Strengthening the Protection of Sharks’ Critical Habitats: Sharks and Education for Real Conservation
Project Leader
Mision Tiburon enhances shark conservation by protecting critical habitats and involving local communities through monitoring, management, and education programs.
Protecting Sharks in Golfo Dulce
Mision Tiburon began working in Golfo Dulce in 2010, where they successfully promoted environmental education, trained government agencies in protecting marine resources, reduced bycatch in local fisheries, and established a community-based shark sanctuary. Mision Tiburon identified the first scalloped hammerhead shark nursery in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Based on their scientific work, the government declared the Golfo Dulce Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary in 2018, and in 2019, Golfo Dulce was recognized as a Hope Spot by Mission Blue, highlighting its global importance.
In 2022, Mision Tiburon initiated mangrove restoration efforts within the Golfo Dulce Shark Sanctuary. These vital nursery habitats support many marine species, including endangered sharks. Today, 40 hectares are under active restoration.
PROJECT LEADER
Ilena Zanella and Andres Lopez
Marine biologists and co-founders of Mision Tiburon, Ilena Zanella and Andres Lopez run a Costa Rica–based NGO dedicated to shark and marine conservation. With over 20 years of experience, they focus on scientific research, habitat protection, and environmental education.
Ilena is a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group and a fellow of the Ocean Leaders Program. Andres leads community-driven projects that bridge science, policy, and local engagement.
Their work has shaped national and international conservation policies, including CITES and IUCN listings.
Together, they turn science into action to protect marine ecosystems.
Expanding Research in Papagayo and Cocos
In the Papagayo region and Cocos Island National Park, Mision Tiburon closely monitors populations of sharks, rays, and manta rays, studying how these species are affected by human activities such as fishing and tourism. Their research focuses on key aggregation sites for rays and sharks—including bull, tiger, silky, and lemon species. Papagayo stands out for its critical habitats and unique oceanographic features that support the migration and survival of many threatened marine species.
With support from the Tempisque Conservation Area, Mision Tiburon launched the UNEP Green Fins program in Papagayo to promote sustainable diving and snorkeling. They’ve also built strong alliances with national institutions and local governments to help safeguard the region’s rich marine ecosystems.
Over the years, the team has analyzed and tagged more than 1,000 sharks and rays in Golfo Dulce, over 100 sharks at Isla del Coco, and around 30 individuals in the Papagayo area.
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