Santuario de Mamiferos Marinos Bancos de La Plata y La Navidad

Marine mammal sanctuary (Category I, Areas de Proteccion Estricta, Ley 202-04 numeral 7) covering the offshore Silver Bank (Banco de la Plata), Navidad Bank and Banco del Panuelo plus the Samana Bay whale-watching waters — the principal North Atlantic humpback-whale breeding ground (WDPA polygon 33,403 km2). Category I permitted uses under Art. 14 of Ley 202-04 (scientific research, monitoring, education, genetic-resource conservation, ecotourism) do not include fishing, and Art. 41 of Law 307-04 expressly EXCEPTS the La Plata and La Navidad banks from the coastal zone reserved for subsistence/artisanal/sport fishing. Any fishing inside requires a Ministry of Environment permit (Art. 43, Law 307-04); spearfishing prohibited. Complements the existing 'Samana Bay marine area' entry, which pins the bay portion of this same sanctuary.