Cases

MAR ATENTO

The Mar Atento Project, a partnership between Shell Brazil and Equinor Brazil, was designed and implemented to engage and train the fishing community along part of the Brazilian coast to respond to oil spill situations. It was operated for five years, involving 500 people, including 294 members of the fishing community and 93 vessels registered in a database, which optimized the decision-making process and the preparedness of those involved in the event of an oil spill accident.

Fishing communities are known to be the most vulnerable to the impacts of oil spills caused by offshore oil and gas activities. Therefore, developing resilience among these people to face natural and industrial risks is a global interest. In addition, studies show that local volunteers are a valuable source of support in responding to oil spill emergencies. This is because they are endowed with local knowledge, such as knowledge about the climate, fauna and flora, in addition to having an extra motivation to solve the problem, since they have a personal relationship and an economic one with the region.

Launched in 2017, Mar Atento was a pilot project initially focused on the regions of Cabo Frio (RJ) and Marataízes (ES). The operation proved to be a success, having thus identified insights and strengths of its implementation. Over the course of these five years, the project was extended to other municipalities in the Campos Basin.

Phase 1.

This was the phase in which the operation planning was executed. It involved the formulation of a document describing the project in all its stages. It begins with gathering all possible information about the local fishing community and establishing criteria that will be applied in Phase 3 (training). Additionally, a process for recording vessels that could be useful in the process was started.

Phase 2.

The second phase was aimed at engaging the community. To this end, an exhibition called Expo Mar Atento was held. The interactive and informative event was designed to make the population aware of the project’s objectives. To this end, photos and videos were used, as well as 3D virtual reality equipment with demonstrations of oil spill accidents and Brazilian Navy authorities were available to answer questions about safety and documentation.

Phase 3.

At this point, the project begins to be implemented. This is when practical and theoretical training begins, involving the local fishing community. The theoretical training models, which followed international best practices but were also meticulously adapted to the proposed objective and target audience, included the following modules: Introduction, Safety, Oil Spill Response Procedures and Decommissioning Processes. The practical training processes included the modules: Coastal Protection and Beach Cleaning. After completing all the stages, each participant received a certificate.

Phase 4.

This phase consisted of sharing information and impressions among the project participants. Called “Lessons Learned”, it was marked by an event dedicated to disseminating the results of the operation. This included the showing of a video presenting everything that had happened during the previous moments, in addition to the distribution of a photo album to all the participants of Mar Atento. They were also able to ask questions, make suggestions and express their impressions about the operation.

Mar Atento was completed in 2023 and was applied in six municipalities. Throughout all stages of the project, the active participation of the local community demonstrated the positive impact of the Mar Atento Project. The meteoceanographic knowledge demonstrated by fishermen during the practice stated the achievement of the objectives. The project not only strengthens the ties between the community and the industry but also actively involves local authorities.