Amazon fishermen fear for livelihoods amid Petrobras oil drilling

Fishermen in the Amazon delta are expressing growing concern over oil exploration activities near the mouth of the Amazon River in northern Brazil. The state-controlled corporation Petrobras began exploratory drilling in Block 59 last November following approval from the environmental agency Ibama.

Local fishing and shell-collecting communities, particularly on Marajó Island, fear that potential accidents or spills could destroy their livelihoods. Despite the Brazilian government promoting a transition away from fossil fuels at international forums like COP 30, authorities approved the drilling in this ecologically sensitive area despite contrary recommendations from technical experts.

Local organizers, including the Catholic organization CPP, have held meetings to coordinate resistance against the drilling projects. Activists note that public attention has waned since the conclusion of the COP 30 climate conference in Belém, allowing the government to move forward with the drilling operations.