Legal aspects of protecting the coastal zone In Brazil and their consequences in coastal state of Ceara coast

As they consist in relevant environmental fragility systems, coastal environments need to be covered by measures that ensure their protection and preservation. So, it is necessary to draw up legal instruments regulating the various forms of use and occupation. This legal apparatus should be based on integrated management principles, looking for a real harmony between the natural aspects with the different actors of society involved in the occupation of the coastal zone. Given this, this article aims to analyze the main legal aspects of protection of coastal environments developed in Brazil, pointing the applicability of these instruments in the Ceara coast. The research about laws in force and field activities methodologically served for construction of this research. The disordered forms of use and occupation, as verified in the field, show that the coastal environmental legislation needs greater effectiveness in the context of the state of Ceara coast.