CONSERVATION OF ENDEMIC SPECIES OF SCLERAACTINOUS CORALS IN BRAZIL THROUGH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSERVATION UNITS

Abstract

Coral reefs stand out as the marine ecosystem that holds the greatest biodiversity on the planet, approximately more than 50% of marine species depend directly or indirectly on reefs. In addition, in the economic context, its importance is based not only on the subsistence of coastal communities in tropical regions, but also on the growing tourist activity in these areas. The reef areas studied comprise the Parcel de Manuel Luís, Atol das Rocas, Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Maracajaú, Tamandaré, Maragogi and the coast of Bahia. The areas that do not constitute reefs per se, but that have records of occurrences of endemic species, are: Trindade Island, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, São Paulo and Santa Catarina. The choice to describe only the species of scleraactinous corals is due to the role performed by these corals in the construction of the reefs. Thus, this work described the endemic species of reef-building corals, reporting the main threats to the life of these species and the degree of threat they are, in order to generate knowledge to carry out actions aimed at their protection. In addition, through a literature review, the effectiveness of conservation units in the protection of the coral environment is discussed, reporting the challenges in the management of coastal and marine Conservation Units.