Don Tomas
09-12-2004, 01:28 AM
Situated about 87 (104km) miles north of Puerto Plata is Banco de la Plata Sanctuary. The reserve is 1,499 square miles and an average of 66 feet below sea level. With the goal of protecting the humpback whales, and endangered species, the Silver Bank on the Atlantic Ocean was declared in 1986 a Marine Mammal Sanctuary. The bank consists of coral formations, which are a danger to sailors. In many places, the Silver Bank is barely 20 meters deep, although parts of the sanctuary achieve depths of more than 1,800 meters. Among the identified shipwrecks, the most important one occurred in 1641 when the vessel Concepción went down its waters with an immense cargo of silver and gold. Hence the name Silver Bank. The bank is part of a system of banks that goes from the Bahamas to Banco de la Navidad. A reef protects the northern part of the sanctuary.
Every year, between the months of December and April, some 3,000 humpback whales come to breed and give birth at the warm waters located North East of the Dominican Republic. Whales, just like the manatee, are endangered species. Hunting and/or harassing these mammals are forbidden.
The purpose of the tourist activities carried out at Banco de la Plata is purely educational. The main access point for the Silver Bank is Samana, though many tours start at Puerto Plata.
Every year, between the months of December and April, some 3,000 humpback whales come to breed and give birth at the warm waters located North East of the Dominican Republic. Whales, just like the manatee, are endangered species. Hunting and/or harassing these mammals are forbidden.
The purpose of the tourist activities carried out at Banco de la Plata is purely educational. The main access point for the Silver Bank is Samana, though many tours start at Puerto Plata.