Investigaciones científicas en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco y aguas adyacentes, Pacífico de Costa Rica

Abstract

This Special Issue of the Revista de Biología Tropical, “Scientific Research at Isla del Coco National Park and Adjacent Waters, Pacific Costa Rica” (Volume 64, Supplement 1, 2016) contains 20 papers, with topics ranging from atmospheric sciences to an analysis of conservation public policies, including also papers on physical oceanography, chemistry, botany and marine biodiversity of Isla del Coco National Park, its adjacent waters and regions between the continent and the island. The 20 papers were written by 54 authors, including 15 students, from 13 national and international institutions. The manuscripts were reviewed by more than 75 researchers to whom I am greatly thankful. (The list of reviewers is presented at the end; several requested to remain anonymous.) Their corrections, suggestions and comments greatly contributed to improve the papers. Most of the publications are the product of research projects funded by the Vice-rectory for Research of the University of Costa Rica, the French Fund for the World Environment, the National Council of Rectors of the Public Universities of Costa Rica (CONARE), Conservation International, the Undersea Hunter Group, and other funding agencies. I acknowledge the unconditional support, once more, of the Revista de Biología Tropical. The publication of this Special Issue was possible thanks to the financial contributions by the Costa Rican National Academy of Science, the Undersea Hunter Group, the Pristine Seas Project (National Geographic Society, thanks to Enric Sala), and Conservation International (CI). Finally, I want to thank each and every one of the authors for contributing with their manuscripts for this new Special Issue on scientific research at Isla del Coco National Park and its surrounding waters. I hope that this Special Issue, as well as the previous ones, contributes to increase awareness of the importance of Isla del Coco for Costa Rica and the entire world.