Atol das Rocas (Atlântico Sul Equatorial): um caso de lixo marinho em áreas remotas

Abstract

This note aims to report the first record of marine debris found in Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve (NE, Brazil). Originally this marine debris (plastic, metal, cardboard, glass, nylon, etc..) was used like food, cleaning and personal hygiene products packaging, oil cans and fisheries articles. The majority of items present foreign source: Argentina, Spain, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and China. This debris may have oceanic source (from ships) or may have been discharged from the closer inhabited archipelago (Fernando de Noronha). The fulfillment of international agreements and a right management of the marine debris in the Southwest Equatorial South Atlantic islands complex could represent efficient ways to minimize this problem