Costa Rica: Over 1,600 kg of Shells Seized from Tourists at Guanacaste Airport
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Guanacaste Airport (LIR), a member of the VINCI Airports network, has successfully returned 1,100 kilograms of seashells to the Pacific Ocean after they were confiscated from tourists attempting to take them out of Costa Rica. This action is part of a partnership with the "De vuelta a casa" (Back Home) campaign by the Costa Rican company FIFCO.
The initiative marks a shift in how this seized biological material is managed. Previously, the expert-recommended practice was to bury the shells to avoid altering the pH of the sand. However, this new procedure allows for their direct reintegration into the marine ecosystem at Playa Conchal, a location strategically chosen for this purpose.
The recovery process required precise logistics. Between October 2024 and June 2025, airport authorities seized over 1,648 kilograms of shells. Volunteers from the airport and other organizations classified each one using an innovative artificial intelligence application. Through a photograph, the software determined whether the shell originated from the Pacific or Caribbean coast, ensuring that only Pacific material was returned to its native waters. Corals were excluded from this initial phase of the project.
Key Information
Why is taking shells from the beach harmful? The removal of shells impacts marine biodiversity, as they serve as shelters for crabs, fish, and other organisms, in addition to contributing to the balance of coastal ecosystems and preventing erosion.
What is the scale of the problem? Seizures at Guanacaste Airport show an upward trend, increasing from 1,600 kg in 2023 to 1,710 kg in 2024.
What technology was used? An artificial intelligence application that identifies the origin of the shells (Pacific or Caribbean) through photographs for correct relocation.
This measure complements the awareness efforts the airport began in 2023 with the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). The main goal of these campaigns is educational: to discourage travelers from removing natural resources from the beaches.
César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, stated that "we celebrate being able to continue contributing, through positive mobility and the commitment of our airport community, to social responsibility campaigns like this. It is a clear message of our dedication to protecting the environment alongside strategic allies." Jaramillo also emphasized that this is an environmental education task aimed at raising awareness and preventing shells from even reaching the airport, inviting tourists to take home unforgettable memories, but not the shells.
The preservation of these natural elements is crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability of the beaches, one of Costa Rica's main tourist attractions.
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