The Port Authority of Santos (APS) is monitoring the presence of sea turtles in the Port of Santos and supporting their conservation.
The action is part of a subprogram dedicated to the supervision of the species and is part of the environmental initiatives carried out by the company, as stipulated by Operating License No. /17 from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama).
Under the direction of the APS Environmental Department, the task monitors six points weekly within a perimeter that extends from Barnabé Island, in Santos, to Palmas Island, in Guarujá.
Since January 2021, the initiative has recorded more than 540 turtle sightings. In 2025, 222 were recorded, highlighting Ponta da Praia and Ilha das Palmas. In addition to the green turtle, the subprogram has also recorded the presence of the hawksbill turtle.
The records also report the existence of three other species in the waters of Baixada Santista and the coast of São Paulo, although rarer and with no recent sightings in the port region. These animals are Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle), Lepidochelys olivacea (olive ridley turtle) and Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback turtle).
Thiago Mace, a biologist at the Port Authority of Santos (APS), commented that “in the case of turtles, we want to ensure that port operations do not reduce the local population. In addition to being a requirement of the Port Operating License, it is rewarding to be able to contribute to the understanding of their habits and the preservation of biodiversity in the port area.”
The Port Authority of Santos has also adopted other strategies to protect marine life. One is that the maintenance dredging of the channel includes turtle deflectors, which act as a physical and sensory barrier for the animals and prevent incidents.
This technology uses flexible chains placed in front of the dredge arm that oscillate and gently stir the area ahead of the dredging, keeping animals away from the work area.
