Residents report oil spill on island in COP30 host city

By Fabyo Cruz – From Cenarium

BELÉM (PA) – An oil spill at the Port Terminal of Outeiro, on Caratateua Island, in Belém, caused direct impact on riverside communities in the region last Tuesday, the 22nd. The terminal, which will receive cruise ships during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), in November this year, is now the focus of complaints from fishermen and environmentalists, who report water contamination and damage to artisanal fishing in the nearby islands.

According to the complainants, the oil was dumped by a ship anchored at the port. Images taken by riverside dwellers show darkened water and fishing tools such as matapis covered in oil. The matapis—traditional traps made with fibre from the Jupati palm, widely used for shrimp fishing—appear in videos and photos soaked in the substance.

Local resident Andreza Correa, who lives on Jutuba Island, told CENARIUM that the locality and other nearby insular areas of Outeiro were affected, such as Paquetá, Nova, and Cotijuba islands. Residents say the oil slick spread quickly and began affecting aquatic fauna soon after the spill.

According to the accounts, the impacts were immediate. Fishermen can no longer use their work tools. In addition to the damaged matapis, fishing nets and aquatic fences were also affected by the oil. The strong smell of the substance has taken over areas near the coast and there is concern about deeper contamination in the soil and water, which could harm biodiversity for an indefinite period.

Environmental activist João do Clima, a resident of Caratateua Island, told the report that the Special Division for the Environment and Animal Protection (Demapa) of the Civil Police was called as soon as the spill was discovered. “Someone told me that a forensics team would be sent to assess the damage. And that the company must have an environmental licence. We still don’t know what that licence is, but according to the licence, when these large-scale cases happen, there is a protocol the company must follow. But I don’t know if this licence exists, I don’t know what it is or what protocol they are going to follow,” he explained.

The environmentalist also emphasises that the episode represents yet another chapter of environmental neglect in peripheral territories of Pará’s capital. “Our island is wounded by an environmental crime that lays bare the neglect towards insular territories and those who live here. The oil spill was not just a stain on the water. It was a threat to health, fishing, dignity,” he said.

João says that the local population is constantly neglected when episodes arise that compromise local ecosystems and the economy of riverside families. “The dignity of an entire community was harmed. We who are the first to feel the impacts are the last to be heard. Of course we demand accountability and immediate reparation, and above all respect. We won’t accept silence or invisibility. Those responsible need to be held accountable. And the more days go by, the worse it gets,” says João.

Despite the severity of the situation, there has been no official statement so far from the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainability (Semas). CENARIUM contacted the department to find out what measures are being taken in response to the spill, and also requested a statement from Demapa, of the Civil Police, but has not yet received a response from either. The report remains available to include official positions once they are provided.

Edited by Adrisa De Góes
Translated from Portuguese by Gustô Alves