Marine Protected Areas Affected by the most extensive Oil Spill on the Southwestern Atlantic coast

This study identified the marine protected areas (MPAs) affected by most extensive oil spill recorded on Southwestern Atlantic coast, Brazil (2019/2020). We found that 81 MPAs suffered direct or indirect effects of spilled oil, producing chemical, biological and socioenvironmental impacts over approximately 3.0% 2,659 currently established in Brazil. Although estimates suggest a moderate volume incident reached wide coastal strips, probably more damage to than other cases worldwide. Further, generated negative already fragile environmental protection system Brazil, potentially leading global networks worldwide biodiversity.