Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, Marine national park in Pernambuco, Brazil
This marine park sprawls across several islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean and protects a wide variety of marine organisms and coral reefs. The system includes bays, beaches, and underwater formations that create different habitats for fish, sea turtles, and other ocean animals.
The islands were reached by a Portuguese explorer in 1503 and later played a strategic role during colonial times. In the 20th century the site served as a prison facility until it was eventually designated as a nature reserve.
The place is named after the Portuguese navigator who found it and now serves as a hub for marine conservation and sustainable tourism. Local residents work closely with environmental organizations and share their knowledge of local wildlife with visitors.
Visitors must pay an environmental fee before entering and must follow strict rules to protect the wildlife. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so planning ahead is necessary to gain access.
The waters are home to over 300 fish species and provide nesting spots for rare seabirds like brown and red-footed boobies. These nesting grounds represent some of the last natural refuge for these birds in the South Atlantic.
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