Catch composition data, a snapper stock analysis, and fisher ecological knowledge gathered through fisher led focus groups, workshops, and other participatory events were compiled into a management plan that was evaluated by and eventually approved by the two fishing associations. The plan is a local governance tool that details fishing methods and measures that are undertaken to maintain a sustainable snapper fishery. This plan will be presented to other snapper fisheries on the Peninsula desiring to develop management strategies and tools. Co-management strategies are not recognized in Costa Rica, but approval of local management plans is a way to promote their development.
Fishers must be willing to work with researchers to collect the information necessary for the development of a management plan. In addition to this, fishers must also be cognizant of what a sustainable fishery is and how one is governed. This means they will have to develop new fishing methods that maintain the fishery within sustainable production limits, as well as create systems of self-governance that regulate their activities.
The term “management plan” has a negative connotation among snapper fishers. This is due to Costa Rica’s antiquated, top-down system of coastal resource governance. For years artisanal fishers have been told what, where, and when to fish through a series of national management plans that have neglected the local consultation process; therefor, researchers have had to use to term “sustainable fishing strategy” instead of “management plan”. The approval process has been time consuming and fishers are generally suspicious of another set of rules and regulations to follow. Project researchers had to identify key association members who were willing to dedicate time to learning and understanding the benefits of developing a sustainable fishery. These individuals then began to convince their fellow fishers of the strategy’s long-term value.
While local snapper fishers observe their fishery's strategy, the Costa Rican government has yet to recognize any co-management development initiatives.