Peaks of the Southern Atlantic submarine ridge form the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Rocas Atoll off the coast of Brazil. These islands represent a large portion of the island surface in the South Atlantic.

Their rich waters play an essential role in the breeding and feeding grounds of species such as tuna, sharks, turtles, and marine mammals.

The islands are home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic. Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay) is renowned for its exceptional population of resident dolphins, while at low tide, Rocas Atoll reveals a breathtaking seascape of lagoons and tidal pools, teeming with fish.

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief Description

Dear Lykkers! The Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, located around 340 km off the Brazilian coast, boasts indescribable beauty. The park is formed by volcanic peaks of a submerged mountain chain. Nearly 70% of the main island of Fernando de Noronha, 21 smaller islands, and islets of the archipelago, along with most adjacent waters to a depth of 50 meters, are part of this protected area.

The Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve, located about 150 km west of Fernando de Noronha, is the only atoll in the South Atlantic and consists of an elliptical reef with two small islands surrounded by a marine reserve. Together, these two protected areas cover 42,270 ha, with a buffer zone of 140,713 ha.

At the heart of the vast ocean surface, the Brazilian Atlantic Islands form an oasis of fertile waters. These waters are critical breeding and living spaces for species such as tuna, sharks, turtles, and marine mammals. They also play a key role in the natural restocking of fish populations in the region.

Two species of sea turtles, the hawksbill and green turtle, breed in the area, with the Rocas Atoll being the second most important breeding site for sea turtles in Brazil. The islands also host the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic and include the only examples of Insular Atlantic Forest and oceanic mangrove in the South Atlantic.

Criterion (vii): Exceptional Natural Beauty

Dolphin Bay is the only known place globally with such a large population of resident dolphins. Additionally, two of its beaches, Praia do Sancho and Praia do Leão, are frequently ranked as the most beautiful in Brazil. Rocas Atoll offers a striking seascape, particularly at low tide, when the exposed reef surrounding shallow lagoons and tidal pools creates a natural aquarium. Both locations feature exceptional underwater landscapes that have been widely recognized in diving literature.

Criterion (ix): Crucial Marine Ecosystem

Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas represent over half the insular coastal waters of the Southern Atlantic Ocean. These highly productive waters serve as feeding grounds for species like tuna, billfish, cetaceans, sharks, and marine turtles as they migrate to the African coast. As an oasis of marine life in the relatively barren open ocean, the islands play an essential role in the reproduction, dispersal, and colonization of marine organisms throughout the Tropical South Atlantic.

Criterion (x): Protection of Biodiversity

Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll are key areas for the protection of biodiversity and endangered species in the Southern Atlantic. These areas provide a large portion of the insular habitat for the region and are crucial for the maintenance of marine biodiversity. They are important for conserving threatened species of marine turtles, particularly the hawksbill turtle.

The site is also home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic and serves as a Global Centre of Bird Endemism. Furthermore, it contains the only remaining example of the Insular Atlantic Forest and the only oceanic mangrove in the South Atlantic region.

Integrity

The terrestrial and marine components of this site are well-protected. The boundaries of the property are appropriate for conserving marine biological diversity, even though it is divided into two separate components. On the main island of Fernando de Noronha, all key terrestrial habitats are part of the park, and all land areas of the Rocas Atoll are within the central zone of the protected area.

At Fernando de Noronha, the ecosystem maintains significant integrity, despite the growing number of visitors and the impact of invasive alien species. The infrastructure and management of the area have been improved to ensure the conservation of the site's values. While the preservation of the ecosystems in the Rocas Atoll remains high, overfishing and the illegal presence of tourist boats pose significant threats to the integrity of the site.

Protection and Management Requirements

The property is legally protected under a variety of federal laws and state regulations. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), an autonomous federal agency under the Ministry of Environment, is responsible for managing and conserving the site. There are two separate management plans, one for Fernando de Noronha and another for the Rocas Atoll. These plans address critical aspects such as tourism, research, environmental education, biodiversity protection, and monitoring.

For the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, a Sustainable Development and Ecotourism Management Plan has been implemented with the support of local communities. This plan strictly controls tourism infrastructure development and visits, regulating areas within the park and managing navigation and diving activities. The plan takes into account the park's carrying capacity and includes measures for managing urbanized areas outside the property.

Despite these efforts, threats like fishing remain a concern, particularly in relation to fish populations and the conservation of sea turtles and other species. A new approach to regulating fishing in the surrounding area may be necessary.

Since Fernando de Noronha was once completely deforested, much of the vegetation is now secondary or made up of invasive species. The introduction of species like rats, mice, dogs, and even tegus (a lizard) has had a dramatic impact on bird populations.

Restoring the original vegetation and eradicating invasive species should be a top priority for this globally significant site. Proper management of the increasing tourism is also essential to preserving the fragile environment.

Founded in 1979, the Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve is closed to public access and managed for species protection and research. Surveillance by the Brazilian Navy and Air Force, particularly concerning fishing and tourism activities, benefits the reserve. Furthermore, the connection between the two protected areas—Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll—warrants further study.