Arraial do Cabo Marine Extractive Reserve

Arraial do Cabo Marine Extractive Reserve is a protected coastal area in Rio de Janeiro that includes ocean waters, beaches, rocky outcrops, and sand dunes. The reserve covers an extensive stretch of shoreline and protects a diverse marine environment.

The area gained protected status in 1997 as Brazil's first marine extractive reserve designed for sustainable use of ocean resources. This designation represented a new approach to balancing conservation with traditional livelihoods.

Fishing families in this area have maintained traditional methods of catching and handling seafood for generations, and you can see this heritage reflected in the daily work patterns along the shore. The profession shapes community identity and local customs in tangible ways.

Access is regulated for traditional fishing vessels with specific guidelines for sustainable catching practices. Visitors should use authorized tours and respect the protection rules that keep the area functioning.

Cold polar currents meet tropical ocean flows in this region, creating an unusual blend of water temperatures and conditions. This mixing allows marine animals such as sperm whales to thrive in waters that would otherwise be too warm for them.

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Inception: 1997

GPS coordinates: -22.93917,-42.30056

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:00