Caracterização de paisagens marinhas e serviços ecossistêmicos na plataforma de Fortaleza entre o Porto do Mucuripe à foz do Rio Ceará

Abstract

Habitats can be defined as the physical or environmental conditions that support a given biological community, together with the community itself. Thus, the characterization of marine landscapes involves mapping both the geological conditions of the environment (sedimentological and morphological compositions) and the biological communities. Both factors are strongly influenced, especially by local hydrodynamics, which can cause changes in the morphodynamic conditions of the seabed and, consequently, in marine habitats. The study area, located within the Mucuripe Bay, stretching from the Port of Mucuripe to the mouth of the Ceará River, on the western coast of Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, originated from erosion caused by wave action. This area holds great influence and strategic importance, as it provides essential ecosystem services, such as artisanal fishing, which sustains communities and supports the local economy, as well as cultural services linked to tourism, recreation, and maritime traditions. From an economic standpoint, Fortaleza’s waterfront is one of the most significant tourist hubs in Northeastern Brazil, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The combination of beaches, nautical activities, gastronomy, and cultural heritage, along with the scenic beauty of the coastline, boosts sectors such as hospitality, transportation, commerce, and leisure. The aim of this study is to characterize and identify submerged sedimentary structures and to encompass the ecosystem services provided in the study area. For this research, bathymetry and sediment sampling were employed. Bathymetry allowed the generation of slope maps and profiles that revealed features ranging from gentle slopes to steeper gradients on the continental shelf, using the Benthic Terrain Modeler, a modeling tool in ArcGIS. Based on the obtained data, various sediment types were identified, including areas with significant presence of mud, fine sand, medium sand, coarse sand, and gravel. Subsequently, the sediments were classified according to carbonate content into 11 groups, following the classification by Larsonneur (1977), modified by Dias (1996). Additionally, features found in the BTM (Benthic Terrain Modeler) of the area, using Natural Neighbor interpolation, were identified as: Flat plains, Flat ridge tops, Rock (outcrops or reefs), and Local pinnacles on broad flats. The classification of services provided to the community was also carried out, including Provisioning and Cultural services, such as food supply through fishing and religious or cultural activities observed along the waterfront. It is expected that, by the end of the study, different seabed morphologies and sediment types will be characterized, along with an understanding of the ecosystem services provided in the region and their integration. Furthermore, the results of this research may contribute to defining and managing potential geohabitat conservation areas, environmental monitoring, and advancing scientific knowledge about this region.