Determinação do índice de sensibilidade do litoral Pecém - Mundaú

Abstract

This work is part of the Master Science Program in Marine Tropical Sciences at the Institute of Marine Sciences – LABOMAR / Federal University of Ceará, concerning the research theme on Environmental Impacts and Biology of Conservation and has as main goal, the elaboration of an environmental sensibility map at 1: 10.000 scale, using an methodology based by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA, which is broadly used for producing environmental sensibility maps for coastal areas and oil spreads. The work area was defined in this study by taking in consideration the induced risks originated from the Complex of Pecém Harbour, the Pier of Paracuru besides the oil camps of Atum, Espada, Xareu and Curimã and ship oil routes that may hazard the coasts of São Gonçalo do Amarante, Paracuru, Paraipaba and part of Trairi municipalities in case of an oil spill. The dissertation focused on the sensibility of coastal ecosystems by means of a coastal sensibility index (ISL). This index hierarchies several types of coastal outlines under an 1 to10 scale being the highest degree, the most sensible. The ISL is based on the geomorphological features of the coastal, the basement for determinations of the degree of impact and the residence of the spilled oil, as well as, in many cases, pointing to types of possible cleaning and relief procedures. Geomorphology is also determinant for the type and density of the biological communities present at the area. The scope of this work contains information directed to far beyond the protection of human life, but to reduce environmental hazards due to oil waste and to make efficient the efforts of isolation and cleaning / remove. This instrument may also be used as technical support to other social – economic activities and environmental management.