Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Welcomes First Marlin University Event To Its Famous East Coast in May 2012 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is pleased to welcome the prestigious Marlin University, Marlin magazine's annual billfishing school, to Cap Cana, Dominican Republic May 7-12, 2012. The event selects five top offshore fishing destinations to host the educational sessions, and this year Marlin U's staff chose Dominican Republic, the Caribbean's most visited destination, and the luxurious and newly opened Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, part of Salamander Hotels' Grand Resorts at Cap Cana collection, on the country's beautiful East Coast. Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120104/CG30063 With one of the most expansive coastlines and nearly 1,000 miles of diverse coastal environments, Dominican Republic is a top destination for deep sea fishing. The country's East Coast attracts year-round marlin species due to its location along the Mona Passage as well as the area's unbelievable eddies and upwellings. Dominican Republic boasts a strong white marlin fishery from March through July along the western edge of the Mona Passage, conveniently located along Cap Cana. Marlin University has selected Cap Cana for their 2012 educational series, which is attended by avid anglers, due to its prime location," said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. The event will help to inform visitors and anglers alike that our tropical fishing paradise offers a sport fish population that rivals any in the world, and our white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters are sure to enchant the anglers and their guests. Anglers will fish side-by-side with some of the industry's top pros in aims of further perfecting their skills. Dave Ferrell, editor at Marlin magazine added, "Over the last several years, the numbers of small blues and white marlin caught off the coastline warrant a Marlin University session. We are about getting the bite and we think Dominican Republic will be a good place to get our students a number of shots each day. "Fishing Lodge Cap Cana is the perfect location for fishing and angling," said Hendrick Santos, managing director at Grand Resorts at Cap Cana. As the area's newest resort, we feature spectacular villa accommodations that surround Cap Cana's beautiful marina. To learn more about Marlin University and to register for the Dominican Republic program, visit www.marlinuniversity.com. About Dominican Republic Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 25+ designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website and image gallery at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. Follow us on Twitter @GoDomRep Like us on Facebook GoDominicanRepublic SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism