Randall Arauz and his fight for Hammerhead Shark Conservation in Costa Rica

Randall Arauz is highlighted as a leading advocate for hammerhead shark conservation in Costa Rica, with decades of work exposing shark finning and unsustainable fishing practices. Through research, public awareness, and legal action, he has pushed for stronger protections, helping bring international attention to the issue and contributing to policy changes such as restrictions on shark finning and increased protections under global agreements.

Despite these advances, hammerhead sharks remain under serious threat due to ongoing fishing pressure, regulatory loopholes, and weak enforcement. Arauz emphasizes that even where protections exist, practices like bycatch and continued commercial demand undermine conservation outcomes. His work underscores the gap between policy and real-world impact, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and systemic change to ensure the long-term survival of hammerhead sharks in Costa Rican waters.