This Manual shall be effective upon its publication.
APPLICATION FORM MARINE-COASTAL PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROGRAM IN MANGROVE FORESTS 1. Name of the Organization applying: ____________________________________ Legal ID Number: _________________________________________________ Full name of Legal Representative: ______________________________________ Legal Representative's ID: _______________________________________________ Legal Representative's Phone number and Email: ____________________________ Location or Area of Influence: _____________________________________________ Has the legal and accounting books: YES ________ / NO__________ 2. Activity to which the organization is dedicated Fishing ___________ Mollusk Collection ___________ Others _________ 3. Total number of associates _____________.
Number of participating women _______ and number of participating men________ 4. Has accounting services: YES ________ / NO__________ ____________________________________________ Date and Signature
PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT OF THE ASSOCIATION I, the undersigned (referred to as the User), freely, unequivocally, specifically, and in an informed manner authorize 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, that 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 entry applications, contracts, follow-ups, and controls thereof. c) That the personal data may be used by FONAFIFO for the purposes of processing and approving the 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 FONAFIFO's structure or by external service providers, all of whom will be obligated to comply with FONAFIFO's own confidentiality and data protection policies. e) That the answers to the questions asked of 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 the 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, and therefore the user is under no obligation whatsoever to provide personal information; however, the sole consequence of not providing the data requested in the Entry Application forms will be the impossibility for the Data Controller to carry out the activity described above, as the information requested is strictly necessary and not excessive, strictly adhering to the principle of data quality under the regulations on the matter. h) That by virtue of Ley N°8968, the user is entitled to a series of rights in relation to the personal information provided to FONAFIFO, such as the right to request the rectification, updating, or deletion of the information provided, it being understood that the information provided will always be the property of the user. i) That the data controller will be the head of the Unidad de Tecnología de Información y Comunicación (Informática) of FONAFIFO, who is 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 supplied 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 sphere, who provide or will provide services to FONAFIFO, such as, but not limited to: collaborators, advisors, creditors, correspondents, regulatory and supervisory authorities, government authorities; credit bureaus (centrales de riesgo), collection agencies, and the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera of the Instituto Costarricense sobre Drogas; on the understanding that said information will likewise not be sold or otherwise commercialized, 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 consultations to state websites such as the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social and the Registro Nacional; especially, but not limited to: a) The records of the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (if 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 applicable; in order to validate the identification documents I have provided, and to which FONAFIFO will have access through the reading of my identification data and/or the reading of my fingerprints, for which I authorize and release FONAFIFO from any liability for the use of said identification systems. Through the signing of 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: _____________________________ Association Name: ______________________ Signature and Identification Number: __________________________
CONTRATO DE PAGO POR SERVICIOS ECOSISTEMICOS MARINO COSTEROS EN BOSQUES DE MANGLE CONTRATO NUMERO XX-01-70-XXX-2024 We, Franz Tattenbach Capra, of legal age, married once, economist, holder of identity card number one- six hundred twenty-two- three hundred twenty-five, resident of Escazú, acting in his capacity as Minister of Environment and Energy, according to Agreement number zero one- P of May eighth, two thousand twenty-two, published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta number eighty-five, Supplement number ninety-one of May tenth, two thousand twenty-two, who through resolution N° R- four hundred one - two thousand twenty-four- MINAE of ten hours forty minutes on October fourteenth, two thousand twenty-four, published in La Gaceta Number one hundred ninety-five, of October eighteenth, 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 Apoderado Generalísimo without limit of sum of the ASOCIACIÓN ___________________ called 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," Decreto Ejecutivo Number 45141-MINAE "Reglamento A La Ley Nº 10507, Incentivo Para La Protección de la Biodiversidad-Marino Costero," and the Manual Operativo 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 especially by the following clauses:
CLAUSE ONE: Regarding 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 of _______________ extracted in the area of the permit granted by SINAC, a list that comprises anexo number one of this contract.
CLAUSE TWO: Purpose of the Contract The purpose of this contract is to regulate the relationship between THE BENEFICIARY and THE MINAE, whereby the latter recognizes the ecosystem services generated by the BENEFICIARY, through the fulfillment of its obligations. In this act, THE BENEFICIARY assigns to FONAFIFO and MINAE, the ecosystem services generated in the execution of this contract.
These ecosystem services will be delivered in annual and future installments, accounted from the effective date of this contract, provided the Professional Biologist so reports, upon confirming that the conditions of the mangrove forest (bosque de mangle) and the agreed obligations are being met. By virtue of the assignment of ecosystem services made in this contract, MINAE and Fonafifo are free to dispose of the acquired and assigned ecosystem services in any manner they deem appropriate, and may sell them to third parties both nationally and internationally, without having to notify THE BENEFICIARY of such action, who may not claim any amount from MINAE and/or Fonafifo for this disposal of the acquired services. Accordingly, THE BENEFICIARY may not under any circumstances sell or dispose of by any title the ecosystem services generated by the forest during the term of this contract.
CLAUSE THREE: Term The term of this contract is twelve months from its signing, in accordance with the Manual Operativo for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, and may be extended provided both parties so agree, as long as sufficient economic resources exist for this and the obligations have been met. The term of the contract may be extended only once and for six months only in the event of an express request from the Association to complete the respective reports for the processing of the last payment; an extension that must be authorized by Fonafifo.
CLAUSE FOUR: Project impact area The area in which the project will be developed will be that indicated in the resolution issued by the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación, and is identified in the survey carried out by said institution, which forms part of this contract, constituting anexo two.
CLAUSE FIVE: Price and form of payment Fonafifo, as consideration for the assignment established in this contract, will pay for the ecosystem services acquired an annual sum of ______________ (colones) per participating person of the Association, according to the maximum number of ______ persons, determined in the permits issued by SINAC. According to the provisions of the Manual Operativo for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, Fonafifo will issue the disbursement order and will make the disbursements. This amount will be paid to the Association in four installments, with respect to the amount indicated in the preceding paragraph. The first disbursement of 25% will be made upon the signing of the contract and when compliance with the established formal requirements is reported. The second disbursement, corresponding to 25%, will 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% will be made 9 months after the signing of the contract. Each payment will be made prior to verification of compliance with the obligations established in this contract and in the Manual Operativo 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: Obligations of the beneficiary THE BENEFICIARY undertakes to: A) Fully comply with the obligations established by SINAC in the Plan de Aprovechamiento de Moluscos granted by 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 by resolution No._________________ dated_______________________________ and ensure compliance with these by its members. C) Keep the authorizations issued by SINAC and INCOPESCA in effect. D) Not carry out felling, extraction, or any other activities that damage or alter the mangrove forest (bosque de manglar) and its surrounding areas, except those activities expressly authorized in the respective permits. E) Take the necessary actions to protect the mangrove forest (bosque de mangle) subject to the use permit, as well as prevent any damage caused by third parties; these protection actions shall at a minimum include: demarcation and delimitation of the assigned mangrove forest area using signs, buoys, pennants, or any other mechanism, proposed and approved by the biologist manager, as well as periodic supervision and monitoring of the area under contract, according to a monitoring plan that must be proposed, prepared, and complied with by THE BENEFICIARY. F) Coordinate work with the Biologist Manager, as well as abide by and implement the technically justified recommendations that have been issued verbally or in writing by the Biologist Manager, or by personnel from MINAE, SINAC, INCOPESCA, or Fonafifo. G) Comply with and participate in all activities foreseen in this contract, including sustainable harvesting (aprovechamiento sostenible), rearing (crianza), recovery and/or repopulation (repoblamiento) of mollusks, monitoring actions, and monitoring activities (ecological monitoring of mangrove ecosystems (monitoreo ecológico de ecosistemas de mangle) and mollusk monitoring (monitoreo de moluscos)), which must be carried out in the zone of the permit granted by SINAC and INCOPESCA. H) Have mechanisms for daily, weekly, or monthly records of extraction, as stipulated, kept by a person from the association or hired for this purpose, who does not extract mollusks. I) Have an Internal Operating Regulation (Reglamento Interno) that regulates the extraction activity. J) Establishment and maintenance of signs as stipulated in the Manual Operativo 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 Biologist Manager in charge. L) Report and gather evidence (photos or other) against those persons outside the association who extract mollusks and cause damage or alterations to the mangrove forest (bosque de mangle) and the biodiversity found therein. This report (denuncia) must be filed at the offices of MINAE-SINAC no later than 8 calendar days after becoming aware of the facts, when applicable. Likewise, the Association shall file the criminal complaint with the Ministerio Público, and the administrative complaint before SINAC, or the Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo, as applicable. A copy of these complaints must be sent to the SINAC Regional Office no later than 30 calendar days after they have been filed. M) Assign to MINAE and Fonafifo the Ecosystem Services for a period equal to the term of this contract. N) Comply with the obligations established in Ley N° 7575 "Ley Forestal," Ley N° 10507 "Ley para Incentivo para la protección de la biodiversidad Marino-Costera," Decreto Ejecutivo N° 45141-MINAE "Reglamento A La Ley Nº 10507, Incentivo Para La Protección de la Biodiversidad-Marino Costero," this contract, and the Manual Operativo 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 Manual Operativo for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, but especially the following: Maintain throughout the term of the payment for ecosystem services in mangrove forests contract, the services of an authorized accountant registered with the Colegio de Contadores (Private or Public), who may be on staff or provide professional services, who must keep the accounting updated. If contracted for professional services, must be up to date with obligations to the CCSS, the Ministerio de Hacienda, and FODESAF; Facilitate to MINAE, FONAFIFO, FUNBAM, SINAC, and the Biologist Manager, his/her assistant, and/or any other authorized person, during the term of the payment for ecosystem services contract and six months after its expiration, access to the Association's accounting information, accounting books, bank reconciliations, bank account statements for the corresponding period, and monthly financial statements; deliver resources and payments to the associated persons for the 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 term of the contract an account in colones in any financial institution of the national banking system duly authorized for this purpose; in which account only the resources derived from this contract will be deposited and maintained. Q) Be up to date with the obligations to the CCSS, FODESAF, and the Ministerio de Hacienda. R) During the term 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 report on compliance with 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: 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 Associates' Assembly, duly signed.
b. Receive the payments stipulated for the assignment of the ecosystem services within the agreed time, provided it is up to date with the payment of obligations to 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 derived 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 a presumed 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 (bosque de mangle) subject to this contract is located.
h. Supervise the accounts and the manner of investment of the resources paid by virtue of this contract.
i. Have the Beneficiary provide it with such technical, financial, and administrative reports as it deems appropriate.
j. Suspend pending payments in the event of presumed or proven contractual breaches, or upon notice from the Biologist Manager.
CLAUSE EIGHT: Regarding breaches (faltas) In the execution of the contract, two types of breaches may occur: Minor (Leves) and Serious (graves). Minor breaches will be resolved by SINAC in coordination with the Biologist Manager; serious breaches will be resolved by SINAC, who will determine the seriousness of the breach that leads to the contractual non-compliance, taking into account the impact on the mangrove forest (bosque de mangle) or the biodiversity found therein, and technical criteria.
CLAUSE NINE: Non-compliance Non-compliance with the terms and obligations of this contract will generate the right for the complying party to demand forced compliance, or to terminate the contract without liability for itself, either of which situations may generate 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 presumed non-compliance, will proceed to communicate with THE BENEFICIARY and the Biologist Manager, in order to clarify the facts and reach an agreement, with the purpose of continuing with the contract, abiding by the technical and administrative provisions issued in this regard.
If the existence of presumed serious breaches leading to contractual non-compliance is evident, Fonafifo will establish an ordinary administrative procedure as provided by the Ley General de la Administración Pública, in order to establish the real facts and declare the non-compliance. Fonafifo will suspend the pending disbursements of payment, until the final act is issued declaring or not the non-compliance.
Without prejudice to the provisions of this clause, during the course of the administrative procedure for presumed non-compliance, THE BENEFICIARY may propose a remedial plan to MINAE, which will be evaluated by Fonafifo, and if accepted, the respective adjustments will be made to this contract.
CLAUSE TEN: Return of resources, payment of interest, and others In the event of proven non-compliance, when the return of resources is applicable, these will be made by THE BENEFICIARY, paying to MINAE- Fonafifo the current interest from the verification of the non-compliance, which will 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 contractual non-compliance, the amount will be returned to Fonafifo without current interest, but default interest will be charged at a rate of one percent monthly from the date of 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 non-compliance, MINAE - Fonafifo may recognize, in the respective settlement, the actions executed in which there has been compliance with the contract.
CLAUSE ELEVEN: Non-execution of payments If within a maximum period of 6 months after the time each of the payments of the Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros de Bosque de Mangle contract becomes due, the respective collection is not made, these will expire and will not be disbursed by Fonafifo, without this generating any liability on its part. Excepted from this provision are those cases in which there is a reasonable justification for the reason that has delayed the respective disbursement and this is duly documented in the administrative file. The expiration of the payments will not affect the term 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. If these changes occur, a formal written communication will 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 may validly make any communication or procedure through the means for notifications originally established.
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 aim to enable fulfillment of the agreed contractual purpose.
CLAUSE FOURTEEN: 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: Governing Law For 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," Decreto Ejecutivo N°45141-MINAE "Reglamento a La Ley Nº 10507, Incentivo Para La Protección de la Biodiversidad-Marino Costero," and the Manual Operativo for the Programa Nacional de Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosques de Mangle, as well as other provisions issued by the Poder Ejecutivo. The applicable jurisdiction shall be the Courts of Justice of Costa Rica.
CLAUSE SIXTEEN: Effectiveness This contract takes effect upon 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 _____________ BENEFICIARIA
PROGRESS AND FINAL REPORT FORMAT PAGO POR SERVICIOS ECOSISTÉMICOS MARINO COSTEROS EN BOSQUES DE MANGLE Period: Report number and range of months (Present the Report in Chapters for each current member and activities to be reported.)
A-Participating organizations and number of persons B-General analysis of the application of the Activities to be recognized 1. Basic Project Data
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Financing:
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Assessments:
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2. Project Objectives
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Description of the activities carried out and included in this report Results Challenges Opportunities 3. Cumulative Progress Chart Towards Achieving Project Objectives and Results | Objectives | Description of activities | Baseline | End-of-project target | Level of progress as of report date | Level of satisfaction | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | 4. Level of Stakeholder Participation This section lists all stakeholders participating in the project, identifying which and at what moment new parties are integrated.
Briefly describe the events participated in, 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 reports and attach the monthly reports generated by the person in charge of accounting.
6. Recommendations This section is fundamental to guide stakeholders towards more effective and sustainable practices, favoring the integral development of the shellfish harvester groups (molusqueros). Suggesting improvements in current practices, facilitating the implementation of effective strategies, highlighting areas of opportunity for the cultivation of mollusks for the benefit of the shellfish harvester groups, promoting adaptation to environmental or market changes. Techniques or methodologies that can help shellfish harvesters increase their productivity and sustainability may be recommended. Guidelines to help minimize potential conflicts related to the management of the mollusk resource may be offered. Likewise, suggest training or education actions that enhance the skills of the shellfish harvester groups and propose economic and social alternatives that benefit the families.
C-GENERAL CONCLUSIONS FOR THE PERIOD 7. Appendices (Anexos).
Include all documents and databases that have been generated during the implementation of mollusk extraction monitoring activities, evaluation of populations in their natural environment, ecological monitoring of the mangrove ecosystem (ecosistema de manglar), mollusk rearing, monitoring actions, and sustainable harvesting (aprovechamiento sostenible).
METHODOLOGY FOR REARING AND/OR REPOPULATION OF MOLLUSKS This section aims to guide the process of rearing mollusks in nurseries and repopulation (repoblamiento) in sites or mangroves where populations have been adversely affected by intense fishing pressure or by environmental changes that caused mortalities of the organisms.
Mollusk rearing in nurseries aims to empower users in the management and monitoring of mollusks with sizes below the Minimum Legal Capture Size (Talla Legal de Primera Captura, TLPC), until they reach the marketing length.
Mollusk repopulation seeks to provide organisms in areas with low populations through different strategies such as the transfer of organisms from other communities, whether reproducers or organisms under the TLPC, and repopulation through the relocation of seized mollusks. These strategies aim to offer different mollusk repopulation options that can be implemented according to the specific needs of the mangroves under the Marine-Coastal Ecosystem Services Payment in Mangrove Forest (Pago por Servicios Ecosistémicos Marino Costeros en Bosque de Mangle, PSEM) and under the technical criteria of the monitoring team.
1. Nursery rearing 1.1. Construction, management and maintenance of nurseries The nurseries will consist of 300 m2 areas, divided into twelve 25 m2 plots each, with a maximum capacity of 2500 individuals. By separating it into 12 plots, the relocated organisms can be sown in a staggered manner over a year, thus allowing annual sowing and harvesting cycles.
Through monitoring, the effectiveness of the relocation and rearing activities carried out by the mollusk gatherers (molusqueros) will be evaluated. These consist of recording continuous information on the extraction activity, the extracted species, their size, extraction zones, destination (marketing 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 the nurseries must be adjusted according to the requirements of the species to be relocated, i.e., whether they inhabit mud or sand banks, close to the high-tide or low-tide zone, and that it is consistent with the reproduction zones delimited in the Harvest Plans (Planes de Aprovechamiento) and the General Management Plan to which the authorizations of the benefited mollusk gatherers are linked. a. Materials for nursery construction:
? ½ inch PVC pipe ? 1 GPS ? Mesh bags of 90x60cm, with an opening similar to a sardine net; the size may be modified in accordance with the site conditions and ease of handling.
? Plastic bottles, mesh scraps, or any 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, for 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 sowing 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 a sardine net, and contain a cord for closing the bag (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Mesh bags for placing mollusks in the nurseries.
Source: Cendepesca. 2009. Guides for the Quality of Life Improvement Models for Artisanal Fishermen. JICA. El Salvador, Puerto El Triunfo.
6. The bags must be tied to the roots or anchored in the plots, to prevent them from moving due to the tide. Try to place the bags during a rising 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 offer 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 mollusks per plot. That is, once the 2500 individuals for that plot are 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 mollusks and relocation 1.2.1 Extraction The process of extraction, selection and relocation of mollusks may be carried out in two ways:
a. 1,250 individuals below the TLPC will be collected in sites previously identified by the mollusk gatherers as banks of juvenile individuals. The collection will be carried out through coordinated field trips between the mollusk gatherers themselves and the competent authorities.
b. If it is required to carry out mollusk extractions in areas different from those assigned in the use permits granted by SINAC to each Association of mollusk gatherers, it must be coordinated and authorized by SINAC.
c. An additional 1,250 individuals collected during extraction tasks carried out by mollusk 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 marketed. On the other hand, organisms that do not reach that size will be destined for relocation in authorized nurseries.
1.2.2. Selection and relocation of mollusks The selection of mollusks must be carried out using a size caliper (pianguímetro) or another measuring device that allows precise differentiation between individuals that reach the TLPC and those that are below that size. The mollusk gatherers must take a sample of the organisms that will be destined for the nurseries; this will consist of recording information on the collection carried out, 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 sowing 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 from the extracted organisms, with the information indicated in the Mollusk Relocation Registration Form provided by INCOPESCA.
If during collection at least 30 organisms are not collected, all the product destined for relocation must be measured.
For the relocation of mollusks, only those nurseries authorized by SINAC and INCOPESCA for this project may be used.
1.3. Monitoring of growth, care and harvest 1.3.1. Growth monitoring and density adjustment per bag During nursery care, growth monitoring of the organisms must be carried out with monthly samplings. 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. Counting the total organisms per bag, to keep track of the survival of the individuals within the bags.
c. Carrying out a maintenance process: Cleaning of the bags and organisms if crustaceans or other attached organisms are observed, reviewing and maintaining the good condition of the bags, the labeling system of each one, the mooring 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 the organisms within each bag, based on their size and the time spent in the nurseries (Table 1). In this sense, when individuals reach sizes between 25 mm and 35 mm, the density should 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 mollusks per bag according to size
| Size (Total length) | Number of individuals | Adjustment time | Number of bags |
|---|
| ?10mm-25mm | 1000 | 0 months to 8 months | 1 |
| 25mm-35mm | 500 | 8 months to 15 months | 2 |
| 35mm-47mm | 200 | 15 months to 22 months | 5 |
1.3.2. Harvest Once the organisms exceed the TLPC, they may be marketed 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 they may not be used for marketing, nor returned to the ecosystem.
1.4. Control, sampling data and reports 1.4.1. Information control and supervision It is the responsibility of the mollusk gatherers to deliver to INCOPESCA monthly information on the quantity and sale of the extracted product, as set forth 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 marketing.
Organizations participating in the monitoring and rearing projects must attach to the information delivered to INCOPESCA: the Mollusk Relocation Registration forms, and the Growth Monitoring forms described above.
1.4.2. Supervision All activity will be supervised by the project's biologist manager, ensuring the good management and operation of the mollusk nurseries, according to current regulations, the harvest plan (plan de aprovechamiento) 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 carried out jointly between SINAC and INCOPESCA b. Reports: The reports will be made through the monthly report that the Biologist Manager must present to SINAC-INCOPESCA, and with the delivery of the "Mollusk Relocation Registration" and "Growth Monitoring" forms.
2.5. Activities and Effectiveness Indicators 2.5.1. Description of the activity:
Table 2 details the main activities that the mollusk gatherers must carry out for the fulfillment of this project, for a period of 12 months.
Table 2. Working time per month for 12,000 blood clams (pianguas) under management in the nursery
| Activity | Time per day (labor) | Days per month | Responsible |
|---|
| Training | 4 hours | 1 day every three months | SINAC- INCOPESCA |
| Extraction and relocation | 6 hours | 20 days (linked to the harvest plan) | Mollusk gatherer |
| Nursery maintenance and surveillance | 6 hours | 30 days | Mollusk gatherer |
| Monthly sampling | 4 hours | 1 day | Mollusk gatherer |
| Splitting (Desdoble) | 4 hours | 1 day, every 8 months | Mollusk gatherer |
| Information delivery | 4 hours | 1 day | Mollusk gatherer and SINAC- INCOPESCA |
23 hours monthly 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. Minimum legal capture size for blood clam (piangua), white clam (almeja blanca), mussels (mejillones) and large clam (almejón).
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. Mollusk repopulation 2.1 Repopulation from the transfer of mollusks from other communities, through the purchase of the organisms or donation by the groups of mollusk gatherers under the PSEM scheme.
This activity, framed in the spirit of collaboration of organized groups of mollusk gatherers, aims at the repopulation of mollusks 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 areas, in order to promote a natural dispersion of larvae in the ecosystem.
The reproductive organisms must be previously quantified and measured, to then be placed in mesh bags (Fig. 2) and installed in nurseries or at sites previously defined within the mangrove. Each location 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 the retention of adult mollusks with reproductive capacity in mangrove areas, with the aim of favoring the natural dispersion of larvae in the ecosystem. These practices, implemented in coastal communities of Ecuador, allow reproducers to be kept under controlled conditions without significantly altering their natural environment (Quizhpe et al., 2010; Rendón et al., 2009).
If the reproducers are sown in the nursery using bags, the methodology proposed for rearing must be followed.
Although it has been reported that the blood clam (piangua) reproduces throughout the year, there are seasonal reproductive peaks, which can 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 achieve reproduction (Espinoza, 2004; Vargas y Sampson, 2008; Mora y Reyes, 2013; García-Dávila, Castañeda y Cevallos, 2013; Panchana y Rodríguez, 2016; Panchana, Vivar y López, 2020).
Mollusk repopulation will be carried out using reproductive organisms with sizes greater than 4.7 cm. These organisms may only be purchased when the resource is not available in the communities to establish their own stock of reproducers.
These will be relocated in nurseries, in order to facilitate their management and monitoring, or directly in strategic areas of the mangrove, according to site conditions or the specific needs of the ecosystem, and under the technical criteria of the monitoring team.
Therefore, it is proposed:
a. Reproductive mollusks Steps to follow for the transfer of reproductive mollusks:
Reproducers 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 one.
4. If the bag is destined for the nursery, identify the quadrant where it was placed. If it is destined for placement in the mangrove, take the GPS point and tie the bag to the mangrove roots.
5. Keep track and record survival and shell cleaning every two months. Reproducers 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 shell length of the organisms 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 one.
5. Identify each nursery with geographic coordinates, using GPS 6. Keep bimonthly tracking and recording of repoducer survival.
b. Mollusks under the TLPC size Steps to follow for the transfer of mollusks with sizes below the TLPC Repopulation in mangrove 1. Identify priority areas 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 flood cycles and record the coordinates with GPS.
3. Follow the following direct sowing technique in soft substrate:
. Partially bury the mollusks (half the shell).
. Sow in groups of 10-15 organisms per square meter.
. Record date, coordinates and quantity released.
4. Mollusk follow-up . Establish 3 quadrants of 1m2 per repopulation quadrant.
. Record survival at 15 and 30 days initially.
. Subsequently, carry out average growth and survival samplings every two months (mm/month).
. Record predated organisms or other impacts.
2.2 Repopulation from mollusk seizures.
This activity must be worked on hand in hand with Surveillance Actions, and mainly have effective means of communication that allow 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 is intended to regulate and guide the process of legal seizure of blood clam (piangua) extracted illicitly, to be used in the repopulation of mollusks in sites with low populations.
This activity seeks to redirect the use of the seized resource towards the active repopulation of mollusks 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.
BLOOD CLAM (PIANGUA) REPOPULATION REGISTRATION 1. Repopulation site information Site or mangrove name: __________________________________ GPS Coordinates: ________________________________________ Sowing date: _________________________________________ 2. Repopulation details Quantity of mollusks sown: ____________________________ Average size: _______________ mm Sowing method: _______________________________________ Responsible for repopulation (persons or group): _____________ _________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ COMMUNITY FOLLOW-UP SHEET 1. Monitoring information Monitoring date: ______________________________________ Site or mangrove: __________________________________________ Monitored quadrant (1, 2 or 3): ___________________________ 2. Data collected Quantity of live blood clams (pianguas): ________________________________ Quantity of dead blood clams: _____________________________ Growth observed (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_arttext García-Dávila, C., Castañeda, G., & Cevallos, A. (2013). Ciclo reproductivo de Anadara tuberculosa (Bivalvia: Arcidae) en dos zonas del litoral ecuatoriano. Latin American Journal of 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 exportación hacia España. Facultad de Ciencias Humanísticas y Económicas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Recuperado de http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/1426
MONITORING METHODOLOGY 1- In Mollusks:
The extraction of mollusks from each plot will be carried out with the mollusk gatherers who know the area in detail and are experienced. The mollusk gatherers participating in the sampling will be previously instructed. A participatory in-person process will be developed with groups of the mollusk 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 mollusk population by sectors, annually.
a Biological Data Mollusks.
To generate information on the biology of commercial mangrove mollusks, data will be collected for indicators that will generate records that currently represent a gap in scientific information. Monitoring of the different indicators will provide information for generating knowledge of the species.
2 transects and 6 plots of 5m x 5m will be taken; each transect consists of 3 plots. Work subgroups will be established for data collection of the different indicators.
The mollusks from each plot or quadrant will be placed in different bags and 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.
From each sampling unit, all mollusks found will be extracted, regardless of their size. Once the extraction day is finished, the mollusks will be transferred to a suitable place for measurements.
Each individual will be weighed and measured in its length and width; the data for each one will be recorded in the format provided by SINAC-INCOPESCA. The analysis of the data from the collections will correspond to the Regent to process the information, systematize it in a report and present it to the groups of mollusk gatherers and to the Institutions. 3 field trips per month forming teams, 4 teams per group.
INDICATORS:
For the Biological monitoring of mollusks, the indicators are the following:
i. The abundance of mollusk species (the number of individuals per unit of area or volume).
ii. The diversity of mollusk species (the variety and richness of species present in the ecosystem).
iii. The distribution of mollusk species (the way they are distributed in space according to environmental conditions and available resources).
iv. The productivity of mollusk species (the amount of biomass they produce per unit of time).
v. The sanitary status of mollusk species (the presence or absence of diseases, parasites, contaminants or stress).
vi. The use (aprovechamiento) of mollusk species (the use given to them as a food, economic or cultural resource).
vii. The impact of human activities on mollusk species (the alteration or loss of their habitat, overexploitation, introduction of invasive species or contamination).
viii. The biomass of mollusk species (the total weight of the organisms per unit of area or volume).
b- Evaluation of the state of the mollusk population by sectors It is based on the baseline of the 2022 Mollusk Harvest Plan of the ACT and is required to understand the proportions of the populations.
The resource evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guide for the rapid assessment of blood clam (piangua) populations of SINAC (2014) and the guide "Generation of the baseline for the elaboration of management plans for bivalve mollusks in mangrove wetlands and sandy-mud beaches" of SINAC (2018). The procedures and contents are based on the Decreto Ejecutivo N° 39411-MINAE-MAG.
The sampling and measurement of morphometric parameters of blood clams (pianguas), clams (almejas), and mussels (mejillones) 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 blood clam (piangua) and razor mussel (mejillón navaja), and 1 m X 1 m for clams (almejas), large clams (almejones), and mussels (choras).
The mollusks from each plot or quadrant will be placed in different bags and 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.
From each sampling unit, all mollusks found will be extracted, regardless of their size. Once the extraction day is finished, the mollusks will be transferred to a suitable place for measurements.
Each individual will be weighed and measured in its length and width; the data for each one will be recorded in the format provided by SINAC-INCOPESCA.
The analysis of the data from the collections will correspond to the Regent to process the information, systematize it in a report and present it to the groups of mollusk gatherers and to the Institutions.
INDICATOR:
The Indicator used for this objective will be:
i. Population Status (the total weight of the organisms per unit of area or volume), of each plot in all sectors of all collected individuals.
2- Contributory participation in actions for the quantification and delivery of ecological information on the Mangrove ecosystem In data collection activities, the Biologist Manager will be responsible for delivering the information to SINAC so that this Institution carries out the monitoring and research it deems pertinent.
SINAC has an Ecological Protocol for Mangrove Monitoring (SINAC-UNA, 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 an ideal condition of locating between 8 and 10 permanent plots per 100 hectares of Mangrove, it is proposed for purposes of this project the delimitation of two linear transects in a direction perpendicular to the physicochemical gradients, on which 10 x 10 m plots will be conveniently distributed, and each transect will have three 10m x 10m plots. Both the transect and the plots will be georeferenced. From each plot, a record of information will be made according to the selected indicators and whose methodological description is found in the document "Ecological Protocol for Mangrove Monitoring":
INDICATORS FOR CONTRIBUTORY PARTICIPATION IN ACTIONS FOR THE QUANTIFICATION AND DELIVERY OF ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION ON THE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM Indicator 5. Estimation of Basal Area (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 DBH equal to or greater than 2.5 cm in each plot must be counted, considering the number of total individuals and per species and dividing it by the total sampled area.
ii. The number of dead individuals and/or branches within each plot must be noted.
3. Indicator 7. Estimation of the Complexity Index (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Estimate with a clinometer the total height of the tree from the base of the ground to the highest part of the crown.
4. Indicator 8. Estimation of the Importance Value (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
5. Indicator 11. Presence of Core 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. The core flora will be identified at the time the structural measurements of each plot are carried out.
6. Indicator 12. Presence of Marginal Flora and Facultative Marginal Flora (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Identify in the field the greatest possible number of species; if they cannot be recognized, take photographs or samples to be evaluated in the laboratory.
7. Indicator 13. Richness of Gastropods (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. In the permanent plots, place four 1 m² quadrants per each 100 m² vegetation plot as indicated in figure 7, record 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 species cannot be recognized on site, samples must be taken for laboratory evaluation using said guide.
8. Indicator 14. Richness of crab burrows (See methodological detail in SINACUNA, 2020).
i. In the permanent plots, place four 1 m² quadrants per each 100 m² vegetation plot, record the number of burrows present in each quadrant.
9. Indicator 15. Presence of Birds (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
10. Indicator 16. Presence of mammals (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
11. Indicator 17. Frequency of solid waste (See methodological detail in SINACUNA, 2020).
12. Indicator 18. Presence of Hydrocarbons (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
i. Take a sediment sample approximately 4.50 cm in diameter and 14.50 cm long (core sampler), for each of the plots. Then the subsamples are frozen and subsequently sent to the Chemistry Laboratory of 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, introducing the multiparameter electrodes into the tube (coordinate in advance with the Dirección de ASP-ACT for the loan of the multiparameter).
14. Indicator 23. Carbon Fixation (See methodological detail in SINAC-UNA, 2020).
15. Additional Indicators: Organic matter and heavy metals.
i. Take two separate sediment samples approximately 4.50 cm in diameter and 14.50 cm long (core sampler), for each of the plots. Then the subsamples are frozen and subsequently sent to the Chemistry Laboratory of 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. Indication of Geographic Coordinates