Humpbacks are back: 40,000+ visitors expected to flock to Samana

The Environment and NaturalResources Ministry on Wednesday officially opened the observation of humpbackwhales and in Samaná Bay and La Plata bank, as part of the "Whale WatchingSeason 2016" for journalists.

During the tour for local and foreignreporters Protected Areas and Biodiversity deputy minister Daneris Santanaurged people to participate in the activity which he affirms is not only anopportunity for recreation with family, but a way of promote ecotourism and theensuing economic development.

More than 40,000 visitors areexpected to come to Samana during the current humpback whale observation season.

He stressed the importance ofpreserving the Banco Navidad (de la Plata) Scientific Reserve and Marine MammalSanctuary as the Caribbean region’s most important. “The fact that this specieschooses our warm waters to mate and provide a free show with their unique pirouettesevery year must be considered a privilege.”