Authorities Probe Deaths

Of Marine Species At Guanacaste Beach

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Published on Monday, November 9, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Marine wildlife experts are investigating the deaths of several marine animals found in the San Francisco estuary at Langosta Beach, in Santa Cruz Canton, Guanacaste Province, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) announced.

According to authorities, the local Community Development Association requested an investigation Friday after several marine animals were discovered dead throughout the estuary.

Residents also reported finding dead specimens of several marine species, including fish, sharks and stingrays, along the shoreline.

Experts from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) are investigating the possible causes of the animals' deaths, authorities said.

Among the factors under investigation is the El Niño phenomenon, which has affected the area this year.

"Factors to be evaluated include the natural closure of the estuary's mouth, water quality conditions and the possible influence of changes associated with the El Niño phenomenon, such as warming waters and shifts in coastal conditions," authorities said.

One possible cause of the deaths may be linked to the drought that has affected Guanacaste in recent months. The drought reportedly reduced water levels and flow, potentially allowing sand to accumulate and form a barrier at the estuary's mouth. This may have prevented marine animals from returning to the ocean, leaving them trapped inside the estuary as the tide receded.

Another possible cause under investigation is a significant drop in oxygen levels in the estuary water, which could have resulted in the animals' deaths.

Experts will also investigate whether traces of chemicals are present in the water that may have caused contamination and contributed to the deaths.

Authorities are urging residents to stay out of the estuary area and avoid consuming any marine animals found dead along the shoreline.

Officials are expected to release the findings of their investigation into the cause of the marine wildlife deaths in the coming days.

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Reports of environmental damage can be submitted to SINAC officials by calling the toll-free number 1192 or 2522-6500. Complaints can also be filed directly with the corresponding Municipality in each canton.

Meanwhile, workers from the Santa Cruz Municipality are carrying out work to reopen the water passage at the San Francisco estuary, as well as at other estuaries in the area that have experienced similar problems involving sand accumulation at their mouths.

Recently, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) issued a red alert for the Guanacaste region ahead of an expected drought during the upcoming dry season, also known locally as the sunny season.

According to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), the final rains of November will gradually give way to warmer, sunnier conditions across the country.

MINAE is the government agency responsible for environmental protection policy, natural resource management and the sustainable use of renewable energy in Costa Rica.

SINAC is the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica's national parks and protected areas.

The CNE is the government agency responsible for coordinating with communities and emergency responders to strengthen national preparedness, response and recovery efforts related to natural hazards.

The IMN is the government agency responsible for monitoring weather patterns, issuing severe weather alerts and providing forecasts to protect the public and inform institutions.

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What have you heard about estuaries in Costa Rica experiencing reduced water flow? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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