The Importance of Protecting Marine Biodiversity in Port Operations
- 10/04/2025
- 12 minutes
Oceans play a fundamental role in the planet’s environmental balance, supporting complex ecosystems and providing essential resources for the global economy.
Therefore, protecting marine biodiversity is not only a matter of environmental responsibility but also a strategic necessity for the continuity of maritime and port activities.
In this article, we will explore the importance of protecting marine biodiversity in port operations, the main challenges faced, and the sustainable solutions being implemented globally.
Enjoy the read!
Impacts of Port Operations on Marine Biodiversity
Port operations involve various activities that can negatively impact marine ecosystems. Among the main impacts are:
- Alteration of Coastal Habitats
The construction and expansion of ports often require dredging of seabeds and the removal of sediments, which can destroy sensitive habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows. These areas are natural nurseries for numerous species, and their destruction compromises the reproduction and survival of marine life.
- Water Pollution
Port activities generate pollutants that can affect water quality, including:
- Oils and fuels leaked from vessels, which can contaminate large areas and harm
aquatic fauna. - Chemical residues and heavy metals from cargo handling, which affect the marine
food chain. - Sewage and solid waste, which can lead to water eutrophication and the
uncontrolled growth of harmful algae.
- Introduction of Invasive Species
Ships operating on international routes carry large volumes of ballast water, which may contain marine organisms from different regions. When this water is discharged into a new environment, these species can compete with native ones, destabilizing the local ecosystem.
- Underwater Noise Pollution
The intense traffic of vessels in ports generates underwater noise that can interfere with the communication and navigation of various marine species, particularly mammals like whales and dolphins. These impacts can affect their migration and reproduction patterns.
Measures for Protecting Marine Biodiversity
Given the environmental challenges associated with port operations, several strategies have been adopted to minimize impacts and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity. Here are the main ones:
1. Sustainable Dredging Management
Dredging is a necessity for many ports but can be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. Measures such as environmental impact studies, planning safe sediment disposal areas, and continuous habitat monitoring help mitigate damage.
2. Pollution Control in Ports
To reduce water contamination, ports have been adopting solutions such as:
- Leak containment systems to prevent the spread of oils and fuels into the sea.
- Waste treatment platforms, ensuring effluents are properly processed before disposal.
- Water quality monitoring, enabling quick responses to environmental incidents.
3. Ballast Water Management and Rainwater Reuse
The implementation of ballast water treatment systems has become a growing requirement in ports worldwide. These systems use technologies like filtration and UV disinfection to eliminate invasive organisms before water is released into the environment.
Another way to contribute to biodiversity protection is through the reuse of rainwater in operational facilities:
“Wilson Sons has rainwater harvesting systems in its facilities, reducing reliance on conventional sources and contributing to environmental preservation. This initiative improves water efficiency and reinforces our commitment to sustainability in the port and maritime logistics sector.”
Camila Felipe
Sustainability Manager, Wilson Sons
4. Reducing Underwater Acoustic Impact
To minimize the effects of underwater noise, some practices being applied include:
- Developing quieter propellers and engines to reduce acoustic impacts on marine life.
- Adjusting maritime routes to avoid sensitive areas for endangered species.
- Acoustic monitoring to track and mitigate the effects of noise on marine species.
5. Creation of Marine Protected Areas Near Ports
Establishing marine protection zones around port areas has proven to be an effective solution for preserving natural habitats. These areas serve as ecological refuges, allowing biodiversity to recover and thrive despite nearby port activities.
6. Creation of Artificial Reefs
Artificial reefs are a creative solution to repurpose vessels that are no longer in use. This idea helps promote tourism and marine biology studies near coastlines. For this reason, Wilson Sons has supported many such projects in Brazil.
Sinking a vessel to create an artificial reef contributes to the preservation and sustainable use of oceans, one of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations (UN). Sunken vessels enhance fishery productivity, tourism, and simultaneously protect biodiversity by preventing predatory fishing with trawl nets on seabeds. Artificial reefs, created from vessels that are no longer useful, are an innovative solution that fosters tourism and marine biology studies in coastal areas.
“The artificial reef, which can be formed by tugboat hulls, creates an environment conducive to nurturing and protecting marine life. Species seek these points of attachment and shelter, and the vessel becomes colonized and comes to life.”
Camila Felipe
Sustainability Manager, Wilson Sons
Technologies and Innovation for Port Sustainability
In addition to regulatory practices, the adoption of innovative technologies has been essential to ensure the sustainability of port operations.
1. Green Ports and Digitalization
Sustainable ports are investing in the digitalization and automation of processes to reduce environmental impacts. The use of smart sensors for water quality monitoring and big data for operational optimization reduces waste and improves logistical efficiency.
2. Use of Renewable Energy Sources
The transition to clean energy sources in ports, such as solar and wind, has significantly reduced carbon emissions and minimized the environmental impact of port operations.
In Brazil, with its predominantly hydroelectric energy matrix, the use of shore power has become a viable solution to reduce the carbon footprint of operations. In some ports, such as the Port of Açu, Wilson Sons’ tugboats use shore power as an alternative complementary to diesel energy, contributing to more sustainable operations.
3. Waste Management
Responsible waste management is essential for sustainability and demonstrates a commitment to environmentally conscious business practices. It encompasses identifying the types of waste generated and implementing strategies for their reduction, treatment, reuse, and proper disposal.
Proper waste management goes beyond simple disposal and aims to minimize the environmental impact of materials throughout their lifecycle, mitigating impacts on the environment and society.
Opportunities for the Future of Marine Conservation in Ports
The adoption of sustainable practices not only protects marine biodiversity but also brings strategic advantages to ports and companies in the sector, as it is an essential process to ensure a sustainable balance between economic development and environmental conservation.
With the growing global awareness of the importance of sustainability, ports that adopt proactive measures to protect marine ecosystems not only fulfill their environmental responsibility but also stand out as leaders in the transition to a greener and more resilient economy.
“The preservation of marine biodiversity is an essential commitment to ensure sustainable port operations and responsible global trade.”
Camila Felipe
Sustainability Manager, Wilson Sons
