A Mexican marine biologist was seriously injured after being attacked by a shark of approximately four meters while conducting fieldwork in the waters surrounding Isla del Coco. The incident, which took place over the weekend, required a rescue operation of more than 36 hours that involved coordination between park rangers, the Costa Rican coast guard, firefighters, and medical teams. The researcher was transported by boat to Puntarenas and later by ambulance to Hospital México in San José, where he underwent surgery and remains under medical care in stable condition.
The species of shark involved is believed to be a Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis), a large predator commonly found in the marine protected areas around Isla del Coco. These sharks can exceed three meters in length and are key ecological indicators of the health of marine ecosystems. Their presence is a reminder of the richness of Costa Rica’s biodiversity, but also of the risks faced by scientists who work in direct contact with wild species.
Isla del Coco, located about 550 kilometers off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important marine reserves on the planet. Its waters are home to large populations of sharks, rays, sea turtles, and pelagic fish, making it a living laboratory for conservation biology. However, the island’s remote location means that any emergency, such as the one experienced by the biologist, presents logistical and medical challenges that can complicate rapid response and treatment.
This event highlights the importance of strengthening safety protocols for scientific expeditions in marine protected areas. It also calls attention to the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure, including faster rescue mechanisms, medical support adapted to remote areas, and collaboration between national and international conservation organizations.
From a conservation perspective, the incident should not be interpreted as a threat from wildlife but as an inherent risk of research in natural habitats where humans and large predators share the same space. Sharks like the Galapagos play a fundamental role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, and their protection is central to Costa Rica’s environmental commitments.
Costa Rica Species recognizes the work and courage of researchers who dedicate their lives to documenting and protecting biodiversity. The attack suffered by this marine biologist is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the field, but also of the urgent need to support science and conservation with the tools, policies, and resources that such missions demand. Protecting those who study nature is inseparable from protecting nature itself.
