[2] The ecological station is the more strictly protected of two conservation units on the island, the other being the Ilha do Mel State Park.

The ecological station is used primarily for scientific research, with public visits allowed only for environmental education with express permission of the administrator.

[3] Outside the conservation areas there are beautiful beaches and attractions such as the Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres Fort, the lighthouse and the Enchanted Grotto which have made the island one of the state's main tourist destinations.

A management board, with government and local resident representatives, monitors implementation of the zoning rules.

[3] In 1982 the federal union heritage service transferred administration of the Ilha do Mel to the state of Paraná on condition that a conservation unit was created to protect its natural ecosystems.