A Marine Encounter in the Heart of Aracruz: APA Costa das Algas and the Santa Cruz Wildlife Refuge
- Leonardo Merçon
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Stepping onto the sands of the Costa das Algas Environmental Protection Area (APA) and the Santa Cruz Wildlife Refuge (REVIS) in Aracruz, Espírito Santo, I was silently yet profoundly struck by the realization that I was in the presence of a hidden gem. At least for me, unaware of such richness, it was a revelation.
The coastline of Aracruz, ES, forms a beautiful mosaic of reefs, rocky shores, mangroves, beaches, and restinga (coastal forest).
Our technical visit, organized by the Últimos Refúgios Institute in partnership with the Aracruz City Hall, aimed to produce images and content highlighting the Aracruz Biodiversity Corridor. What I discovered there exceeded all expectations.
Rocky shores, beaches adorned with lush restingas, and mangroves sprouting from lateritic rocks created a landscape that seemed to narrate a tale of resilience among these life forms.
This experience prompted deep reflection on the importance of marine biodiversity along the Aracruz-ES coast and the significance of the efforts to manage two federal conservation units—the APA Costa das Algas and the Santa Cruz Wildlife Refuge (REVIS), both nearing their 15th anniversary. These units are responsible for protecting stretches of the coastline across Aracruz, Fundão, and Serra.
The APA extends from Praia dos Quinze in Aracruz, near Barra do Sahy, to Costa Bela in the municipality of Serra.
The REVIS spans from Praia dos Imigrantes, near the mouth of the Piraquê-Açú River, to Praia do Rio Preto, at the border between Aracruz and Fundão.
Nature Reveals Its Details
At Praia da Biologia, adjacent to the Augusto Ruschi Marine Biology Station (EBMAR) and within the REVIS of Santa Cruz, we focused our exploration on formations among the rocks that turned into true capsules of life.
What appeared to be mere tide pools harbored miniature universes: green sea urchins (Lytechinus variegatus), Brazilian reef octopuses (Octopus insularis), dusky damselfish (Stegastes fuscus), stone crabs (Eriphia gonagra), banded cleaner shrimp (Stenopus hispidus), and various other fascinating creatures.
Colorful marine species in the REVIS tidepools. | Photo: Leonardo Merçon/Instituto Últimos Refúgios
The coastal biodiversity displayed its full strength, with thriving restingas and reef formations extending along the coastline like submerged corridors of life. In these waters, green sea turtles feed, dolphins swim, and the intricate relationships that sustain this marine network pulsate.
From the Ocean Depths to the Camera Lens
This expedition held special symbolic weight. Years ago, I had captured images of these areas long before realizing they were significant Conservation Units.
Returning now, as part of a structured project, feels like witnessing a seed germinate. Photographing these environments is an exercise in listening—listening to the sea, the animals, and the local community.
As I traversed the mangroves and rocky shores, camera in hand, I remained attentive to the small creatures in their characteristic habitats, observing the dance of coastal birds and the resilience of the vegetation.
I found an empty shell of a giant tun snail (Tonna galea) and, upon inspecting it, was surprised to discover a juvenile surgeonfish inside. After capturing this unexpected moment, I released the little one back to its original spot.
Curiosities from the Ocean Floor
Have you ever heard of underwater rivers? One of the striking features of the coastline protected by the APA and REVIS is the numerous streams and creeks that flow into the beaches. However, studies in this region reveal a curiosity: the existence of ancient riverbeds that, during the last glacial period's sea-level retreat, carved the coastal soil and formed submerged valleys located more than 20 kilometers offshore.
Today, these forgotten rivers have become unique habitats, extremely rich in biodiversity and essential for artisanal fishing.
Additionally, the APA Costa das Algas hosts the greatest diversity of marine algae in Brazil, including calcareous species of immense ecological importance. These often-overlooked organisms form the base of the marine food chain and help maintain the health of reefs.
Invisible Challenges
Not everything, however, is smooth sailing. During our beach walks, it became evident that the greatest threat doesn't come from the ocean but from our choices on land. Construction within the restinga, invasive species, overexploitation of resources, and litter left by visitors are some examples that jeopardize this fragile ecological balance.
External pressures from port and oil development in the surrounding areas, along with the persistent impacts of chemical pollution caused by the Mariana dam disaster—the largest mining environmental disaster in Brazil—further exacerbate the situation.
Nevertheless, there is hope. Strengthening the Conservation Units and engaging the local community are paving the way for a more respectful coexistence between people and nature.
The APA Costa das Algas and the Santa Cruz Wildlife Refuge are federal conservation units, both established on June 17, 2010. Today, they are managed by the Integrated Management Center (NGI) ICMBio Santa Cruz.
The APA falls under the category of sustainable use conservation units, aiming to reconcile urban occupation and economic development on sustainable grounds. In contrast, the REVIS is a category of full protection, where activities involving direct use of natural resources are more restricted.
When Imagery Becomes a Tool for Transformation
During the visit, our multi-institutional team produced not only aerial images and records of fauna and flora but also documented the collective effort behind the Aracruz Biodiversity Corridor initiative.
Behind-the-scenes of the project’s technical visit. | Photos: Raphael Gaspar, Felipe Facini, and Leonardo Merçon
We were there to show that this territory—beyond being a stunning postcard from Espírito Santo—is a living organism that deserves protection.
The photos in this article reflect exactly that spirit: natural beauty, yes, but also the human actions taken to defend it.
Seeing myself among the rocks, alongside the camera and the will to change the world, reminds me why I began this work in the first place.
An Invitation to Discovery and Pride
The Costa das Algas Environmental Protection Area (EPA) and the Santa Cruz Wildlife Refuge (REVIS) are like living pages of a book still being written. And it needs engaged and attentive readers.
The images I captured—and now share with you—stand as witnesses to the vibrant biodiversity we encountered, which continues to enchant both local residents and visitors along this stretch of Espírito Santo’s coastline.
Learn more about the species recorded during the Aracruz Biodiversity Corridor project effort:
Find more information about the protected areas on the official websites:
https://www.gov.br/icmbio/pt-br/assuntos/biodiversidade/unidade-de-conservacao/unidades-de-biomas/marinho/lista-de-ucs/apa-costa-das-algas https://www.gov.br/icmbio/pt-br/assuntos/biodiversidade/unidade-de-conservacao/unidades-de-biomas/marinho/lista-de-ucs/revis-de-santa-cruz
Getting to know and valuing this natural heritage is an act of love for our land, our culture, and our future.
Visit, comment, like, and share this content. Send the article link to friends who will enjoy this story. Your interaction is essential to keep the conservation flame alive and show the world the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
I hope you enjoyed this story. See you on the next adventure!
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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