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Managing Editor

Rebecca Love Irma Marengo

Sales Director Account Executive

Wendy Collins Tribu Design

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Andrew Wilkins Richard Brady

Cover Photo

Charlie Eitzen George Mobley Irma Marengo Scuba Coiba

Photography

Andrew Wilkins Inga Collins Lorena Velásquez Martínez Matt Landau Mona Sutherland Rebecca Love Roberto Varela Valérie Avila de Montulé Big World Villas INAC IPAT Scuba Coiba María Teresa Taylor Quebecor World Bogotá, Colombia

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The name 9°80° is derived from the country's location on the world map – 9 degrees north of the equator, 80 degrees west of the prime meridian.

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Contact Information: Casa Testa, Avenida A, San Felipe Telephone: +(507) 212-3848 Fax: +(507) 212-0114 [email protected] www.panama980.com
Panama 9º80º es publicada por Latin American Trails, Inc. Las opiniones y recomendaciones de los autores y artistas que aparecen en Panama 9º80º no necesariamente reflejan las opiniones de la empresa. Panama 9º80º no asume responsabilidad por los productos o servicios que se anuncian en la revista, ni por errores en el contenido impreso. No está permitido reproducir el total ni parte del contenido sin previo permiso escrito de Latin American Trails, Inc. © 2005 Todos los derechos reservados. RUC: 506094-01-436477 DV:91

DESTINATION

Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina, a small, laid-back town known for having one of the best surf breaks in Central America, is located 300 km northwest of Panama City, about one hour from Santiago. The scenery and natural environment are breathtaking. The rugged coastline is a densely forested green, punctuated with lilaccolored jacaranda trees and the ocean is a deep expansive blue. World-class fishing, snorkeling and diving opportunities are found all along the coastline and around the surrounding islands. From Catalina, Coiba National Park, can be seen. From 1912 to 2002, Coiba Island was destined a penal colony, and Panama’s worst criminals were sent here. Now, the prisoners have gone, but the prison remains, and makes for an interesting visit. Moreover, the recent declaration of Coiba as a UNESCO World Heritage site prohibits any development on the island, so the wildlife here is simply spectacular. The enormous island is home to a plethora of birds, mammals and reptiles and the surrounding marine park, which also comprises 38 other, smaller islands including Cebaco and Gubernadora,

and surrounding coastline

is home to the second largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. Coiba’s amazing variety of underwater life makes fishing and diving here incredible. Santa Catalina is a great base for exploring the islands and coastline. The town itself is small, with few attractions, but a surprising number of foreigners have moved to Catalina to start tourist-related businesses, creating an eclectic mix of people. Restaurants offer a good variety of food including authentic Tuscan Pizza and Argentine-style meats. Needless to say, the seafood in this area is to die for...
DESTINATION

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Diving
According to the Lonely Planet, diving around Coiba is the best Pacific diving from Mexico to Colombia. Diving here is fairly deep, and with the often-strong currents, is suited mainly to advanced divers. The water is cooler than the Caribbean waters of Panama, so although required, a 3mm suit is usually adequate. There are many dive sites in the area, and professional Herbie Sunk from Scuba Coiba in Santa Catalina knows the sites well. At every site, large schools of fish are seen, including snappers, grunts, barracudas and jacks. Large moray eels are common here, and sharks are seen on almost every dive, the most common being the white-tipped reef shark. Luckier divers may spot nurse sharks, hammerheads, tigers and bulls. Intervals between dives are spent relaxing on white sandy beaches such as Granito de Oro, or simply taking in this beautiful, breathtaking scenery. From the boat, chances are good for spotting whales, dolphins and turtles and, since Coiba is home to many birds, including the Scarlet Macaw, spotting opportunities are great as well. Diving in Coiba is completely different to Caribbean

diving, from the distinct reef formations to the less colorful but larger, more menacing fish species. People always say that diving in Coiba is the best diving in Panama, and I have no doubt that they are absolutely right.

Destino: Santa Catalina y el litoral circundante
Santa Catalina es un pueblito tranquilo, famoso por contar con uno de los mejores rompientes de Centroamérica para practicar el surf. Está ubicado 300 km al noroeste de ciudad de Panamá y a una hora, más o menos, de Santiago. El paisaje y el entorno natural son impresionantes. La escabrosa costa presenta el color verde de la selva espesa, interrumpido aquí y allá por el lila de los árboles de jacarandá y el azul profundo del inmenso océano. A lo largo de toda la costa y alrededor de las islas adyacentes podemos encontrar oportunidades para practicar actividades de categoría mundial, tales como pesca, buceo de superficie (snorkel) y buceo submarino. El Parque Nacional Coiba puede verse desde Catalina. De 1912 a 2002, la isla Coiba estuvo designada como colonia penal, donde se enviaba a los peores criminales de Panamá. Ahora ya no hay presidiarios, pero la prisión sigue allí y visitarla resulta muy interesante. Además, ya que Coiba fue declarada recientemente por UNESCO como un sitio de Patrimonio Mundial, está prohibido construir edificaciones en la isla, por lo que la vida silvestre aquí es sencillamente espectacular. La enorme isla es el hogar de una multitud de aves, mamíferos y reptiles, y el parque marino circundante, que también está compuesto de 38 islas más pequeñas que incluyen a Cébaco y Gobernadora, es el hogar del segundo arrecife coralino en tamaño en el Pacífico Oriental. La extraordinaria diversidad de vida ubmarina de Coiba ofrece oportunidades increíbles para la pesca y el buceo.

Surfing
When people talk about surfing in Panama, they may mention Bocas del Toro, Punta Chame, Gorgona and Punta Barco. But the real jewel in Panama’s crown is Santa Catalina. The break at Santa Catalina is one of the most consistently good breaks there is. In all of Central America at least. It is a long, hollow, right hand break, reaching heights of 25 feet, and rarely drops below about 4 feet, so it is not for the beginner. Home to several surf contests each year, Santa Catalina truly is surfer’s heaven. Conditions here are best between March and November, but good throughout the entire year. Apart from the town’s main break, surf trips can be taken here to more remote locations along the coast and around the other islands where great breaks can be found with even less people.

26 DESTINATION

Fishing
Fishing in Panama is great. In fact, the indigenous word Panamá actually means “abundance of fish”. There are a few world-class spots in the country: The Azuero Peninsula close to Pedasí, the Darién, around Piñas Bay, and there is Coiba Island, Veraguas. There are not many places in the world where you can cast a line into the water and catch a 30-lb tuna in less than ninety seconds. And then another one five minutes later. The quantity of fish here is simply staggering. In these waters, Tuna, Wahoo, Red Snapper all thrive and a little farther from shore, you will also find Marlin and Sailfish. Currently, fishing trips can be arranged through Scuba Coiba, in Catalina. In the near future, well-equipped, sports fishing outfitters are expected to open up and really give a boost to the sport in this area.

DESTINATION

For less extreme visitors, Santa Catalina offers a wonderful laid back atmosphere, friendly people, and some beautiful beaches. The Playa Estero, just a few minutes drive from Catalina is a long, almost always deserted beach with a little surf, but not huge waves. The many islands dotted around offer beautiful beaches, great birding and excellent snorkeling. Add to that the historical attraction of Coiba, and you really do have a destination for everyone.

Santa Catalina es un excelente punto de partida para explorar las islas y el litoral. El pueblo en sí es pequeño, con pocas atracciones; sin embargo, una sorprendente cantidad de extranjeros se han mudado a Catalina para iniciar empresas relacionadas con el turismo, lo que ha creado una población variopinta. Hay restaurantes que ofrecen una gran variedad de alimentos, incluso pizza toscana y carnes al estilo argentino. De más está decir que los mariscos en esta área son una auténtica delicia. BUCEO Según la guía Lonely Planet, la actividad de buceo alrededor de Coiba es la mejor en el área del Pacífico, desde México hasta Colombia. Aquí se puede bucear bastante profundo, y con las corrientes que a menudo son fuertes, es ideal para buzos expertos, principalmente. Las aguas son más frías que las del Caribe en Panamá, así que, aunque se requiere usar un traje de 3 mm, por lo general también resulta adecuado. Hay muchos sitios de buceo en el área y Herbie Sunk, buzo profesional de Scuba Coiba en Santa Catalina, los conoce bien. En cada sitio es posible ver grandes cardúmenes de peces, que incluyen: pargos, roncadores, barracudas y jureles. Aquí es común encontrar grandes morenas y, prácticamente cada vez que se bucea, es posible ver tiburones, de los cuales el más

From the boat, chances are good for spotting whales, dolphins and turtles and, since Coiba is home to many birds, including the Scarlet Macaw, spotting opportunities are great as well.

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DESTINATION

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común es el cazón punta blanca. Los buzos más afortunados podrían toparse con tiburones nodriza, tiburones martillo, tiburones tigre y tiburones toro. Entre una inmersión y otra uno puede relajarse en playas de arenas blancas, como Granito de Oro, por ejemplo, o solo absorber este hermoso y sobrecogedor paisaje. Desde el bote, es muy probable que uno pueda ver ballenas, delfines y tortugas, y como Coiba es el hogar de muchas aves, incluso la guacamaya bandera, también hay muchas oportunidades para observar aves. El buceo en Coiba es completamente distinto al buceo en el Caribe, desde las formaciones coralinas únicas hasta las especies de peces menos coloridos, pero más grandes y más amenazadores. Siempre se dice que el buceo en Coiba es el mejor de todo Panamá y no me cabe duda de que es así.

provincia de Darién, en los alrededores de Bahía Piñas; y la isla de Coiba, en Veraguas. No hay muchos lugares en el mundo donde se pueda lanzar una caña al agua y pescar un atún de 30 lb en menos de noventa segundos. Y luego otro, cinco minutos después. La cantidad de peces que hay aquí es simplemente asombrosa. En esta aguas medran el atún, el peto, el pargo rojo, y un poco más alejado de la costa también es posible encontrar peces espada y peces vela. Actualmente, se pueden coordinar expediciones de pesca por medio de Scuba Coiba, en Catalina. Se espera que empresas proveedoras de equipos para pesca deportiva abran próximamente para impulsar de verdad el deporte en esta área. A los visitantes que no buscan aventuras tan extremas, Santa Catalina les ofrece una maravillosa atmósfera relajada, gente amistosa y bellas playas. Playa Estero, a unos cuantos minutos de Catalina, es una larga playa, casi siempre desierta, con un rompiente moderado. Las numerosas islas circundantes ofrecen playas hermosas y excelentes oportunidades para observar aves y practicar el buceo de superficie. Si a lo anterior le agregamos la atracción histórica que brinda la isla de Coiba, realmente tenemos un destino que es para todo el mundo.

SURF
Cuando se habla del surf en Panamá, es posible que se mencionen los siguientes lugares: Bocas del Toro, Punta Chame, Gorgona y Punta Barco. Pero la joya auténtica en la corona de Panamá es Santa Catalina. El rompiente en Santa Catalina es uno de los mejores que hay por su regularidad. Por lo menos en toda Centroamérica. Es un rompiente largo, con secciones huecas y hacia la derecha, que puede llegar a una altura de 25 pies, y casi nunca es de menos de 4 pies; por ende, no es para principiantes. En Santa Catalina se llevan a cabo varias competencias de surf al año. Este lugar es verdaderamente un paraíso del surf. Las condiciones aquí son óptimas entre marzo y noviembre, pero son buenas el resto del año. Aparte de la rompiente principal desde el mismo pueblo, es posible hacer viajes para practicar el surf en lugares apartados a lo largo de la costa y alrededor de las otras islas, donde pueden encontrarse excelentes olas y mucha menos gente. PESCA La pesca en Panamá es estupenda. De hecho, la palabra indígena Panamá significa en realidad “abundancia de peces”. En el país hay unos cuantos lugares de categoría mundial. La península de Azuero, cerca de Pedasí; la

30 DESTINATION

Recently, the Pacific Coast of Veraguas province was declared a Zone of Special Tourist Interest by the IPAT (Panamanian Tourist Board), particularly because of the proximity of Coiba National Park. The area is home to an incredible variety of tourist attractions, among them a former penal colony island, superb diving, excellent surfing and big-game fishing. By making the declaration, the tourist board recognizes the area as an important destination and actively supports the development of tourist related industries. Big World Villas, a luxury ocean front development, located just outside of Santa Catalina, is the first such development in the area. It offers investors a laid back lifestyle surrounded by pristine coastline and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Once completed, this planned development will boast several mu lti-villa structures positioned perfectly to allow all of them stunning views of Isla Catalina, Isla Coiba and the Veraguas Coastline, including the town of Santa Catalina. The first phase, due to commence in the next few months, will include 48 units in six octagonal shaped buildings with a modern feel and each with its own rooftop social area allowing for breathtaking views of the coastline, ocean, mountains, and Santa Catalina. Area of construction of the units will range from 165 m2 to 327m2. The architecture makes light and space a priority, including enormous balconies on each apartment and oversized windows to maximize views. Santa Catalina and other small neighboring pueblos will benefit in many ways from the development. In order to improve communications to the area, the developers have installed

the proper towers and equipment and are offering internet services to local businesses, thus further increasing an already on the rise local economy. The resort will offer wi-max for villa owners, and condominiums will have VoIP telephones which will work throughout the project, including poolside, where all the modern loungers will be fully wired for sound. Guests will be able to tune into the Latin and Reggae rhythms coming from the house sounds or simply plug in their iPod and relax! Aside from communications, Santa Catalina locals will benefit from an employment opportunities as well as an increased usage of water taxis and boat tours. Big World’s marine activities center will have organized daily activities for guests ranging from solitude on a private white sand beach to world class diving, surfing and fishing. Explore the possibilities in the Coiba National Park. The marine activities center will also organize daily events at Big World Villas as well as renting water sports equipment. Kick off your day with a surf lesson! Rent a jet ski! Plan a dive trip! Learn to sail! All the activities will be provided by the marine activities center right outside the guest’s back door. The activities center isn’t just marine sports. Guests will be able to take a horseback ride or explore on a guided four wheeler tour. Jungle tours on Coiba Island are also a spectacular way learn about the local bird life, view monkeys and get a little glimpse of the rowdy history of this national park. If your group desires an extended tour the resort will offer long range cruises aboard the 100’ motor yacht, “Lost Coast Explorer” You can arrange overnight trips locally or do two week exploratory cruises from one end of Panama to the other. Do a canal transit or take a step back in time with a Darien Jungle Cruise.

Anywhere in Panama that you can imagine visiting, the Lost Coast Explorer will get you there in style.

The facilities available to residents and guests of Big World will include a Thai massage facility, planned hammock park, coconut tree-top daiquiri bar, and a stunning infinity pool with hot tub, swim-up bar, and waterfall. The menu of the two level restaurant and ambient lounge has been designed by the NYC, James Beard awardwinning chef, Karen Carrier. There will also be a movie house, gym/spa, business center, snack grill, volleyball, tennis, mini-soccer, boutique shopping, and mini-supermarket. Healthcare services will be available on site, with a trained medical professional at all times and good first aid facilities. Big World Villas is located in Santa Catalina, one and a half hours by car from Santiago and will be one hour by plane from Panama.

Contact information: Edificio Bay Mall #306 Ave. Balboa Panama City, Panama Email:[email protected]
www.bigworldvillas.com

507-399-7652 tel 507-399-7653 fax

Disclaimer: The information given in this article may be subject to change without notice.

fishing in panama

KERRI BURRUS
World BillFish Series Top Female Angler

with

Kerri Burrus is at present, the Top Female Angler in the World Billfish Series, a worldwide circuit of Big Game Fishing. In her 30s, Kerri travels around the world, competing in fishing contests, looking for her next big catch. Recently, Kerri has been visiting Panama to experience the fishing here, and also film a show for Reel Adventures Saltwater Fishing Television Show, broadcast on FOX Sports Net and The Water Channel, that promotes sport fishing in Panama. Panama 9°80° Magazine had the opportunity to interview Kerri about her experience here. This is what she had to say:

Tell me about your trip to Panama. How was your overall experience? Reel Adventures Saltwater Fishing Television Show, promote sport fishing in Panama, invited me to come to Panama. I have been twice since July, first going to Boca Chica, and in December to Tropic Star Lodge in Piñas Bay with a stop in Pedasí. The overall experience and fishing was excellent. On both trips we spent a couple of nights in Panama City when we arrived and then again, after our fishing experience. I did not expect Panama City to be so vibrant. The restaurants and night life are truly exceptional! Where did you fish? On the first trip we went to a new fishing lodge called Gone Fishing Panama, located in Boca Chica, Chiriquí. We flew to David and then took a helicopter to the lodge. The views of the Pacific, the hospitality, the food and the fishing were all excellent. This lodge is located near some of the best fishing spots in Panama, the world famous Hannibal Bank and also the island of Coiba. On our second trip we fished in Piñas Bay, out of Tropic Star.. Did you make any big catches? Yes, I caught several large Wahoo off of Montuosa Island near Coiba that we enjoyed as sashimi, but the largest was the 500 lb Blue Marlin that I caught at Tropic Star Lodge last December. During our time at Tropic Star Lodge, we caught

twenty-five Sailfish, two Blue Marlin and over fifty Dorado. I have traveled all over the world, but have never experienced this class of fishing or gracious hospitality! Panama is now my favorite place to fish in the entire world. How were the facilities and the hospitality? From the moment we boarded the flight in Miami we learned about the gracious Panamanian hospitality and every place we have stayed has been very unique and different. I really enjoyed the Panamanian people and hospitality. What other places did you visit in Panama? We had the pleasure of going to Gamboa, the Casco Viejo and visiting the Panama Canal as well as the nightlife and casinos of Panama City. Do you have any plans to return to Panama? Yes, we have just finalized a shooting schedule to fish in Pedasí again and then will be fishing with the Kuna Indians in the San Blas Islands. This trip in April looks like it will be another fantastic adventure. Any interest in the real estate boom of Panama? We really fell in love with Pedasí, its people and the small village atmosphere. We are now in the process of purchasing property there, which will make for a nice retreat for the film crew. What is the biggest fish you have ever caught? Where did you catch it? The biggest fish I have ever caught was an estimated 1200 lb Black Marlin off the coast of Cairns, Australia. You have fished all over the world, where has been your favorite destination? Until I fished in Panama, the Virgin Islands was my favorite destination because of the great Blue Marlin bite, but since I have been to Panama, I have fallen in love, as it offers all of my favorite fish to catch as well as having breathtaking scenery and the friendliest people I have ever encountered. For more information about Kerri, log on to: www.billfishgirl.com

CONSERVATION

VERAGUAS
Photo: Whale Shark

wildlife of the pacific
The rugged Pacific coastline of Veraguas province, and the many islands dotted along it, is home to a plethora of flora and fauna. Most of this area remains untouched and thanks to the area being a marine national park, much of this incredible wildlife is protected. Nature here is all around you. Panama is home to an unbelievable number of bird species, and Veraguas province is no exception, with some 400 species spotted here. Coiba Island is in a specific

geographic location, forming part of the underwater Cordillera mountain chain, which connects the Galapagos Islands with the Cocos Islands of Costa Rica. Each year, some of the most impressive underwater marine species in the world make their way between these three places, and can often be seen around the Veraguan coast. The following creatures are just a few of what you can expect to see on your travels to this incredible, virgin area.

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CONSERVATION

birds
Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis) Coiba Island is one of the world’s only remaining refuges for the Crested Eagle, one of the largest forest dwelling birds of prey in the Americas. The bird is sometimes confused with the Harpy Eagle, as it is similar in color and size. It is found throughout Central America, and also in Paraguay and Argentina. Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) One of the most beautiful birds in the world this large, colorful parrot is now extremely rare in the wild due to the high demand for these birds in captivity. Native to humid evergreen forests in the American tropics, from Mexico to Peru and Brazil. It can still be found in large groups on the island of Coiba. The bird is mainly scarlet in color, with light blue tail feathers, and yellow upper wing feathers. They make loud, low-pitched squawks and screams and eat mainly fruit and seeds.

Veraguan Mango (Anthracothorax veraguensis) This hummingbird species, endemic to Veraguas province can also be seen in Chiriquí and Coclé and in southern parts of Costa Rica. Similar in appearance to the Greenbreasted mango, the Veraguan Mango is metallic green with a bright green breast and blue throat. The female has a white breast. The tail is purple-brown in color. It is just 4 inches long.

CONSERVATION

Photo: Green Hummingbird

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CONSERVATION

marine
760 species of fish, 33 species of sharks and 20 species of cetaceans have been recorded along the Pacific Coast of Veraguas and around the island of Coiba. For scuba divers and marine biologists, one of the greatest attractions to the area is the variety and quantity of sharks that inhabit the area. This was also an important factor to be considered by prisoners considering escaping from the now defunct prison colony on Coiba Island.

88 CONSERVATION

Photo: Barracudas

Photo: Moray Eel

CONSERVSTION

HOTEL FEATURE

Photo: Electric Ray

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CONSERVATION

sharks
Photo: White-Tip Reef Shark

Bull Shark This aggressive shark is often found swimming close to warm coastlines. Length: to 12ft White-Tip Reef Shark This non-aggressive species is the most common shark around Coiba. Length: to 6ft Scalloped Hammerhead Shark This impressive beast is not usually aggressive to people, it is more likely to be timid around divers. Length: to 9ft Nurse Shark This non-aggressive creature dwells mainly on the bottom of the ocean and is noted for its very sluggish behavior. Length: to 15ft

SHARKS – be aware that many sharks do live in this area, even though we can find no reported attacks. Whale Shark The largest living fish in the world, this shark is non-aggressive but eats a whopping 2 tons of food a day! Length: to 40 feet. Tiger Shark This aggressive shark has been known for attacking surfers. The only shark in the world with a higher death toll is the Great White. Length: to 17ft

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Photo: Whale Shark

CONSERVATION

whales
The best time to spot whales in Panama is from August to December when the whales, especially humpbacks come to Panama to calve. In the Coiba area, 20 species of cetaceans have been recorded. The three most common whale species in the area are: Humpback Whale The humpback whale, named for the shape it makes with its back before making a dive, is the most common whale seen in Panama. It grows up to 50ft and can weigh up to 50 tons.

Sperm Whale The Sperm Whale (Moby Dick was a Sperm Whale), is named for the valuable spermaceti oil that is produced by an organ located in the mammal’s head. They can grow to lengths of 60ft and weigh up to 50 tons. Pilot Whale The Pilot, like the Killer Whale (Orca), is a member of the dolphin family. These social animals travel in large pods of up to 90 members, and are often mistaken for dolphins. Adults grow up to 20ft and can weigh up to 3 tons.

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CONSERVATION

turtles
The waters around Santa Catalina and Coiba are home to four varieties of turtles. Between April and September, the turtles come to nest on some of the beaches of the islands. All four species are declared critically endangered internationally. Leatherback The leatherback turtle has existed for over 65,000 years. There are now less than 25,000 nesting females in the world. The leatherback is the largest of all turtles - the largest ever recorded weighed in at just over 1 ton. Hawksbill A much smaller turtle, the hawksbill usually weighs about 130lbs. Found mainly in the tropics, there are an estimated 22,000 female hawksbills left in the wild. Olive Ridley Named for its olive-colored shell, the adult Olive Ridley weighs about 150 pounds. There are an estimated 800,000 nesting females in the world. Loggerhead Named for its very large head and powerful jaws. This turtle is large, weighing up to 350lbs as an adult. There are only 45,000 females estimated in the world. Reference: www.seaturtle.org

Turtles are one of the most delicate species in the world. They generally reach breeding age late in life and their breeding habits are very particular. A female turtle always returns to the place she was born to lay her eggs. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain their nesting grounds. Commercial fishing and human predators, who steal their eggs, pose the greatest threats to turtles. The ANAM (National Environment Authority) and the nonprofit organization MarViva are working together on protecting the turtles in the Coiba area.

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