The reserve holds areas where fish and shrimp are caught, of vital economic importance to the local communities.

It is used by the communities of Curuípe, Caraíva, Barra Velha Indigenous Village, Corumbau, Veleiro, Barra do Cahy, Imbassuaba, Cumuruxatiba and Japara.

The Pataxó ethnic group is an important element of the traditional population using the reserve.

An ordinance of 9 December 2011 recognised the extractive reserve supported about 450 families of fishers.

Their isolated villages, accessed via unpaved roads and precarious bridges, have no electricity supply.

The villagers cannot store their fish, so are dependent on middlemen with greater economic power.

They lack capital to buy larger vessels that would give them greater independence.

The reserve is part of the Bahia "Discovery Coast" and "Whale Coast" tourist destinations.

Tourists come for whale watching expeditions that start from the communities of the reserve, especially Cumuruxatiba.

The growth of tourism has created new social problems.

One of the effects has been a rise in the cost of real estate in the coastal areas for construction of villas and hotels.

Another is disruption of the village life by agents involved in tourism.

Residents sell their homes for low prices and move to locations further from the coast.

The anticipated transformation of the whole area into a Pataxó Indian Reservation also influences the decision to sell their homes.
The reserve holds areas where fish and shrimp are caught, of vital economic importance to the local communities.
It is used by the communities of Curuípe, Caraíva, Barra Velha Indigenous Village, Corumbau, Veleiro, Barra do Cahy, Imbassuaba, Cumuruxatiba and Japara.
The Pataxó ethnic group is an important element of the traditional population using the reserve.
An ordinance of 9 December 2011 recognised the extractive reserve supported about 450 families of fishers.
Their isolated villages, accessed via unpaved roads and precarious bridges, have no electricity supply.
The villagers cannot store their fish, so are dependent on middlemen with greater economic power.
They lack capital to buy larger vessels that would give them greater independence.
The reserve is part of the Bahia "Discovery Coast" and "Whale Coast" tourist destinations.
Tourists come for whale watching expeditions that start from the communities of the reserve, especially Cumuruxatiba.
The growth of tourism has created new social problems.
One of the effects has been a rise in the cost of real estate in the coastal areas for construction of villas and hotels.
Another is disruption of the village life by agents involved in tourism.
Residents sell their homes for low prices and move to locations further from the coast.
The anticipated transformation of the whole area into a Pataxó Indian Reservation also influences the decision to sell their homes.
Corumbau Marine Extractive Reserve