Atol das Rocas is a grouping of islands linked to the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located 260 km northeast of Natal. Its two forming islands are Ilha do Farol and Ilha do Cemitério. It is one of the main ecological environments in Brazil and, as a result, it was transformed into the first marine conservation unit in Brazil in 1979, gaining the status of a Biological Reserve.
What is an atoll?
Atol is an island of coral formed on a submerged surface composed of sandbanks or volcanic formations. In addition to corals, various types of vegetation are formed and various species of animals appear. It is, therefore, an island of not rock formation, but biological. Most atolls are located in the Indian and Pacific oceans, so Atol das Rocas is the smallest of them all and the only one to be located in the Atlantic Ocean.
The biological importance of Atol das Rocas
Atol das Rocas is one of the main preservation points for the maintenance of marine biodiversity in the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second largest breeding site for the Green Tortoise in the world, only behind Trindade Island, in Espírito Santo.
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In addition, Atol das Rocas forms the largest colony of seabirds on the planet, with around 150,000 species. Among its rich diversity, there are fish, birds, crustaceans, molluscs, among others.
Due to its importance and being an area designated for preservation, tourism in Atol das Rocas is prohibited. IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of the Environment) is the body that regulates the entry and exit of people from the islands that make up the atoll and only authorizes the presence of researchers and students.
In Atol das Rocas, important studies have been carried out, mainly on the species of turtles, since the waters and the large natural pools formed in the locality are transparent and help to locate and capture this species for studies and catalogings.
By Rodolfo Alves Pena
Graduated in Geography
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
PENA, Rodolfo F. Alves. "Atol das Rocas"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/brasil/atol-das-rocas.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
