In a significant environmental enforcement operation, Dominican Republic authorities have conducted a comprehensive crackdown on illegal activities within the protected boundaries of Los Haitises National Park. The multi-agency operation resulted in five arrests and the seizure of substantial evidence of environmental violations.
The coordinated effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment with support from the National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA), the Dominican Republic Navy, and the Dominican Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CODOPESCA), targeted the Sabana de la Mar municipality in Hato Mayor province. This region falls under the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP), representing a critical conservation zone.
During extensive patrols across land, sea, and river routes, enforcement teams documented numerous environmental infractions. The operation yielded four confiscated boats, 28 illegal gillnets, and various fishing equipment. Additionally, authorities dismantled two unauthorized structures and recovered agricultural products including 18 sacks of yams and two sacks of ginger.
The operation took a tragic turn with the discovery of a dead bottlenose dolphin entangled in prohibited fishing gear, highlighting the devastating impact of illegal fishing practices on marine wildlife. In a separate incident, authorities pursued and intercepted a speedboat conducting unauthorized fishing within the park’s boundaries.
Officials emphasized that the operation aligns with national environmental legislation and protected areas laws that strictly prohibit unauthorized exploitation, fishing, occupation, or alteration of natural resources within designated conservation zones. The intervention aimed to disrupt activities posing significant threats to the fragile ecosystem of Los Haitises National Park, recognized as one of the country’s most important biological reserves.