The Taim Ecological Station, administered by IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources), having an area of 33,815 hectares (83,560 acres). It is located in a narrow land strip between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagoa Mirim—Merín Lagoon. The objective is to prerserve one of the main coastal ecosystems in the country, as well as to allow for scientific studies conducted by institutions and universities. The Ecological Station and nature preserve was created in 1978.