Syringes, straws and lots of plastic: ocean trash threatens natural pool in Fernando de Noronha

Plastic carried by currents becomes trapped in rocks next to fish and coral nursery.

Fernando de Noronha is one of the largest preservation areas for marine life in Brazil.

Being both a national marine park and an environmental protection area, the archipelago boasts vigorous life in its waters

Besides dealing with its own trash problem, the island also suffers the consequences of the rise in pollution of the oceans especially with plastic.

G1 traveled there for the “Nature Challenge” which will present environmental issues that challenge these destinations and how each of us can do our part to counter the problem.

The threat is visible at Pontal do Atalaia, one of Noronha’s natural pools. Limiting access to 96 people per day does not prevent plastic from accumulating on the shores of the beach.

The trail leading to the location takes about 30 minutes to walk — as long as the path is not muddy — and each group of visitors can stay only half an hour in the pool. The use of sunscreen is prohibited, and visitors must wear a life-jacket in order to float and not touch the bottom.

Trash that comes from the ocean