Silver Bank is a shallow underwater area of the Atlantic Ocean north of the Dominican Republic. The area is known for being a breeding and calving ground for marine mammals, and was designated as a Sanctuary by the Dominican Republic in 1986. In 1996, the Dominican government enlarged the protected area and renamed it the Sanctuary for Marine Mammals. Humpback whales visit the site each winter for breeding and calving.
Navidad Bank is another shallow underwater area off the Dominican Republic composed of coral and sand. Similar to Silver Bank, the area is well known as a breeding and calving ground for humpback whales. It is part of the Sanctuary for Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic.
Both of these Dominican Republic designations in the Caribbean are important habitats for marine mammals and have been designated as a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in order to keep these essential breeding and calving grounds healthy and intact.
