Since 1999, the U.S. has applied four embargos on Costa Rican shrimp. (Photo: Stock File/Pretoma/FIS)
U.S. maintains ban on imports of Costa Rican shrimp
(COSTA RICA, 6/6/2011)
The U.S. government has decided to maintain its embargo on wild shrimp imports from Costa Rica. They argue that Costa Rican fishermen use improper practices to fish for this crustacean, which cause the death of sea turtles.
The State Department, in Public Press Statement 7490, makes reference to compliance with Section 609 of Public Law 101-162, which prohibits the import of shrimp from countries whose shrimp fleets fail to protect sea turtles from dieing.
According to Randall Arauz, president of the Costa Rican NGO, Pretoma, "the domestic shrimp fleet has shown that it has no interest in marine conservation or sustainable fisheries."
"They not only kill turtles, but are now catching snappers and groupers, which is threatening the more sustainable artisanal fisheries," he continued reported.
Meanwhile, Miguel Gomez, a member of the environmental group, said: "We hope that the Government of Laura Chinchilla will take appropriate corrective measures," according to El Pais.
"There can be no marine conservation or sustainable fishing if the shrimp fleets continue as they are," he said.
Since 1999, the U.S. has applied four embargos on Costa Rican shrimp.
The U.S. government reported that 12 other countries passed the certification test: Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama and Suriname.
Related article:
- U.S. re-certifies Mexican shrimp
By Analia Murias
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
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