The intense use of the natural habitats of Punta Cana beaches for the operation of giant resorts has created a conflict of interest with the turtles that return to the beaches to lay their eggs. On many occasions, the turtles are confused as they are molested by the lights and good-intentioned tourists.
Once again, the Ministry of Environment has extended its marine protection area for turtles this time in the Laguna Arrecifal de Bávaro in the Punta Cana area. The new protection area covers 18.4 square kilometers of marine space and is established to conserve populations of sea turtles in danger of extinction, explained José Ramón Reyes, Deputy Minister of Coastal and Marine Affairs of the Ministry of Environment, as reported in SIN Noticias.
Resolution No. 0008/2024, signed by Minister Miguel Ceara Hatton on 9 April 2024, establishes the necessary restrictions to mitigate the negative impact on sea turtle populations that may be impacted by vessels used in tourist activities.
Reyes indicated that the Ministry of Environment implements a rigorous management and regulation program to guarantee compliance with the protection measures established for the species.
Among the main provisions of the resolution are restrictions on speed and access for vessels, prohibition of fishing activities and anchoring of vessels within protected areas, as well as the imposition of sanctions for those who violate these provisions.
Likewise, the Ministry of Environment instructed various government entities to take active measures in environmental surveillance and education, to promote awareness about the importance of marine preservation and endangered species.
The Ministry of Environment recently announced the expansion of the environmental protection area in other marine areas to offer 30% of legal protection of marine areas.
Read more in Spanish:
Noticias SIN
Ministry of Environment
Dive Magazine
30 April 2024