DRNA moves to tighten hunting rules for Isla de Mona after lost-hunter incidents; administrative order to require GPS, markers and penalties

Following a recent search-and-rescue operation on Isla de Mona, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources told the House Finance Committee on May 2 it is drafting an administrative order to tighten safety and accountability for hunting visits to the island.

Secretary Waldermar Quiles Pérez said the order is a direct response to multiple cases in which hunters became lost. The proposed requirements discussed in the hearing include: - Mandatory personal GPS devices carried by each hunter. - Installation of marked waypoints on the island with published coordinates. - A requirement that hunting parties remain together; fines proposed include $1,500 for the member who becomes separated and $1,500 for the companion who allowed separation; group leaders could face fines up to $2,500. - An eventual requirement that hunters carry search-and-rescue insurance to cover rescue costs if they disregard safety rules and trigger an emergency response.

Quiles Pérez said DRNA will also require hunters to carry basic navigation equipment and to demonstrate reasonable preparedness before access is granted. The secretary said the department is considering measures to reduce the likelihood of future search-and-rescue operations and to recoup costs when rules are violated.

Why it matters: Isla de Mona is a protected natural area with rugged terrain and limited rescue access. Committee members expressed support for measures to reduce risk to both visitors and agency responders; the secretary said the new administrative order would be ready for publication after final internal review.