Dominican Republic prepares for humpback whale season

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is gearing up for the humpback whale season in Samaná, which runs from January to March. The Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity has started receiving requests from various companies and institutions eager to experience the presence of these magnificent cetaceans during their stay in Dominican waters.

The expectation for the upcoming season is to exceed the 61,558 visitors recorded in the first quarter of 2024, which included 40,667 foreign tourists (66.1%) and 20,891 local visitors. The Dominican Republic is committed to protecting and studying whales, emphasizing environmental conservation and sustainable development, positioning itself as a leader in responsible tourism and marine life preservation.

To enhance these efforts, the Dominican Government expanded its maritime protection by 30% through a decree signed on April 11, 2024, which established the Orlando Jorge Mera Marine Sanctuary. This initiative aligns with the vision of conserving whale populations, as it is estimated that 80% of North Atlantic humpback whales are born in Dominican waters.

During the Sixty-Ninth Biennial Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Peru, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources, José Ramón Reyes, represented the Dominican Republic and opposed a proposal from insular Caribbean countries to extend commercial whaling permits. He emphasized the country’s commitment to conservation, stating that the Dominican Republic does not have a tradition of hunting whales and focuses on preserving its natural resources. The presence of whales not only maintains marine ecosystem balance but also supports local economies through ecotourism activities, particularly whale watching, which creates jobs in coastal communities.