Diversity of Marine Habitats of the Caribbean and Pacific of Costa Rica

Abstract

Costa Rica is privileged to have two coasts: the Caribbean coast is almost a straight line of 212 km, while the coastline along the Pacific is much more complex and substantially longer (1,254 km). This chapter begins with a brief description of the geological processes that led to the emergence of the Central American Isthmus. Subsequently, we present a list of the marine-protected areas in Costa Rica, and continue to describe the main marine habitats which can be found on the Caribbean as well as on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, including Golfo de Nicoya, Golfo Dulce, the deep sea, and Isla del Coco. We summarize the findings of the principal studies carried out in these habitats, and provide relevant information concerning the impact of human activities affecting these systems in Costa Rica.