Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists exploring underwater mountains off Costa Rica found a striking new “golden coral” and created a new coral family, Laurinqueidae, to classify it—another reminder that the Pacific’s depths still hold surprises. Wildlife Protection & Tourism: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional for one of the year’s largest arribadas, with nesting expected to continue through the weekend as guards track activity. Marine Life & Conservation Awareness: A new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, was formally described from specimens collected off Costa Rica, underscoring why deep habitats need protection. Restoration in Action: In Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce, a community mangrove recovery effort has planted 12,000 seedlings, with early survival estimates around 75–80%, helping rebuild coastal habitat and storm protection. Land Use & Public Health: Montes de Oca plans more apartment towers even as flooding from sewage overflow continues, raising alarms that growth without drainage and sanitation upgrades could worsen contamination. Conservation Governance: Costa Rica and UNED renewed efforts to make Chirripó its first UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to protect geology while boosting sustainable tourism. Illegal Wildlife Take-Home: Officials report thousands of animal and plant specimens seized from travelers’ luggage since 2024, fueling the #WhatYouCarry campaign to curb wildlife removal. Eco-Scam Warning: UK fraudsters were jailed over a £70m “ethical” tree-planting scheme tied to Costa Rica, where trees were planted but maintenance and harvest funding were missing.