Suape completes mapping of seabed in the port area in partnership with federal university

The Port of Suape unveiled the results of the Geomar project on Tuesday (18), at an event held in the auditorium of the Petroleum and Energy Research Institute (Litpeg) at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). This project involves the comprehensive mapping and description of submerged habitats around the port, encompassing bathymetry, sonography, and ecological studies. The study was conducted in partnership with the university’s Development Support Foundation (Fade), under a technical cooperation agreement signed in 2020. The presentation was part of the port authority’s Environment Month program, celebrated in June.

“Over the years, the findings of this project have provided Suape with unprecedented information about the sea floor’s nature, benefiting activities such as fishing. These results will also support sustainability initiatives at the port, including environmental monitoring and quality maintenance. This aligns with our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Agenda,” said Carlos Cavalcanti, Director of Sustainability at the Port of Suape.

The study recorded 2,997 fishes, including 15 species endemic to Brazil, 11 species threatened with extinction, and 42 species significant for regional fishing. The study area also reported sightings of lobsters, gray dolphins, and rays. Additionally, a tool named GEOMAR View was developed to share georeferenced photographs of the seabed through the Google Earth platform.

The project’s objectives were to identify submerged habitats, analyze seabed composition and geodiversity, and identify areas with biota presence, among other critical information. All the research was carried out by the Geological Oceanography laboratory (Labogeo) of the Department of Oceanography at UFPE.

The event was attended by Carlos Cavalcanti; UFPE professors Tereza Araújo and Mirella Costa; Inaldo Campelo, Secretary of Economic Development of Cabo de Santo Agostinho; Rafael Duarte, superintendent of the National Waterborne Transport Agency (Antaq); along with other stakeholders, students, Suape employees, and the general public.

Ocean Friendly Terminal

During the event, the 4th edition of the Selo Terminal Amigo do Oceano (Ocean Friendly Terminal Seal) was launched. This environmental certification, granted by the Suape port authority, recognizes terminals that comply with environmental legislation and adopt sustainable practices in line with the Ocean Decade and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“This successful project, now in its fourth edition, assesses critical sustainability aspects such as environmental governance, rational consumption of water and energy, and measures to prevent waste dumping at sea. We also evaluate environmental licensing, emergency preparedness, voluntary certifications, and dedicated human resources and training. The judging committee considers all these factors,” explained Carlos Cavalcanti.

These initiatives align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 14 (Life Below Water), which aims to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources. They also support the goals of the Oceans Decade (2021-2030).

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