Action plan to protect marine mammals in the marine mammal sanctuaries of Estero Hondo and Marino del Norte

Abstract

The Action Plan to Protect Marine Mammals in the Marine Mammal Sanctuaries of Estero Hondo and Marino del Norte was carried out on the basis of a) an analysis of data obtained in previous studies; b) results of the assessment of marine mammal populations carried out in the present project; and c) identification and analysis of current major uses of marine mammals and anthropogenic impacts on their populations. The Protected Areas of the Marine Mammals Sanctuaries of Estero Hondo and Marino del Norte coincide in a space that includes the coastal and marine areas of the Estero Hondo Municipal District, in the Villa Isabella Municipality, Puerto Plata Province. The North Sea Sanctuary also includes part of the coastal zone of the Municipal District of La Isabela, located to the east, as well as the marine area next to the Sanctuary of Estero Hondo. The general ecological characteristics of the study area are presented, as well as a compilation and analysis of previous studies carried out in the area.