| Natal - Park - Atol das Rocas |
Atol das Rocas |
The only atoll in the South Atlantic, Atol das Rocas was discovered in 1503 by
portuguese sailor Gonçalo Coelho. Historians say that the place, located 267km away from Natal, has a great history of shipwrecking.
Atol das Rocas is surrounded by reefs, chorals and several kinds of plants and
animals, making this space a rich point to be preserved. Thinking of it, in 1979, Ibama took the initiative of transform it in an ecologic
reserve, not only with preservation purposes, but also for studies and researches.
Actually there are 110 sea weed species, 38 sponge species, 7 choral species and
147 kinds of fishes, two of them exist only there and in Fernando de Noronha. There’s also some birds, adding an average of 150 species of
migratory birds that find there a source of food and resting place. There’s also a space reserved for sea turtles spawning, kept in partnership
with “Projeto Tamar” since 1981.
Tourists are not allowed there, the place is reserved just for researches. It is
26 hours away from Rio Grande do Norte’s coast side by boat. |
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