Santuario de Mamiferos Marinos Estero Hondo

Marine mammal sanctuary (Category I, Areas de Proteccion Estricta, Ley 202-04 numeral 8) at Estero Hondo / Punta Rucia on the northwest coast — the country's most important refuge of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus), comprising the estuary, mangroves and an adjacent marine strip (~48 km2 per WDPA). Category I permitted uses under Art. 14 of Ley 202-04 do not include fishing; under Art. 43 of Law 307-04 any fishing inside requires a Ministry of Environment permit. Spearfishing prohibited.