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Costa Rican Thermal Convection Dome
Costa Rica enjoys one of the most biologically diverse ocean ecosystems in the world. This is mainly because the heart of a vast habitat known as the Costa Rican Thermal Convection Dome (named for its proximity to this country), lies here. Shallow, warm waters lie on top of low-oxygen cold water, creating the perfect ecosystem for a vast variety of marine life. The dome off the coast of Costa Rica is the only one in the world that is constant. Whales, dolphins, tuna, marlin, manta rays, sea turtles, sailfish and more all congregate near the Costa Rican coasts, taking advantage of this year-round dome of ecologically rich waters.
The Delfin Amor Marine Education Center was formed to research and protect the dolphins, whales and other marine mammals in the Drake Bay, Costa Rica area. The Fundacion Delfin de Costa Rica (FUNDELFIN) is a non-profit foundation.
The first and most important project is to create the Costa Rica South Pacific Tropical Marine Sanctuary. One only needs to look at the photo gallery to see why this sanctuary should be a reality. Over 25 species of dolphins and whales call this area home and besides very small areas around the national parks, it is totally unprotected. What are they protecting it from? Mostly, commercial fishing. On almost a daily basis, they see the affects of commercial fishing in this area, including sea turtles caught in long lines, injured dolphins and whales, trash from commercial fishing boats, etc. They have been in the water with a group of Spinner dolphins when the helicopter of a large commercial tuna fishing boat started to circle them, hoping to encircle the dolphins with a net to capture the tuna below. As of now, Costa Rica does not have a "marine sanctuary" designation, only "marine national park". The foundation strives to change this and protect this incredibly cetacean rich area to the fullest extent possible. There are several ways you can help us.
Join us. Your membership helps to support our research, education projects and our quest to create Costa Rica's first National Marine Sanctuary. To show your support, please write us and we will put in touch with the foundation. Sign their petition stating your support for our proposed national marine sanctuary in Drake Bay, Costa Rica. They will use this petition to show the Costa Rican Government that people from all over the world support this marine sanctuary. You can and will make a difference by signing.
Come out and play with the dolphins and whales and experience the wonders of the Costa Rican rainforest! By participating on these tours, you are directly supporting the research, and what a great way to do it!! It is a win-win situation!
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