimitation of the assigned mangrove forest area by means of signs, buoys, pennants, or any other mechanism, proposed and approved by the managing biologist. As well as periodic supervision and surveillance of the submitted area, according to a surveillance plan that must be proposed, prepared, and fulfilled by the BENEFICIARY. F) Coordinate the work with the Managing Biologist, as well as abide by and implement the technically justified recommendations that have been issued verbally or in writing by either the Managing Biologist, or by personnel from MINAE, SINAC, INCOPESCA, or Fonafifo. G) Comply with and participate in all activities planned in this contract, including the sustainable use, rearing, recovery, and/or repopulation of mollusks, surveillance actions, and monitoring activities (ecological monitoring of mangrove ecosystems and mollusk monitoring), which must be developed in the permit area granted by SINAC and INCOPESCA. H) Have in place the mechanisms for daily, weekly, or monthly extraction records, as provided, kept by a person from the association or hired for this purpose, who does not perform mollusk extraction. I) Have an Internal Operating Regulation that governs the extraction activity. J) Establishment and maintenance of signs as provided in the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle. K) Comply with conservation actions such as the extraction only of mollusks of the authorized size, according to the established tools, and those smaller than the established parameter must be sent to the rearing and repopulation areas, which will be guided and established by the Managing Biologist in charge. L) Report and gather evidence (photos or others) against those persons outside the association who carry out mollusk extraction and damage or alterations to the mangrove forest and the biodiversity found therein. This report must be filed at the offices of MINAE-SINAC no later than within 8 calendar days after learning of the facts, when applicable. Likewise, the Association shall file the criminal complaint with the Public Ministry, and the administrative complaint before SINAC, Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo, as appropriate. The copy of these complaints must be sent to the Regional Office of SINAC no later than 30 calendar days after having been filed. M) Transfer to MINAE and to Fonafifo the Ecosystem Services (Servicios Ecosistémicos) for a period equal to the term subject to this contract. N) Comply with the obligations established in Law No. 7575 "Ley Forestal", Law No. 10507 "Ley para Incentivo para la protección de la biodiversidad Marino-Costera", Executive Decree No. 45141-MINAE "Reglamento A La Ley Nº 10507, Incentivo Para La Protección de la Biodiversidad-Marino Costero", this contract, and the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle. O) Comply with the administrative and financial obligations established in the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, especially the following: Maintain, throughout the validity of the payment for ecosystem services (pago por servicios ecosistémicos) in mangrove forests contract, the services of an authorized accountant incorporated into the Colegio de Contadores (Private or Public), who may be in-house or by professional services, who must keep the accounting updated. If hired by professional services, must be up to date with obligations to the CCSS, the Ministerio de Hacienda, and FODESAF; Facilitate for MINAE, FONAFIFO, FUNBAM, SINAC, and the Managing Biologist, their assistant, and/or any other authorized person, during the validity of the payment for ecosystem services (pago por servicios ecosistémicos) contract and six months after its expiration, access to the accounting information of the Association, accounting books, bank reconciliations, bank account statements for the corresponding period, and monthly financial statements; deliver resources and payments to the associated persons for conservation and extraction actions; present a monthly accounting report and detail of actions carried out in the area subject to the permits granted by SINAC. P) Maintain, throughout the validity of the contract, an account in colones in any financial entity of the national banking system duly authorized for it; in which account only the resources derived from this contract shall be deposited and kept. Q) Be up to date with obligations to the CCSS, FODESAF, and the Ministerio de Hacienda. R) During the validity of this contract and six months after the conclusion of the Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle contract, the BENEFICIARY must prepare and submit a compliance report on obligations, technical, administrative, financial, and others, at least every three months, or when MINAE, FONAFIFO, FUNBAM, SINAC, and INCOPESCA so request. This obligation must be fulfilled no later than 15 business days after its request.
CLAUSE SEVEN: The Rights of the Parties THE BENEFICIARY has the right to:
a. Distribute the resources derived from this contract according to the terms approved by the Members' Assembly, duly signed.
b. Receive the stipulated payments for the transfer of the ecosystem services (servicios ecosistémicos) within the agreed time, provided it is up to date in the payment of obligations with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, Fodesaf, and the Ministerio de Hacienda. Likewise, it must be up to date with the obligations contracted with MINAE, Fonafifo, and SINAC arising from this contract.
c. Establish a percentage of administrative expenses for the Beneficiary, which may not exceed ______%.
d. To be notified prior to any visit to the project area.
e. In the event of an alleged breach, it shall have the right to due process in the administrative venue.
MINAE -Fonafifo- FUNBAM- SINAC have the right to:
f. Demand compliance with the obligations contracted in this contract by the BENEFICIARY.
g. Monitor and supervise the area where the mangrove forest subject to this contract is located.
h. Supervise the accounts and the form of investment of the resources paid by virtue of this contract.
i. That the Beneficiary provide them with the technical, financial, and administrative reports it deems appropriate.
j. Suspend pending payments in the event of alleged or proven contractual breaches, or upon a notice from the Managing Biologist.
CLAUSE EIGHT: The Fault In the execution of the contract, two types of faults may occur: Minor and serious. Minor faults shall be resolved by SINAC in coordination with the Managing Biologist; serious faults shall be resolved by SINAC, which shall determine the severity of the fault that entails the contractual breach, taking into account the impact on the mangrove forest or the biodiversity found therein, and the technical criteria.
CLAUSE NINE: The Breach Breach of the terms and obligations of this contract shall generate the right for the complying party to claim forced compliance, or to terminate the contract without liability for itself, with both situations potentially generating the payment of damages consisting of the return of the economic resources and their interest when applicable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regional representative of MINAE, FONAFIFO, FUNBAM, SINAC, or INCOPESCA, upon detecting any anomalous situation or any alleged breach, shall proceed to communicate with the BENEFICIARY and the Managing Biologist, in order to clarify the facts and reach an agreement, in order to continue with the contract, abiding by the technical and administrative provisions issued in this regard.
If the existence of alleged serious faults entailing a contractual breach is evidenced, Fonafifo shall establish an ordinary administrative procedure as provided by the Ley General de la Administración Pública, in order to establish the material truth and declare the breach. Fonafifo shall suspend the pending disbursements until the final act declaring or not declaring the breach is issued.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this clause, during the course of the administrative procedure for alleged breach, the BENEFICIARY may propose a remedial plan to MINAE, which shall be evaluated by Fonafifo, and if accepted, the respective adjustments to this contract shall be made.
CLAUSE TEN: The Return of Resources, Payment of Interest, and Others In the event of a proven breach, when the return of resources is applicable, these shall be made by the BENEFICIARY, acknowledging to MINAE-Fonafifo the payment of ordinary interest from the verification of the breach, which shall correspond to the basic rate plus three points, and as default interest a rate of one percent monthly. In cases where the BENEFICIARY must make returns not arising from a contractual breach, the amount shall be returned to Fonafifo without ordinary interest, but default interest shall be charged at a rate of one percent monthly from the default.
In both cases, MINAE- Fonafifo and the BENEFICIARY may agree on payment arrangements whose conditions must be adequate and convenient for Fonafifo.
In the event of a breach, MINAE - Fonafifo may recognize, in the respective liquidation, the actions executed where there has been compliance with the contract.
CLAUSE ELEVEN: Non-Execution of Payments.
If, within a maximum period of 6 months after each of the payments of the Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros de Bosque de Mangle contract become due, the respective payment is not collected, these shall lapse and shall not be disbursed by Fonafifo, without this generating any liability on its part. Exempted from this provision are those cases where there is a reasonable justification for the reason that has delayed the respective disbursement and this is duly documented in the administrative file. The lapsing of payments shall not affect the validity of the contract.
CLAUSE TWELVE: Official Communications and Contractual Domicile Fonafifo: ________________________________________ THE BENEFICIARY: ______________________________ The means for receiving notifications related to this contract shall be the following:
Fonafifo: ________________________________ THE BENEFICIARY: ______________________ It is the duty of the parties to inform of any change in these domiciles and means for receiving notifications. In the event that these changes occur, a formal written communication shall suffice and does not require modification of the contract; however, if the domicile or means of notification is changed and the counterparty is not informed, the latter shall validly carry out any communication or procedure through the originally established means for notifications.
CLAUSE THIRTEEN: Interpretation Criteria The parties establish that this contract shall be interpreted under the principles of good faith and mutual collaboration; in any case, this interpretation shall have the purpose of enabling the fulfillment of the agreed contractual purpose.
CLAUSE FOURTEEN: The Annexes to this Contract The reports submitted by the professional biologist for the execution of this contract shall form an integral part of this contract.
CLAUSE FIFTEEN: The Applicable Law In all cases, this contract shall be governed by Costa Rican legislation in general, and specifically by Law number seven thousand five hundred seventy-five "Ley Forestal", Law number ten thousand five hundred seven "Ley para Incentivo para la protección de la biodiversidad Marino-Costera", Executive Decree No. 45141-MINAE "Reglamento a La Ley Nº 10507, Incentivo Para La Protección de la Biodiversidad-Marino Costero" and the Operational Manual for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, as well as other provisions issued by the Executive Branch. The applicable jurisdiction shall be the Courts of Justice of Costa Rica.
CLAUSE SIXTEEN: Effective Date This contract is effective as of its signing.
Having read the foregoing, we approve and sign it in San José, on the ___ day of the month of ________ of two thousand twenty-five.
____________________________________ MINISTERIO DE AMBIENTE Y ENERGÍA _____________ BENEFICIARY
PROGRESS AND FINAL REPORT FORMAT PAYMENT FOR MARINE COASTAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN MANGROVE FORESTS Period: Report number and range of months (Present the Report by Chapters for each current member and activities to be reported.)
A-Participating organizations and number of people B-General analysis of the application of Activities to be recognized 1. Basic Project Data__
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Financing:
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Ratings:
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2. Project Objectives
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Description of activities carried out and included in this report Results Challenges Opportunities 3. Cumulative progress chart towards achieving the objectives and project results | Objectives | Description of activities | Baseline | End-of-project target | Progress level as of report date | Satisfaction level | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | 4. Level of stakeholder participation In this section, all stakeholders participating in the project are listed, identifying which ones and at what moment new parties are integrated. The events in which participation occurs are briefly described, specifying date, time, and commitments assumed by the stakeholders, the purpose (information, consultation, decision-making, among others), and the results.
5. Budget and expenses Prepare a summary of the expenses incurred up to the date of submission of the project progress reports and attach the monthly reports generated by the person in charge of accounting.
6. Recommendations This section is fundamental to guide interested parties toward more effective and sustainable practices, favoring the comprehensive development of the shellfish gatherer groups. It suggests improvements in current practices, facilitates the implementation of effective strategies, highlights opportunity areas for shellfish cultivation for the benefit of shellfish gatherer groups, and promotes adaptation to environmental or market changes. It will be possible to recommend techniques or methodologies that can help shellfish gatherers increase their productivity and sustainability. It will be possible to offer guidelines that help minimize potential conflicts related to shellfish resource management. Likewise, it will be possible to suggest training or education actions that enhance the skills of shellfish gatherer groups and propose economic and social alternatives that benefit families.
C-GENERAL CONCLUSIONS OF THE PERIOD 7. Annexes.
Include all documents and databases generated in the implementation of monitoring activities for shellfish extractions, population assessment in their natural environment, ecological monitoring of the mangrove ecosystem, shellfish rearing, surveillance actions, and sustainable use.
METHODOLOGY FOR REARING AND/OR REPOPULATION OF SHELLFISH This section aims to guide the process of rearing shellfish in nurseries (viveros) and repopulation in sites or mangroves where populations have been harmed by intense fishing pressure or by environmental changes that caused organism mortalities.
The rearing of shellfish in nurseries aims to empower users in the management and monitoring of shellfish with sizes below the Legal Size at First Capture (Talla Legal de Primera Captura, TLPC), until they reach the commercial length.
Shellfish repopulation seeks to provide organisms in areas with low populations through different strategies such as the transfer of organisms from other communities, whether broodstock or organisms under the TLPC, and repopulation through the relocation of seized shellfish. These strategies aim to provide different shellfish repopulation options that can be implemented according to the specific needs of mangroves under the Payment for Marine-Coastal Ecosystem Services in Mangrove Forest (Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosque de Mangle, PSEM) and under the technical judgment of the monitoring team.
1. Nursery Rearing 1.1. Construction, Management, and Maintenance of Nurseries The nurseries will consist of 300 m2 areas, separated into twelve 25 m2 plots, with a maximum capacity of 2500 individuals. By separating it into 12 plots, the relocated organisms can be planted in a staggered manner throughout a year, thus allowing for annual planting and harvesting cycles.
Monitoring will evaluate the effectiveness of the relocation and rearing activities carried out by the shellfish gatherers. This consists of the continuous recording of information on the extraction activity, the species extracted, their size, extraction zones, destination (commercialization or nursery), growth, and survival.
1.1.1 Nursery Design:
According to the species being extracted, sites for the nurseries must be selected with characteristics similar to the natural fishing grounds. The delimitation of nurseries must be adjusted according to the requirements of the species to be relocated, that is, whether they inhabit mud or sandbanks, near the high tide or low tide zone, and be consistent with the reproduction zones delimited in the Use Plans (Planes de Aprovechamiento) and the General Management Plan to which the authorizations of the benefited shellfish gatherers are linked.
a. Materials for Nursery Construction:
? ½-inch PVC pipe ? 1 GPS ? Mesh bags of 90x60 cm, with an opening similar to sardine netting; the size may be modified according to site conditions and ease of handling.
? Plastic bottles, mesh scraps, or some material that serves as a substrate b. Construction:
1. Delimit an area of 15x20 m (300 m2), which must be divided into 5 m x 5 m (25 m2) quadrants, yielding a total of 12 plots (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Delimitation of the nursery with 12 plots of 5m x 5m.
2. Mark the location of the plots with PVC pipe, and record the coordinates with the GPS; this information must be managed by SINAC and INCOPESCA.
3. A stocking density of 100 individuals per square meter will be used, totaling 2500 individuals/plot of 25 m2.
4. The organisms must be grouped by species and three size ranges:
a. Range 1 less than or equal to 10 mm up to 25 mm, b. Range 2 from 25 mm up to 35 mm c. Range 3 from 35 mm up to 47 mm 5. Following these size ranges, place the individuals in the mesh bags. The mesh bags must be 90 cm x 60 cm, made with an opening similar to sardine netting, and contain a cord for closing the bag (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Mesh bags for placing shellfish in nurseries.
Source: Cendepesca. 2009. Guides for Models for Improving the Quality of Life for Artisanal Fishers. JICA. El Salvador, Puerto El Triunfo.
6. The bags must be tied to roots or anchored in the plots, to prevent them from moving due to the tide. Try to place the bags during flood tide or high tide, to avoid predation by other organisms.
7. Inside the bags, bottles, mesh scraps, or some other material can be placed to provide a substrate for the seed to attach to, and to simulate the conditions that mangrove roots offer under normal conditions. If plastic bottles are used, it is recommended to cut the bottles transversely.
Each plot in the nursery represents one month of extraction, with a maximum capacity of 2500 shellfish per plot. That is, once the 2500 individuals for that plot have been collected, no more organisms may be relocated during that month so as not to exceed the maximum capacity of the nursery.
1.2 Extraction, Collection of Shellfish, and Relocation 1.2.1 Extraction The process of extraction, selection, and relocation of shellfish may be carried out in two ways:
a. 1,250 individuals below the TLPC will be collected in sites previously identified by the shellfish gatherers as banks of juvenile individuals. The collection will be carried out through coordinated trips between the shellfish gatherers themselves and the competent authorities.
b. If extractions of shellfish are required in areas different from those assigned in the use permits granted by SINAC to each shellfish gatherer Association, this must be coordinated and authorized by SINAC.
c. An additional 1,250 individuals collected during extraction operations carried out by shellfish gatherers authorized by INCOPESCA will be relocated. In accordance with current regulations and the conditions established in their permits, individuals that meet the TLPC may be commercialized. Meanwhile, the organisms that do not reach this size will be destined for relocation in authorized nurseries.
1.2.2. Selection and Relocation of Shellfish The selection of shellfish must be carried out using a size gauge (pianguímetro) or another measuring device that allows precise differentiation of individuals that reach the TLPC from those that are below said size. The shellfish gatherers must take a sample of the organisms destined for the nurseries; this will consist of recording information on the collection performed and measuring at least 30 individuals per species to be placed in each of the mesh bags. To do this, they must:
a. Measure the total length of the 30 organisms to determine the average planting size in each bag.
b. Identify each bag with a numbering system (example: V1P1B1= Nursery 1, Plot 1, Bag 1), to keep track of growth and traceability of the organisms collected and relocated in the nursery.
c. Complete a record of contributions for the extracted organisms, with the information indicated in the Form for Shellfish Relocation Record provided by INCOPESCA.
If at least 30 organisms are not collected during the harvest, all the product destined for relocation must be measured.
For the relocation of shellfish, only those nurseries authorized by SINAC and INCOPESCA for this project may be used.
1.3. Growth Monitoring, Care, and Harvesting 1.3.1. Growth Monitoring and Density Adjustment per Bag During nursery care, growth of the organisms must be tracked with monthly sampling. The sampling consists of:
a. Each month, the total length of at least 30 individuals from each bag must be recorded to determine the average growth of the individuals in each bag.
b. Count the total organisms per bag to track the survival of individuals within the bags.
c. Carry out a maintenance process: Cleaning the bags and organisms if crustaceans or other attached organisms are observed, reviewing and maintaining the good condition of the bags, the labeling system for each, the tying or anchoring system, and the marking of the plots.
d. Every eight months, a splitting (desdoble) must be carried out, that is, an adjustment in the density of organisms within each bag, based on their size and the time spent in the nurseries (Table 1). In this regard, when individuals reach sizes between 25 mm and 35 mm, the density must not exceed 500 organisms per bag. For sizes between 35 mm and 47 mm, the maximum permitted number will be 200 individuals per bag.
e. To keep a monitoring record, the Growth Monitoring form must be completed.
Table 1. Quantity of shellfish per bag according to size 1.3.2. Harvesting Once the organisms exceed the TLPC, they may be commercialized in the traditional manner. If after 22 months of being relocated in the nurseries, the organisms do not reach the TLPC, they may be consumed by the members of the group associated with the project, but may not be used for commercialization or returned to the ecosystem.
1.4. Control, Sampling Data, and Reports 1.4.1. Information Control and Supervision It is the responsibility of the shellfish gatherers to deliver monthly information to INCOPESCA on the quantity and sale of the extracted product, as stipulated in the board of directors' agreement as a condition for maintaining the extraction authorization, and for the authority to keep statistical records of extraction and commercialization.
The organizations participating in the monitoring and rearing projects must attach to the information delivered to INCOPESCA: the forms for Shellfish Relocation Record and the forms for Growth Monitoring described above.
1.4.2. Supervision All activity will be supervised by the project's biologist manager, ensuring the proper management and operation of the shellfish nurseries, according to current regulations, the use plan linked to the authorizations, and the provisions indicated by SINAC and INCOPESCA for nursery management described in this document.
1.4.3. Control Methods:
a. Coordination: The coordination of the pilot project must be done jointly between SINAC and INCOPESCA b. Reports: Reports will be made through the monthly report that the Biologist Manager must submit to SINAC-INCOPESCA, and with the delivery of the forms "Shellfish Relocation Record" and "Growth Monitoring" 2.5. Activities and Effectiveness Indicators 2.5.1. Activity Description:
Table 2 details the main activities that shellfish gatherers must carry out for the fulfillment of this project, for a 12-month period.
Table 2. Work time per month for 12,000 clams (pianguas) managed in the nursery
| Activity | Time per day (labor) | Days per month | Responsible Party |
|---|
| Training | 4 hours | 1 day every three months | SINAC- INCOPESCA |
| Extraction and relocation | 6 hours | 20 days (linked to the use plan) | Shellfish gatherer |
| Nursery maintenance and surveillance | 6 hours | 30 days | Shellfish gatherer |
| Monthly sampling | 4 hours | 1 day | Shellfish gatherer |
| Splitting | 4 hours | 1 day, every 8 months | Shellfish gatherer |
| Information delivery | 4 hours | 1 day | Shellfish gatherer and SINAC- INCOPESCA |
23 monthly hours per person and 5 people are required per month equals 115 hours of monthly payment for 22 months.
2.5.2. Effectiveness Indicators The baseline effectiveness indicators will be obtained from the monitoring described above, therefore the following will be used:
a. Growth indicator: Monthly total length measurements until reaching the TLPC size (Table 3).
Table 3. Legal size at first capture for piangua, white clam, mussels, and large clam.
Source: INCOPESCA Agreements AJDIP/026-2018; AJDIP/498-2019 b. Recruitment Index: number of individuals below the size c. Survival Percentage: number of surviving individuals per month.
2. Shellfish Repopulation 2.1 Repopulation through the transfer of shellfish from other communities, by purchasing the organisms or donation by shellfish gatherer groups under the PSEM scheme.
This activity, framed in the collaborative spirit of organized shellfish gatherer groups, aims to repopulate shellfish in mangrove areas with low population density, through the introduction of adult organisms with reproductive capacity. The goal is to favor natural reproduction, whether in nurseries or in strategic sites within degraded mangrove zones, to promote natural larval dispersal in the ecosystem.
The broodstock organisms must be quantified and measured beforehand, then placed in mesh bags (Fig. 2) and installed in nurseries or at previously defined sites within the mangrove. Each placement point must be georeferenced using GPS, and the bags must be fixed securely and discreetly, so that they go unnoticed by other users of the area. Another suggested option is the use of enclosures or corrals, which has been documented as an effective strategy for retaining adult shellfish with reproductive capacity in mangrove zones, with the aim of favoring natural larval dispersal in the ecosystem. These practices, implemented in coastal communities of Ecuador, allow broodstock to be maintained under controlled conditions without significantly altering their natural environment (Quizhpe et al., 2010; Rendón et al., 2009).
If the broodstock are planted in the nursery using bags, the proposed rearing methodology must be followed.
Although it has been reported that the piangua reproduces throughout the year, there are seasonal reproductive peaks, which may vary according to the region and local environmental conditions. According to studies conducted in the mangroves of Golfo Dulce and the Golfo de Nicoya, the peaks of greatest reproductive activity are from April to June and from October to December; coinciding with reports of reproductive peaks in Colombia and Ecuador. Therefore, it is important to plan the activity in advance so that the organisms achieve adequate acclimatization in the new sites and successfully reproduce (Espinoza, 2004; Vargas and Sampson, 2008; Mora and Reyes, 2013; García-Dávila, Castañeda and Cevallos, 2013; Panchana and Rodríguez, 2016; Panchana, Vivar and López, 2020).
Shellfish repopulation will be carried out using broodstock organisms with sizes greater than 4.7 cm. These organisms may only be purchased when the communities do not have the resource available to establish their own broodstock stock.
These will be relocated in nurseries, to facilitate their management and monitoring, or directly in strategic zones of the mangrove, according to site conditions or the specific needs of the ecosystem, and under the technical judgment of the monitoring team.
Therefore, the following is proposed:
a. Broodstock Shellfish Steps to follow for the transfer of broodstock shellfish:
Broodstock using bags 1. Select 200 organisms with sizes greater than 4.7 cm in length (minimum size of sexual maturity).
2. Measure the total length of the shell and place them in the bag.
3. Identify the bags and keep track of the number of organisms placed in each.
4. If the bag is destined for the nursery, identify the quadrant where it was placed. If destined for placement in the mangrove, take the GPS point and fix the bag to the mangrove roots.
5. Keep control and record survival and shell cleaning every two months.
Broodstock in enclosures or corrals 1. Establish enclosures or corrals of 5 m x 5 m (25 m2), delimited by half-inch mesh opening. Mesh height between 35 and 50 cm, anchored to the substrate.
2. Select organisms with sizes greater than 4.7 cm in length (minimum size of sexual maturity).
3. Measure the total length of the organisms' shells and place them in the enclosures at a density of 40 ind./ m2.
4. Identify the plots and keep track of the number of organisms placed in each.
5. Identify each nursery with geographic coordinates, using GPS 6. Keep bimonthly control and record of broodstock survival.
b. Shellfish below TLPC size Steps to follow for the transfer of shellfish with sizes below the TLPC Repopulation in mangrove 1. Identify priority zones for community repopulation: mangroves with records of low natural density and areas without current intensive use.
2. Establish 5x5 m quadrants in sites that have tidal flooding cycles and record the coordinates with GPS.
3. Follow the following direct planting technique in soft substrate:
. Partially bury the shellfish (half of the shell).
. Plant in groups of 10-15 organisms per square meter.
. Record date, coordinates, and quantity released.
4. Shellfish follow-up . Establish 3 1m2 quadrants per repopulation quadrant.
. Record survival at 15 and 30 days initially.
. Subsequently, perform average growth and survival sampling every two months (mm/month).
. Record depredated organisms or other impacts.
2.2 Repopulation from seized shellfish.
This activity must be carried out hand-in-hand with Surveillance Actions, and primarily rely on effective communication means that enable the action of the Public Force (Fuerza Pública), Coast Guard (Guardacostas), and personnel from Minae and INCOPESCA, who have the authority to carry out seizures of fishery products. This aims to regulate and guide the legal seizure process of piangua extracted illicitly, to be used for shellfish repopulation in sites with low populations.
This activity seeks to redirect the use of the seized resource toward active repopulation of shellfish in areas with low natural density and strengthen community capacities in ecological monitoring and follow-up.
This activity would consider the methodology proposed in point 2.1 for the relocation of the organisms, whether in bags within the mangrove, nursery, or in the natural environment.
PIANGUA REPOPULATION RECORD 1. Repopulation Site Information Site or mangrove name: __________________________________ GPS Coordinates: ________________________________________ Planting date: _________________________________________ 2. Repopulation Details Number of shellfish planted: ____________________________ Average size: _______________ mm Planting method: _______________________________________ Persons responsible for repopulation (individuals or group): _____________ _________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ COMMUNITY FOLLOW-UP CARD 1. Monitoring Information Monitoring date: ______________________________________ Site or mangrove: __________________________________________ Monitored quadrant (1, 2, or 3): ___________________________ 2. Collected Data Number of live pianguas: ________________________________ Number of dead pianguas: _____________________________ Observed growth (average mm): ______________________ Presence of predators: [ ] Yes [ ] No Ecological or environmental observations:
_________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ___________________ 3. Participants Group or organization: _______________________________
Bibliographic Reference Vargas, J.A. & Sampson, M. (2008). Reproducción de Anadara tuberculosa y Anadara similis en el manglar de Golfito, Costa Rica. Revista de Biología Tropical, 56(2), 557-566.
Espinoza, M. (2004). Biología y pesquería de la piangua en el Pacífico de Costa Rica. INCOPESCA / CENAIM-ESPOL.
Mora, C. M., & Reyes, F. (2013). Ciclo reproductivo de Anadara similis (Bivalvia: Arcidae) en el Pacífico colombiano, Bahía Málaga. Acta Biológica Colombiana, 18(2), 243-250.
https://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?pid=S0122-97612013000200001&script=sci_arttextGarcía-Dávila, C., Castañeda, G., & Cevallos, A. (2013). Ciclo reproductivo de Anadaratuberculosa (Bivalvia: Arcidae) en dos zonas del litoral ecuatoriano. Latin American Journalof Aquatic Research, 41(2), 287-296. https://scielo.cl/scielo.php?pid=S0718-19572013000200011&script=sci_arttext Panchana, J., & Rodríguez, C. (2016). Gametogénesis de Anadara tuberculosa en la Reserva Ecológica Manglares Cayapas-Mataje, Ecuador. Revista Ciencias Biológicas, 1(1), 47-55.https://www.redalyc.org/journal/6337/633766166005/html/ Quizhpe, P., Yánez, D., & Jimbo, J. (2017). Crecimiento y engorde de concha prieta (Anadara tuberculosa) en corrales en los manglares de la isla Payana. Conference Proceedings, 1(1). Recuperado de https://dialnet.unirioja.es/ejemplar/654454 Rendón-Yllescas, M. K., Suárez Gómez, E. V., & Mejía Coronel, M. T. (2009). Manejo sustentable y comercialización de concha prieta en cautiverio en Puerto El Morro (provincia del Guayas), para su Politécnica del Litoral. Recuperado de http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/1426
MONITORING METHODOLOGY 1- For Shellfish:
The extraction of shellfish from each plot will be carried out with the shellfish gatherers who know the area in detail and are experienced. The shellfish gatherers participating in the sampling will be instructed in advance. A participatory, in-person process will be developed with groups of shellfish gatherers, SINAC, and INCOPESCA, to provide induction, training, plot marking, data collection, and subsequent analysis and socialization.
This Activity requires two types of data collection:
a- Biological data b- Evaluation of the state of the shellfish population by sector, annually.
a Biological Data for Shellfish.
To generate information on the biology of commercial mangrove shellfish, data will be collected for the indicators that will generate records that currently represent a gap in scientific information. Monitoring of different indicators provides information for generating knowledge of the species.
2 transects and 6 plots of 5m x 5m will be established; each transect consists of 3 plots. Work subgroups will be established for data collection on the different indicators.
The shellfish from each plot or quadrant will be placed in different bags, labeled with the number or code assigned to the transects and plots. Likewise, a label with the additional required information will be placed in each bag.
All shellfish found in each sampling unit will be extracted, regardless of their size. Once the extraction session is finished, the shellfish will be transferred to a suitable location for measurements.
Each individual will be weighed and measured for length and width; the data for each is recorded in the format provided by SINAC-INCOPESCA. The analysis of the collection data will be the responsibility of the Regent, who will process the information, systematize it into a report, and present it to the shellfish gatherer groups and the Institutions. 3 field trips per month forming teams, 4 teams per group.
INDICATORS:
For the Biological monitoring of shellfish, the indicators are as follows:
i. The abundance of shellfish species (the number of individuals per unit area or volume).
ii. The diversity of shellfish species (the variety and richness of species present in the ecosystem).
iii. The distribution of shellfish species (the way they are distributed in space according to environmental conditions and available resources).
iv. The productivity of shellfish species (the amount of biomass they produce per unit of time).
v. The health status of shellfish species (the presence or absence of diseases, parasites, contaminants, or stress).
vi. The use of shellfish species (the use given to them as a food, economic, or cultural resource).
vii. The impact of human activities on shellfish species (the alteration or loss of their habitat, overexploitation, the introduction of invasive species, or pollution).
viii. The biomass of shellfish species (the total weight of organisms per unit area or volume).
b- Evaluation of the state of the shellfish population by sector This is based on the baseline of the 2022 Shellfish Use Plan for the ACT and is required to understand population proportions.
The resource assessment will be carried out in accordance with the guide for rapid assessment of piangua populations by SINAC (2014) and the guide "Generación de la línea base para la elaboración de planes de manejo de moluscos bivalvos en humedales de manglar y playas lodo arenosas" by SINAC (2018). The procedures and contents are based on Decreto Ejecutivo N° 39411-MINAE-MAG.
The sampling and measurement of morphometric parameters of pianguas, clams, and mussels will be carried out through field visits; between 9 and 15 plots per sector will be established in transects with 3 plots each, depending on the conditions of the mangrove, beach, and substrate.
In total, transects and their plots of 5m X 5m are sampled for piangua and razor mussel, and 1 m X 1 m for clams, large clams, and mussels (choras).
The shellfish from each plot or quadrant will be placed in different bags, labeled with the number or code assigned to the transects and plots. Likewise, a label with the additional required information will be placed in each bag.
All shellfish found in each sampling unit will be extracted, regardless of their size. Once the extraction session is finished, the shellfish will be transferred to a suitable location for measurements.
Each individual will be weighed and measured for length and width; the data for each is recorded in the format provided by SINAC-INCOPESCA.
The analysis of the collection data will be the responsibility of the Regent, who will process the information, systematize it into a report, and present it to the shellfish gatherer groups and the Institutions.
INDICATOR:
The Indicator used for this objective will be:
i. Population Status (the total weight of organisms per unit area or volume), for each plot in all sectors, of all collected individuals.
2- Collaboration in Quantification and Delivery of Ecological Information for the Mangrove Ecosystem In data collection activities, the Biologist Manager will be responsible for delivering the information to SINAC so that this Institution can carry out the monitoring and research it deems pertinent.
SINAC has an Ecological Protocol for Mangrove Monitoring (SINACUNA, 2020). For mangroves, there are twenty-three indicators that will serve to evaluate the state of this focal management element. However, for this program, it is proposed to apply the Indicators listed below.
Considering the location of between 8 and 10 permanent plots for every 100 hectares of Mangrove as an ideal condition, for the purposes of this project, the delimitation of two linear transects is proposed, in a direction perpendicular to the physicochemical gradients, on which 10 x 10 m plots will be conveniently distributed, with each transect having three 10m x 10m plots. Both the transect and the plots will be georeferenced. For each plot, a record of information will be made according to the selected indicators, whose methodological description is found in the document "Protocolo Ecológico para el Monitoreo de Manglares":
INDICATORS FOR COLLABORATION IN QUANTIFICATION AND DELIVERY OF ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION FOR THE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM Indicator 5. Basal Area Estimation (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Species present. Each individual will be identified by a previously numbered (coded) aluminum tag.
ii. Measurement of the diameter at breast height of all species greater than 2.5 cm.
2. Indicator 6. Density of Core Species (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. All individuals with a DBH equal to or greater than 2.5 cm must be counted in each plot, considering the total number of individuals and by species, and divided by the total sampled area.
ii. The number of dead individuals and/or branches within each plot must be recorded.
3. Indicator 7. Estimation of the Complexity Index (See methodological detail in SINACUNA, 2020).
i. Estimate the total height of the tree from the base of the ground to the highest part of the crown using a clinometer.
4. Indicator 8. Estimation of the Importance Value (See methodological detail in SINACUNA, 2020).
5. Indicator 11. Presence of Nuclear Flora (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Also called forced halophytes, they are found in the intertidal zone due to their dependence on saline influences. Nuclear flora will be identified at the time the structural measurements of each plot are taken.
6. Indicator 12. Presence of Marginal and Facultative Marginal Flora (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Identify the greatest possible number of species in the field; if they cannot be recognized, take photographs or samples to be evaluated in the laboratory.
7. Indicator 13. Gastropod Richness (See methodological detail in SINACUNA, 2020).
i. In the permanent plots, place four 1 m2 quadrats for every 100 m2 vegetation plot as indicated in figure 7, recording the diversity and abundance of all gastropod species of the genera Littoraria, Cerithidea, and Thaisella found in them, both on the ground and on roots and trunks (Ashton et al. 2003; Irma & Sofyatuddin, 2012). Field identification can be carried out using the guide by Cruz & Jiménez (1994). If the species cannot be recognized on site, samples must be taken for laboratory evaluation using said guide.
8. Indicator 14. Crab Burrow Richness (See methodological detail in SINACUNA, 2020).
i. In the permanent plots, place four 1 m2 quadrats for every 100 m2 vegetation plot, recording the number of burrows present in each quadrat.
9. Indicator 15. Bird Presence (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
10. Indicator 16. Mammal Presence (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
11. Indicator 17. Solid Waste Frequency (See methodological detail in SINACUNA, 2020).
12. Indicator 18. Hydrocarbon Presence (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Take one sediment sample of approximately 4.50 cm in diameter and 14.50 cm in length (core sampler) from each of the plots. The subsamples are then frozen and subsequently sent to the Chemistry Laboratory of the UNA.
13. Indicator 21. Interstitial Water (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Place interstitial water sampling stations in each monitoring plot.
ii. Before extracting the water sample, the physicochemical parameters (pH, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, redox potential) must be taken and recorded by inserting the multiparameter electrodes into the tube (coordinate in advance with the ASP-ACT Directorate for the loan of the multiparameter).
14. Indicator 23. Carbon Sequestration (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
15. Additional Indicators: Organic Matter and Heavy Metals.
i. Take two separate sediment samples of approximately 4.50 cm in diameter and 14.50 cm in length (core sampler) from each of the plots. The subsamples are then frozen and subsequently sent to the Chemistry Laboratory of the UNA.
See details in: SINAC-UNA. 2020. PRONAMEC Protocol: Protocol for the Ecological Monitoring of Mangroves in Costa Rica. San José?. Costa Rica. 119 pp.
16. Geographic Coordinates Indication__