Casa de Campo Living
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Hawksbill turtles and indeed all marine turtles are nearing extinction in the Dominican Republic- but thanks to the tireless efforts of a humble fisherman from Saona Island, the numbers of these beautiful creatures are slowly increasing. 
Negro, who has lived on Saona Island all his life is a fisherman, a fisherman, who until 7 years ago was guilty of hunting turtles and their eggs- because many people in the Dominican Republic mistakenly believe that turtle eggs and meat can remedy erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, Negro has now seen the error in his ways and is working tirelessly (and with almost no support) to cultivate the marine turtle population of Saona Island – the most important nesting area for marine turtles in the entire Dominican Republic.
Since starting his mission, the number of turtles nesting along the coast of Saona Island have increased from just 7 to more than 35 – a number which continues to grow each year.
A baby turtle being cared for at Negro’s turtle sanctuary on Saona Island 

So how exactly is Negro helping and protecting the turtles?
Throughout nesting season (March to November), Negro spends many sleepless nights waiting for the turtles to lay their eggs and when they do he collects them and keeps them in large coolers in his “turtle sanctuary”, which he has built in his own home. Here the turtles are kept safe until they hatch, at which point they are returned at night to the beach and the exact spot where they were found to be released.
By caring for the eggs and the baby turtles in this way, Negro increases the number of turtles who survive from 50% to 95% – thus ensuring the continued growth of turtles in this area.
According to Negros’ meticulous records, the turtles most commonly found in this area are Hawksbill turtles, but there are also a small number of Green turtles and Leatherback turtles – who can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds!
Currently, Negro does not collect eggs from all the nests across Saona Island, as he has a limited number of coolers to keep them in – he concentrates his efforts on those nests in most danger from flooding (due to high tides), as well as hunting.
Negro’s turtle sanctuary – each cooler contains more than 100 eggs!

How can YOU help?
Unfortunately, Negro is just one man and although he is receiving some help from local businesses – such as the Bayahibe Fishing Center, as well as the Grupo Jaragua (who with a doctor and biologist supervise his work and records), he is struggling to manage this task alone. To really make a difference and ensure the long term survival of marine turtles in Saona Island he needs help.
Negro is not an official foundation or charity, so the primary ways we can help are:
Short-term help:
1. Go visit Negro and the turtle sanctuary in Mano Juan village on Saona Island – tours can be arrange with the Bayahibe Fishing Center (and other tour operators based in Bayahibe). At the turtle sanctuary you will be able to leave a donation and if arranged in advance it is possible (with a donation) to accompany Negro when he releases the eggs – a truly magical experience.
2. Contribute a cooler or gasoline – you can deliver these to the Bayahibe Fishing Center or personally to Negro at Mano Juan village.
3. Make a donation through the “Grupo Jaragua”, Negro is one of their many conservation programs – so when you contact them please make sure to specify that your donation is for Saona nesting project with Negro. You can email Yolanda from Grupo Jaragua on: ymleon@intec.edu.do or ymleon@gmail.com
Long-term help: 
It is my personal belief that in order to really make a difference – a foundation needs to be created. This foundation could then employ Negro to continue his work and supply him with everything he needs, as well as build a more formal turtle sanctuary to welcome visitors and tourists. If anyone has any experience in this field and would like to help us create a foundation – please contact us (see contact form below).
Critically endangered Hawksbill turtle nests at Minitas Beach!

In the early hours of Sunday morning the 5th of August 2012, a Hawksbill turtle was spotted nesting right here in Casa de Campo on Minitas Beach!
Click here for photos and the full story!
Marine life in the Casa de Campo / La Romana – Bayahibe area

The coastal waters surrounding Casa de Campo and the amazing Parque Nacional del Este (National Park of the East) are home to not only sea turtles, but some other wonderful marine life too! Click on the links below to find out more….
• Marine Manatees 
A baby manatee was recently spotted near to Dominicus Beach. Click here for photos and the full story!
• Nurse Sharks
Harmless nurse sharks have been spotted at local natural swimming pool, Palmilla and at other beaches in the La Romana – Bayahibe area. But don’t panic they are not a threat to humans. Click here for photos and the full story!
• Dolphins 
There are 5 pods of bottlenose dolphins living in the waters off of Bayahibe – with one pod who lives between the Chavón river and Saona island. Click here for photos and the full story!

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Casa de Campo Living is an independent, community run news site focused on helping our community enjoy their time in and around Casa de Campo.
This website neither reflects the views of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, its administration or any of its subsidiaries and should not be deemed as ‘official’ in any way, shape or form. We just live here, work here and love it here, and hope you will too!
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Casa de Campo Living is a SILGON Publication.
info@casadecampoliving.com
(809) 523-2045
(849) 206-2209
CV5, Casa de Campo, La Romana.
República Dominicana.
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