Brazil Advances Protection for Massive Underwater Mountains in the Northeast
Public consultations begin for new conservation units covering 18 million hectares of ocean.
1Gigantic Underwater Ecosystems
Beneath the waters of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará lie mountains reaching 5,000 meters in height. These formations surpass Brazil's tallest terrestrial peak, the Pico da Neblina, which stands at 3,000 meters. They host over 100 species, including sharks, corals, and sponges, serving as vital migratory corridors for various marine life.
2Proposed Conservation Units
The ICMBio is conducting public consultations to establish three new conservation units: the Fernando de Noronha Chain, the North Brazil Chain, and the Montes Oceânicos Environmental Protection Area. Together, these zones span approximately 18 million hectares. These areas aim to safeguard marine biodiversity from industrial activities that threaten the delicate underwater environment.
3Industrial Fishing Impacts
Industrial fishing, particularly targeting tuna, generates between 100 million and 127 million Brazilian reais annually. However, historical bottom trawling operations have caused an estimated 85 percent loss of apex fish biomass in certain banks. Experts warn that these past damages continue to negatively impact the seafloor's ecological health and overall recovery.
4Economic and Ecological Conflicts
While oil exploration blocks overlap with proposed units, researchers deem extraction unviable due to the volcanic geology. Conversely, phosphate mining for fertilizers poses a severe ecological risk. Officials are negotiating with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to prioritize conservation, arguing that mining is fundamentally incompatible with maintaining healthy fish stocks.
5Community and Social Concerns
Fishing federations expressed concerns regarding potential income loss for local workers. ICMBio officials clarified that artisanal fishing, which occurs closer to the coast, will not face restrictions under the new proposal. Authorities are encouraged to increase direct dialogue with traditional communities to build trust and ensure the project's long-term social acceptance.
6Global Biodiversity Commitments
This initiative aligns with the global 30x30 target established at COP15 in 2022, aiming to protect 30 percent of marine and terrestrial areas by 2030. Brazil currently reports approximately 28 percent marine coverage. Achieving these goals requires not just designating areas, but ensuring they are effectively managed to avoid becoming mere paper parks.
7Management and Future Challenges
Beyond simple area designation, the government must implement management plans and advisory councils for each unit. Officials emphasize that creating units without proper oversight leads to conflicts rather than conservation. The focus remains on representative ecosystems across the 8,000-kilometer coastline to ensure that protection efforts translate into tangible environmental resilience.
8Strategic Environmental Outlook
Protecting these seamounts strengthens the ocean's resilience against climate change and ensures food security for coastal populations. As the government evaluates proposals for other regions, the success of the Montes Oceânicos project will serve as a critical benchmark for balancing economic interests with the urgent necessity of preserving vital marine biodiversity.