Brazil's marine sector faces oil drilling, lionfish, and low‑water navigation

Conexão‑Abrolhos, a coalition of Brazilian marine‑conservation NGOs, warned that the upcoming 16th round of exploratory block auctions by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) on 10 October could trigger oil‑spill risks from the north coast of Bahia to Espírito Santo. The projected spill would threaten the Abrolhos coral bank, mangroves, endangered species, artisanal fisheries and tourism, even though the federal government recently authorized four blocks in the Camamu‑Almada basin despite environmental recommendations.

In Rio Grande do Norte, a cash‑prize tournament has been launched to encourage fishermen to capture the invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans). Biologist Emanuelle Rabelo says the competition is meant to curb the rapidly growing lionfish population, which preys on native marine life, and to foster a habit of removal among local fishers.

Maersk warned that low water levels during Brazil’s dry season could lead to draft restrictions and possible river closures on Amazonian waterways between October 2026 and early 2027. The shipping company flagged that such constraints would reduce vessel capacity, increase logistical costs and may result in freight surcharges, affecting trade along the region’s rivers.