The marine coastal protection area, which covers 13,926 hectares (34,410 acres) was created on 25 September 1984.

[1] The area includes all or part of the municipalities of Guapimirim, Itaboraí, Magé and São Gonçalo in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

[4] The area includes the 2,000 hectares (4,900 acres) Guanabara Ecological Station, created on 15 February 2006, which protects one of the last sections of midsize contiguous mangrove habitats in the state.

The purpose is to maintain biological diversity, manage human settlements and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

[2] The main goal is to protect the remaining mangroves in Guanabara Bay, and to preserve the human populations that maintain a traditional lifestyle in a close relationship with the environment.