Dominican Republic: large-scale protection for turtles and whales

Logistical complexities required extensive planning to coordinate stakeholders, secure vessels and permits, and manage safety during rough weather. The designation of Beata Ridge as a transboundary MPA introduced political sensitivities that required careful navigation. Tight time-frames for conducting research and analysing environmental DNA samples put substantial pressure on the scientific team.

The foundation of our approach to ensuring these new MPAs deliver long-term ecological benefits is collaborative governance. We aim to engage local communities as stewards, secure sustainable financing, develop capacity through training programmes, and use technology for surveillance. A scientific expedition to Navidad Bank, workshops on sustainable financing, and investments in monitoring equipment all supported this aim.

The Dominican Republic hosts remarkable marine biodiversity and is a crucial migratory corridor in the Caribbean for humpback whales and four species of turtle. Prior to 2024, the country’s marine protected area network covered 10 per cent of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Through research expeditions documenting the exceptional biodiversity of Beata Ridge in the Caribbean and Silver and Navidad Banks in the Atlantic, the Dominican Republic dramatically expanded its marine conservation. The expeditions revealed abundant marine life including sharks, and diverse fish and seabirds.  

By actively involving government officials and local stakeholders in the field, the project ensured decision-makers gained a first-hand understanding. The Dominican Republic subsequently designated these biodiversity hotspots as MPAs, strengthening its position as a conservation leader in the region. The initiative is now in its critical implementation phase.