Latest Research in Cocos Island

Photo courtesy from Conservation International

Some have said that the resources of Cocos Island continues to grow while many have speculated that it has already dwindled due to poaching and illegal fishing. Well, these are all just speculations based from observation during a diver’s liveaboard trip or what we see on the news. But to make sure that we have the right figures, doing an underwater research is the most logical thing to do where data generated will give you a glimpse of the current state of the marine resources in Cocos Island.

As far as the year 2016 is concerned, there have been 2 research expeditions done in Cocos island courtesy from Conservation International (CI) and University of Costa Rica (UCR). The primary objective of these research expeditions was to assess the status of fish stocks as well as monitor the health of the surrounding reef ecosystem.

Impacts of Climate Change

While the data gathered from the research expedition is still under analysis as it was only conducted last December 2016, scientist fear that the effects of climate change could significantly affect the marine ecosystem of Cocos Island. This is on top of other environmental phenomenons like the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Rising of seawater temperature is just one of the many factors that has a devastating effect on coral reefs. Just imagine, a degree increase in seawater temperature could potentially wipe out the entire reef system of Cocos island. This in turn will affect the population of small fish where the existence of bigger fish relies on them, affecting the entire cycle of marine life.

You have to take note that these are not just hypothesis or principles being tested in the laboratory, but a reality that has been damaging the world’s reef ecosystem. And what is worst with the rise in seawater temperature is that we can do nothing about its occurrence.

Implications of Research Results

As what most Countries do, research data is the backbone of any legislation enacted to implement protection and conservation as its baseline information. For example, the data results of this expedition could significantly help in the implementation of the National Coral Reef Protection Decree which will protect and sustain, not just the coral reefs of Cocos Island, but also the rest of the reefs in Costa Rica. The data could also be use in the evaluation if there is a need to expand the protected zone in Cocos Island. On top of all of this, it can also a basis for amending existing relevant laws that has made a long time ago and the provisions of its law can no longer be applied to present times.

At the end of the day while waiting for the official results, you can sit back, relax and continue to enjoy the splendid beauty of this underwater Costa Rican paradise.

Reference

The Costa Rica Star: www.news.co.cr

Petroma: www.petroma.org

National Geographic: www.nationalgeographic.org

Video courtesy from Undersea Hunter Group

About Tristan Paylado
Tristan is a marine biologist and a CMAS 2-Star Dive Instructor
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