Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve, Biological reserve and Ramsar site in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Atol das Rocas is a biological reserve in the Atlantic off Brazil's coast, formed by coralline algae with two small islands in its lagoon. The islands, called Lighthouse Island and Cemetery Island, create an enclosed marine environment of major ecological importance.
Brazil established this protected area in 1979 to preserve marine ecosystems and protect nesting sites for sea turtles and seabirds. The decision came from recognizing that these remote islands held rare ecological value and faced serious threats.
Scientists work here to study ocean life and rare species like mollusks, sponges, and coral formations found nowhere else. This research helps protect the delicate ecosystems of these remote islands.
Access is strictly limited because only authorized researchers are permitted to enter the area to protect its ecosystems. Visitors cannot land on the islands but can view the reserve from a distance by boat or learn about it through educational programs.
This is the only atoll in the South Atlantic Ocean and hosts around 150,000 tropical seabirds that gather here to breed. It also serves as a primary breeding ground for endangered sea turtle species found nowhere else with similar conditions.
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