The Dominican Republic has formally inaugurated the 2026 humpback whale watching season in Samaná Bay and the Silver and Navidad Banks Marine Mammal Sanctuary through a groundbreaking inter-institutional management agreement. This initiative establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework combining conservation science with sustainable ecotourism management.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the program coordinates multiple stakeholders including government agencies, local authorities, environmental organizations, and authorized tour operators. The collaborative approach ensures whale watching activities align with sanctuary protection protocols while maintaining visitor safety standards.
Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez emphasized the dual significance of responsible whale watching, stating: “This activity serves not only as a conservation mechanism but also as a powerful environmental education tool. Firsthand experiences with these majestic creatures foster greater public awareness about protecting our marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable development models that benefit both biodiversity and local communities.”
The management framework implements rigorous monitoring systems including:
– Enhanced compliance enforcement of sanctuary regulations
– Scientific data collection on humpback behavior and population dynamics
– Digital processing of environmental authorizations
– Vessel inspections and captain training programs
For the 2026 season, 46 environmental authorizations have been issued—43 thematic permits with regular and rotating shifts, plus 3 additional permits from Puerto Plata. The authorization process has been digitized through an automated system to increase transparency and reduce processing times.
The agreement formally establishes the Marine Mammal Sanctuary Management Committee, which will support the Environment Ministry in planning, supervision, and seasonal evaluation. The committee will oversee specific functions including permit issuance, scientific monitoring, and technical reporting.
During the opening ceremony, officials paid posthumous tribute to Kim Beddall, recognized as a pioneer of responsible whale watching in Samaná Bay for her foundational contributions to marine ecosystem conservation.
Vice Minister of Protected Areas Carlos Augusto Batista expressed optimism about the program’s conservation impact: “The annual return of these majestic giants to our waters delivers a powerful message—marine life thrives when protected with dedicated care and scientific management.”