Marine turtles, dolphins, birds, and other organisms are part of life in the estuaries and coastal areas where Brazilian ports are located. To monitor these species and understand how they live in these environments, port authorities maintain monitoring programs that help identify changes in fauna and guide environmental protection measures.
Initiatives vary according to the characteristics of each region. There are studies focused on the presence of turtles and cetaceans, such as dolphins and porpoises, in addition to surveys of birds, aquatic organisms, and exotic marine species. The information gathered also serves as a basis for evaluating possible impacts of port activities and defining measures to reduce their effects on the environment.
At the Port of Santos, in São Paulo, the work includes monitoring programs for aquatic biota, birds, exotic marine species, and fishing activity. Among the initiatives is the monitoring of marine turtles in the port channel region. Avifauna surveys assess the diversity and abundance of species, while the exotic species program continuously monitors the aquatic biota of the estuary to identify non-native organisms and evaluate the risks associated with their presence.
In Santos, the port complex has initiatives focused on the study of marine turtles in the navigation channel region. The work records the presence of animals at different points in the estuary and monitors sediment banks that can serve as feeding areas. Monitoring also contributes to evaluating possible impacts of port activities on marine fauna.
In Paraná, the ports of Paranaguá and Antonina develop actions to monitor marine fauna, mangroves, chelonians, and water quality in the regions. The work also includes initiatives for the recovery of degraded areas and socio-environmental projects in partnership with communities on the Paraná coast.
MPor Sustainability Actions
These initiatives align with the sustainability policies of the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), which encourages sustainable practices in the port, waterway, and airport sectors. The ministry has guidelines to incorporate environmental protection into infrastructure planning and development, stimulating initiatives for the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of operational impacts.
Among the actions is the Pact for Sustainability, which encourages public and private companies to commit to environmental, social, and governance practices.
