In early September, oil slicks began to appear on beaches in the Northeast of Brazil. Since then, the oil slicks have appeared in at least 105 locations in 46 municipalities in eight states: Maranhão, Piaui, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, and Sergipe.
Among the beaches affected are some of the most famous tourist destinations in the Northeast, such as Pipa and Natal (RN), Carneiros, Porto de Galinhas and Boa Viagem (PE), and João Pessoa (PB).
According to the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, IBAMA, the analysis of oil samples by Petrobras and the Navy revealed that the substance is petroleum and is not of Brazilian origin. Petrobras stated that the material found is neither produced nor marketed by the company.
The fauna was also affected by the presence of the oil. In four states, six sea turtles and one bird were found dead. Two other turtles were rescued alive.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon