Location: Bahía state Map
Area: 50 km²
Abrolhos Marine National Park (Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos) is a pioneering protected area in Brazil, established as the country's first marine national park in 1983. Located off the southern coast of Bahia state in northeastern Brazil, at approximately 17°58′S 38°42′W, it spans about 91,300 hectares (913 square kilometers or 226,000 acres) of marine and island ecosystems. The park encompasses the Abrolhos Archipelago and surrounding reefs, renowned as the most biodiverse marine region in the South Atlantic Ocean. It protects vibrant coral reefs, mangrove fringes, and critical habitats for endangered species, while serving as a vital nursery for humpback whales and a hotspot for ecotourism. Recognized internationally for its ecological significance, the park is part of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve since 2003 and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 2010, highlighting its role in global conservation efforts.
The park is situated in the Abrolhos Bank, a shallow continental
shelf extension about 50–70 kilometers offshore from the Bahia coast,
near towns like Caravelas and Alcobaça. This area features a unique
mosaic of habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, mangroves, and
open ocean waters. The Abrolhos Archipelago comprises five small
volcanic islands: Siriba, Guarita, Redonda, Sueste, and Santa Bárbara
(the latter managed by the Brazilian Navy and outside park boundaries
but integral to the ecosystem). These islands are low-lying, with
elevations rarely exceeding 10 meters, covered in sparse vegetation like
grasses, herbs, and small shrubs adapted to salty, windy conditions.
The marine environment is dominated by the Parcel dos Abrolhos and
Timbebas reefs, which form extensive coral pinnacles and fringing
structures rising from depths of 20–30 meters. Waters are typically
clear and warm, with temperatures ranging from 23–28°C (73–82°F)
year-round, influenced by the Brazil Current. The region's subtropical
climate brings seasonal rainfall (peaking December–March at 150–200
mm/month) and drier periods (June–September), with occasional tropical
storms. This dynamic setting supports high primary productivity, fueled
by nutrient upwelling, making it a transitional zone between tropical
and temperate marine ecosystems.
The Abrolhos region has a rich human history, named by Portuguese
explorers in the 16th century ("Abrolhos" meaning "open your eyes" in
reference to navigational hazards). Indigenous groups like the
Tupiniquim inhabited nearby coastal areas before European arrival. In
the 19th century, Charles Darwin visited during the HMS Beagle voyage in
1832, documenting the area's biodiversity, including corals, birds, and
invertebrates, which influenced his evolutionary theories.
Modern
conservation began in the late 20th century amid growing awareness of
overfishing and habitat degradation. The park was officially created on
April 6, 1983, by Federal Decree No. 88.218, under the jurisdiction of
the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources
(IBAMA, now ICMBio). Initial efforts focused on protecting coral reefs
and whale breeding grounds, but effective management ramped up in the
mid-1990s with zoning plans and enforcement. In 2002, it joined the
Central Atlantic Forest Ecological Corridor, enhancing connectivity with
terrestrial protected areas. Further recognitions include UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve status in 2003 and Ramsar designation in 2010,
emphasizing its wetland values.
Abrolhos boasts unparalleled marine biodiversity, harboring at least
20 coral species, six of which are endemic to Brazil, such as the fire
coral Millepora alcicornis and brain corals like Mussismilia harttii.
The reefs support over 270 fish species, including groupers, parrotfish,
and endangered elasmobranchs like nurse sharks. Invertebrates abound,
with sponges, sea anemones, and crustaceans forming complex food webs.
The park is a critical habitat for marine mammals, notably hosting one
of the largest humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations in
the South Atlantic—up to 20,000 individuals migrate here annually for
breeding (June–November). Sea turtles, including loggerheads (Caretta
caretta) and hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), nest on islands like
Redonda. Seabird colonies thrive, with species such as white-bellied
boobies (Sula leucogaster), magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata
magnificens), and sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscatus). Terrestrial
biodiversity includes lizards, spiders, and migratory birds. Overall,
the region represents 5% of Brazil's reefs but holds 18% of its coral
diversity, with high endemism rates.
Managed by ICMBio, the park employs strict zoning: no-take zones for core reefs, buffer areas for sustainable use, and visitor restrictions to minimize impact. Conservation initiatives include the Abrolhos Seascape project by organizations like Conservation International, which expands protection through marine spatial planning and community involvement. It has received awards like Blue Park status for exemplary management. Efforts focus on monitoring biodiversity, enforcing anti-poaching patrols, and restoring mangroves. International partnerships, such as with Ramsar and UNESCO, provide funding and expertise. Sustainable fishing guidelines support local communities, while research stations on islands facilitate ongoing studies.
Despite protections, Abrolhos faces multiple threats. Climate change induces coral bleaching and ocean acidification, exacerbated by warming waters. Pollution, including microplastics detected in fully protected zones like Abrolhos in 2025 studies, contaminates food chains. Historical oil spills, such as the 2019 incident that reached park boundaries, killed marine life and coated beaches. Oil prospecting auctions near the park in 2019 raised alarms from environmental agencies like IBAMA, citing risks to whales and reefs. Overfishing, invasive species, and unregulated tourism (e.g., boat anchoring damaging corals) persist. Rapid tourism growth since 1983 has increased vulnerability, with calls for stricter regulations.
Tourism is a growing economic driver, generating income multipliers for local households through sustainable practices. Visitors access the park via boats from Caravelas or Prado, with activities including scuba diving and snorkeling amid reefs and the Rosalinda shipwreck. Whale-watching tours (June–November) offer sightings of breaching humpbacks. Only Siriba Island allows landings, with a 1,600-meter interpretive trail for birdwatching and ecology education; groups are limited to 15 people, guided by ICMBio staff. Other islands are off-limits to protect nesting sites. Regulations mandate permits, no-touch policies, and eco-friendly operators. In 2024, expeditions like those by Maya Expeditions highlighted whale migrations, drawing eco-tourists while funding conservation.
Abrolhos is a key site for marine research, with its biodiversity hotspots informing studies on coral resilience, species distribution, and climate impacts. Darwin's 1832 observations underscored its value, comparing it to global reefs. Modern research, including the Abrolhos RAP (Rapid Assessment Program) by Conservation International, maps endemism and threats. The park supports biodiversity inventories, whale tracking via satellite tags, and microplastic analyses (e.g., 2025 studies). Collaborations with universities and NGOs produce data for policy, such as expanding protected areas in the Vitória-Trindade Chain. Its role in the South Atlantic's ecological network makes it essential for understanding tropical marine dynamics.
As of August 2025, recent developments include a May 2025 study revealing microplastic contamination in protected zones, urging enhanced pollution controls. Sustainable tourism initiatives continue to grow, boosting local economies while protecting reefs. In 2024, whale expeditions reported robust humpback populations, with over 20,000 expected annually. Past events like the 2019 oil spill and prospecting debates highlight ongoing vulnerabilities, but no major incidents were reported in 2024–2025. Conservation plans emphasize adaptive management amid climate challenges.