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Costa Rica and Panama are home to nearly 6% of the world’s species, including sea turtles, whales, hammerhead sharks, and vibrant coral reefs. These waters are a global biodiversity treasure — and they are under constant threat from illegal fishing and environmental crime.
Despite strong laws, most Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) lack the vessels, funding, and staffing needed for consistent enforcement. That’s where our non-profit Earthrace Conservation steps in.
In partnership with government authorities, our teams conducted 105 marine patrols in 2025, intercepting 41 illegal fishing operations inside protected waters — including the first-ever joint patrols in Panama, where we stopped illegal longliners operating in the Coiba Island MPA.
But to truly protect these ecosystems, we urgently need to expand our patrol capacity.
The Solution: A High-Performance Conservation Patrol Boat
In December 2025, we purchased a Revenge 50, a proven, military-grade vessel with exceptional speed, range, and durability.
Once operational, this new patrol vessel will:
• Double our patrol coverage
• Respond faster to illegal fishing
• Reduce fuel consumption per nautical mile
• Enable more precise, high-risk enforcement operations
What We’re Raising Funds For
To deploy the vessel for active patrols, we need to complete essential upgrades and transport it to Costa Rica.
Key Upgrades Required
• Twin Cummins QSL 9.5 engines
• Twin Hamilton HTX30 waterjets
• ZF-305A gearboxes
• Modified transom for waterjets
• Full navigation & surveillance electronics suite
• Internal refit (5 bunk beds, air conditioning, small galley)
• 5kW generator
Budget Breakdown — $500,000 Total
• Vessel purchase (Revenge 50 + trailer): $55,000
• Major equipment (engines, gearboxes, waterjets): $200,000
• Electronics, fuel system, steering: $80,000
• Engineering & contractors (naval architect, composites): $60,000
• Shipping, insurance, registration, taxes: $55,000
• Contingency fund: $50,000
Total: $500,000
Why Earthrace Conservation?
Earthrace Conservation is led by Captain Pete Bethune, founder and director, with over 25 years of experience in marine operations, engineering, and frontline conservation. Our volunteer-based teams include professional mariners, engineers, and former military personnel who donate their time to protect the ocean.
We operate in:
• 15 Marine Protected Areas in Costa Rica
• Corcovado National Park
• Coiba Island MPA, Panama
Our floating home base is the 45m ex-navy vessel MODOC, supporting extended patrols, research missions, and ranger training.
Our Impact in 2025
• 105 marine patrols conducted
• 41 illegal fishing operations intercepted
• 6 illegal longliners stopped in Panama
• 2 scientific expeditions measuring predator populations
• 1 abandoned fiberglass boat removed from Caño Island Reserve
• 2 beach cleanups on Montuosa Island, Panama
• 75+ volunteers supporting our missions
How You Can Help
By supporting this campaign, you are directly funding on-the-water enforcement — the single most effective way to stop illegal fishing and protect marine wildlife.
Donors and partners may support:
• Vessel upgrades and deployment (naming & branding opportunities available)
• Patrol operations and ranger training
• Surveillance, communications, and monitoring technology
Join us in defending the ocean and protecting wildlife!
Your Earthrace Crew
Founder Pete Bethune, CEO Sebastian Berger
Earthrace Conservation gGmbH
28199 Bremen, Germany
Further entities in USA, France, New Zealand, Costa Rica (Panama in Progress)
Organizer
