Unlocking Costa Rica’s deep sea: A digital platform for conservation and research

Costa Rica harbors diverse deep-sea ecosystems that are essential to the country’s biodiversity and marine health. While much of these ecosystems remain unexplored, recent research has revealed unique habitats and species. However, the available information about Costa Rica’s deep sea is fragmented and not easily accessible, limiting public understanding and informed decision-making. This ongoing project seeks to address these gaps by creating a centralized digital platform that compiles and shares deep-sea data from Costa Rica. 
The platform will feature an interactive map of explored regions, including key areas such as Isla del Coco National Park, Pampa Submarina, Osa Peninsula, and the Central Pacific. Each area will have an ecological profile summarizing current scientific knowledge, highlighting main habitats, environmental features, and notable species. Visual resources, such as photos, videos, and habitat descriptions, will bring these regions to life. A species atlas will offer concise descriptions of prominent animals found in each region, detailing their ecological roles. Additionally, the platform will include a timeline of deep-sea expeditions, showcasing key research efforts and discoveries. A curated library of published literature will provide references to key studies and reports on Costa Rica’s deep-sea ecosystems, offering valuable resources for further research.
This web platform will serve as a comprehensive knowledge base for understanding Costa Rica’s deep-sea environments, their biodiversity, and the conservation challenges they face. It will engage students and early-career researchers, sparking curiosity and encouraging future generations to participate in marine conservation. Bilingual resources, educational materials, and accessible summaries will enhance outreach to local communities and stakeholders.
With 92% of Costa Rica being ocean—mostly deep and unexplored—the platform will foster greater awareness and appreciation of this hidden marine heritage. This initiative will play a key role in supporting long-term conservation and sustainable management efforts.