Monday April 7, 2025
The Tico Times —
A groundbreaking collaboration between NASA, the Costa Rican Fishing Federation (FECOP), the University of Costa Rica (UCR), and the National University (UNA) is revolutionizing how Costa Rica monitors its oceans, with a focus on promoting marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
The partnership recently launched the Pacific Color Expedition (Pcolor), a multi-year project that hit a major milestone with its first expedition in February. Aboard a research vessel equipped with a hyperspectral radiometer, scientists collected optical and pigment data along the Pacific coast, from Herradura to Golfo Dulce. This effort aligns with NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem) satellite mission, launched in 2024, which uses advanced hyperspectral technology to study ocean color and detect environmental changes from space.
Marina Marrari, FECOP’s Executive Director and a marine biologist, emphasized the initiative’s importance. “At FECOP, I work with an incredible team of scientists to promote sustainable fisheries, protect key species for sport fishing, and support coastal communities through science and education,” she said. “This collaboration unites researchers, conservationists, and policymakers to safeguard our oceans.”