COSTA RICA’S DOLPHIN HYPOCRISY

The natural smile Mother Nature has placed on dolphins’ faces, combined with their high level of intelligence, are two reasons why virtually everyone loves them. That sentiment is certainly widespread in Costa Rica, a country with two sets of rules pertaining to dolphins. One is compatible with its internationally wellknown protection of its natural resources and applies to residents and visiting tourists; the other is the polar opposite of its approach to ecotourism and benefits only the foreign tuna purse-seine fleet.

THE LAWS VARY

According to national law, tour operators must have current documents on board, including boat inspection, insurance