Pedro de Moraes Rego Martins, EnvironPact – [email protected]

Adriano Ranieri Cervinho Viana, EnvironPact – [email protected]

Pedro Rafael Nonato Perez EnvironPact – [email protected]

Maíra Ventura de Oliveira, Equinor Brasil – [email protected]

Suely Ortega, Shell Brasil – [email protected]

Stephanie Dexheimer Caplan, EnvironPact – [email protected]

Caroline Garcia da Cruz Canellas, EnvironPact – [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The Mar Atento Project was designed and implemented with the objective of engaging and training the Brazilian artisanal fishing community to respond to an oil spill affecting the Brazilian coastal waters. After 5 years, up to 500 people were engaged, 294 fishing community members were trained, and 93 Vessels of Opportunity (VoO) were registered in a Geodata bank improving the overall preparedness and decision-making process in the event

of an oil spill.

The project is based on four major milestones: (i) Survey of secondary and primary data for project planning and detailed design, including but not limited to local fishing community, local logistics and supply chain; (ii) Implementation of several engagement efforts, principally the Expo Mar Atento Exhibition. (iii) Preparation and execution of a customized theoretical and practical training focused on the operational concepts of an oil spill response in a shoreline environment; and (iv) Lessons Learned Event, where the fishing community watch a video highlighting the activities they participated in during the earlier phases of the project. Additionally, they receive a photo book and have the opportunity to share their impressions about the project.

This sequential approach has been a key success factor for the project. It enables engagement of the fishing community and individuals in a step-by-step and methodical process, building a proper level of relationship and familiarity before building competency. Although meeting its goals and its great acceptance, the project also provided some future challenges: increasing the training frequency, necessity of defining a method for the database maintenance, and a mechanism to allow the inclusion of the fishing community in regular industry drills and exercises.

INTRODUCTION

Traditional fishing communities are recognized as one of the most vulnerable groups susceptible to direct impacts related to oil spill events from Offshore Oil & Gas (O&G) activities (Da Silva, 2014; Herculano, 2012; De Oliveira, Calil and Pina, 2020). Engaging and developing resilient communities able to face natural and industrial risk scenarios has gained global prominence. In the O&G sector, several recently published documents and technical guidance have suggested approaches and procedures on how to address this issue (UNDP,

IFC and IPIECA, 2017; API, 2014; IFC, 2007; De Oliveira, Calil and Pina, 2020).

As has been observed in several emergencies involving oil spills, such as the cases of Deepwater Horizon (Macondo/Gulf of Mexico), MV Rena (Tauranga/New Zealand), oil spill in Northeast Brazil (Brazil) and Cosco Busan (San Francisco Bay/United States), local community members go to the scene of the accident aiming to support the response (IPIECA and IOGP, 2015; Richetti and Milaré, 2021).

According to authors, such as International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) and International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) (2015), Virtanen (2015) and Tucker and O’Brien (2011), local volunteers can be a valuable resource in oil spill response, providing local knowledge (e.g. tides, currents and wildlife occurrence) and additional motivation to mitigate the impact of oil in the region, in addition to contributing financially for these communities to recover during a period of interruption in their economic activities.

As part of a voluntary Social Responsibility initiative, two Oil & Gas companies founded the Mar Atento Project. The project was developed to meet the industry’s need for a comprehensive database of vessels of opportunity capable of responding to oil spills while simultaneously maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the Mar Atento Project, as well as the challenges identified, and lessons learned to improve emergency response preparedness.

The Mar Atento Project was initiated in 2017 as a pilot project, initially focus in the municipalities of Cabo Frio/Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Marataízes/Espírito Santo (ES), situated along the coast of Brazil. The overarching goal of the Mar Atento Project is to engage and train fishermen for effective participation in responding to oil spills at sea. The project aims

to enhance emergency preparedness within the Oil & Gas (O&G) industry and foster positive collaboration with the fishing community. Moreover, the project serves as a foundational step toward establishing a comprehensive database of Vessels of Opportunity, capable of supporting the entirety of the O&G industry in Brazil.

The pilot project consisted of implementing the Mar Atento Project in two municipalities to refine the scope of the project based on the results of this first implementation. The pilot project proved successful, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in subsequent activities. Building upon the insights gained from the pilot, the Mar Atento Project transitioned into a continuous initiative in 2019, extending its implementation to other municipalities located within the influence area of Oil & Gas industry in Campos Basin (see Figure 2). These municipalities include Anchieta/ES, Itapemirim/ES, São João da Barra/RJ, and São Francisco de Itabapoana/RJ.

Figure 1: Locations covered by the Mar Atento Project until now.

The guiding principles of the Mar Atento Project are detailed in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Principles Underlying the Mar Atento Project

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project’s field activities were interrupted to comply with the health and safety measures of the World Health Organization (WHO), only returning in 2022.

METHODS

In its initial phase during the 2017 pilot project, the execution method of the Mar Atento Project was structured around three project phases: planning, engagement, and training. The degree of involvement and proactive participation exhibited by the fishermen,

coupled with a commitment to instituting a continuous improvement process, prompted the incorporation of a new fourth phase, denominated “Lessons Learned,” into the project framework. This additional phase is regarded as an opportunity to disseminate the project’s outcomes, showcase photographic and video documentation of events, and facilitate the exchange of experiences among project participants.

The pilot project also identified a demand by the fishing community to engage not only fishermen (Shoreline Protection Module) but also the broader fishing community, encompassing the families of fishermen, community professionals, and other residents. Consequently, in response to this request, a new module within the Training Phase was established, named the Beach Cleaning Module.

Building upon this feedback, the initial project structure underwent revision, leading to the incorporation of the Mar Atento Project’s four principal phases: Planning, Engagement, Training, and Lessons Learned (Figure 3).

Figure 3: New Mar Atento Project methodology, considering lessons learned.

The initial stage (Planning) encompasses the formulation of a comprehensive document describing the project’s work plan across all its stages. It commences with the acquisition of information of the local fishing community through both primary surveys, conducted via in person visits to the stakeholders, such as pertinent institutions and leadership entities in each chosen municipality, and secondary surveys, drawing upon existing literature. Within this phase, the qualification criteria for individuals within the fishing community to partake in phase 3 (Training) are established, concomitantly initiating the registration process for Vessels of Opportunity (VoOs).

In the second phase (Engagement), an event is held for the fishing community called Expo Mar Atento to strengthen the connection between the target audience and the industry organizers through the theme of oil spill response at sea and to preview the next stage of the project. The Expo Mar Atento consists of an event with informative and interactive spaces such as: i) a display of photos and videos; ii) equipment demonstration; iii) oil spill response interactive models including the use of virtual Reality (3D glasses), and iv) a “Brazilian Navy” space where the authorities answer questions about documentation and security; among other topics.

During the second phase, designated as the Engagement phase, an event named Expo Mar Atento is orchestrated for the fishing community. This event is strategically designed to fortify the bond between the intended audience and industry organizers, with a thematic focus on the response to oil spills at sea. The primary objective is to offer a preview of the

upcoming stage of the project. Expo Mar Atento encompasses a range of informative and interactive components, including: i) presentation of photos and videos; ii) demonstration of equipment; iii) interactive models showcasing oil spill response, incorporating the utilization of Virtual Reality (3D glasses); and iv) a dedicated “Brazilian Navy” space, wherein

authorities address inquiries related to documentation and security, among other pertinent topics.

Throughout phases 1 (Planning) and 2 (Engagement), fishing vessels with the potential to serve as Vessels of Opportunity (VoO) were identified and systematically mapped. A comprehensive inspection of each vessel was conducted to evaluate adherence to the minimum eligibility criteria, as outlined in Table 1. Pertinent information regarding each vessel was meticulously documented on designated form, and subsequently entered into a comprehensive database for systematic record-keeping.

Table 1: VoOs minimal criteria.

Minimum criteria
Vessel length	10 – 12 m
Deck area	10 – 12 m²
Minimum draught	1.2 m
Minimum engine power	4 – 6 cc / 90 – 150hp
Updated documentation	Vessel registration, insurance etc.

The third and pivotal phase, denominated as the Training phase, encompasses a comprehensive program of both theoretical and practical training elucidating the operational principles inherent to responding to oil spills at sea. The theoretical training module draws inspiration from the model delineated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) / Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) Level One (First Responders), meticulously adapted to align with the proposed workload and anticipated objectives, all

while taking into consideration the characteristics of the target audience. The main topics covered in the training are: i) Introduction (significance and risks associated with the oil industry and impacts on shoreline and the role of the fishing community in mitigation); ii) Safety (safety protocols within the oil industry and risks associated with oil spill response and

corresponding safety procedures); iii) Oil spill response procedures (characteristics and behavior of various oil types and utilization of equipment in response procedures); and iv) Demobilization procedures (cleaning, maintenance, and storage of equipment and decontamination procedures).

The practical training is segregated into two distinct modules: Shoreline Protection and Beach Cleanup. Each module accommodates a class size of up to 30 participants, as detailed in Table 2. Prior to the commencement of training sessions, every participant is equipped

with personal protective equipment (PPE) tailored to the unique requirements of the corresponding module.

Upon successful conclusion of the training regimen, each participant is granted with a certificate of completion. This certificate serves as formal acknowledgment of their successful participation and proficiency in the specific modules of Shoreline Protection and

Beach Cleanup, underscoring their preparedness and competence in responding to oil spills at sea.

Table 2: Qualification criteria for members of the fishing community to participate in phase 3 (Training).

Shoreline Protection		Beach Cleanup
		•	Be naturalized or have permanent
•	Be naturalized or have permanent
			residence in the selected
	residence in the selected
			municipality;
	municipality;
		•	Be 18 years or older;
•	Be 18 years or older;
		•	Be ocean fishermen and/or be related
•	Be ocean fishermen;
			to fishermen;
•	Have no political-party ties or be a
		•	Have no political-party ties or be a
	public office.
			public office.

The Shoreline Protection Module (Figure 4) is specifically designed for nearshore fishermen. This module focuses on imparting knowledge and skills related to coastal protection strategies, encompassing the containment and recovery of oil at sea through the deployment of containment booms, skimmers, and floating tanks. Additionally, the module covers the safeguarding of sensitive areas through the utilization of absorbent booms.

The implementation of coastal protection strategies is facilitated through the active involvement of participants’ own fishing vessels, which were previously registered as Vessels of Opportunity (VoOs) during the preceding phases. This approach ensures a practical and directly applicable learning experience, aligning with the unique requirements and

operational contexts of the participating ocean fishermen.

Figure 4: The Shoreline Protection Module in the third phase.

The Beach Cleanup Module (Figure 5) is tailored for the broader fishing community and focuses on instructing participants in diverse cleaning techniques applicable to sand beach environment. This module utilizes a range of equipment, including wheelbarrows, squeegees, rakes, sieves, and shovels.

To enhance organizational efficiency and emergency responsiveness, information about the participants, registered vessels forms, and the locations of facilities, such as fishing colonies and ports/harbors, is consolidated in a georeferenced database. This comprehensive database serves as a valuable resource, enabling the activation of relevant assets, both human resources and vessels, swiftly and effectively during emergency situations.

Figure 5: The Beach Cleanup Module in the third phase.

The concluding phase, denominated as “Lessons Learned,” adheres to the principles of best practices in Project Management. This pivotal phase is characterized by an event dedicated to disseminating the project results. The event includes a video presentation encapsulating the project’s highlights within the community, the distribution of a photobook, and a forum for the exchange of experiences between project organizers and participants.

During this phase, meticulous efforts are made to gather the target audience’s perceptions regarding the project. Furthermore, a structured assessment is conducted to identify the strengths observed and opportunities for enhancement. This evaluative process culminates in the creation of an After Action Plan, contributing valuable insights to the project’s continuous improvement initiatives.

In addition to the community meeting, a separate session is convened with the project organization team. This meeting serves as a technical evaluation forum to deliberate on potential improvements in the project’s processes. The collaborative engagement between organizers and participants, coupled with structured feedback mechanisms, underscores the commitment to refining and advancing the efficacy of the project for future implementations.

Considering the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, face-to-face activities within the Mar Atento Project were indefinitely suspended to prioritize the safety of both the project team and participants. To sustain ongoing engagement with the fishing community in municipalities where activities had either been completed or temporarily halted, a strategic communication plan was deployed. Recognizing Facebook and WhatsApp as primary communication channels for the target audience, these platforms were prioritized.

Maintaining a direct line of communication, telephone contact was upheld via WhatsApp. Frequent updates, focusing on pertinent topics such as environmental awareness, health and safety measures, emergency response protocols, and other subjects relevant to the target audience, were regularly disseminated on the Facebook platform. This adaptive communication strategy aimed to bridge the physical gap created by the suspension of face- to-face activities, ensuring continued connection, information dissemination, and community support during the challenging circumstances posed by the pandemic. RESULTS/DISCUSSION

Initially, pilot projects were executed between October 2017 and December 2017 in Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo states. Owing to the remarkable success and positive reception from the fishermen, a strategic decision was made to transition the projects into a continuous mode, coupled with an expansion into new municipalities. From 2017 to 2023, the Mar Atento project carried out activities in fishing communities in 6 municipalities across the

Brazilian Coast: Cabo Frio/RJ, Marataízes/ES, Anchieta/ES, Itapemirim/ES, São João da

Barra/RJ and São Francisco de Itabapoana/RJ (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Timeline of Mar Atento Project.

To comprehensively assess the engagement of the fishing community and the registration of Vessels of Opportunity (VoOs) throughout the project implementation, detailed information regarding the number of engaged audience and registered vessels at the culmination of each phase is systematically presented in Table 3. In total, 294 members of the fishing community and 36 vessels of opportunity were trained, and more than 500 people were engaged at all phases. These results are very positive, considering that all vacancies offered for training were practically filled.

Table 3: Results of Mar Atento Project.

Location	Year of start/end of activities	Present at the Expo Mar Atento (Phase 2)	Qualified People (Phase 3)	Registered Vessels	Trained Vessels	Present at Lessons Learn Event (Phase 4)
Cabo Frio/	2017/	51	28	22	6	36
RJ	20191
Marataízes	2017/	54	30	15	6	23
/ ES	20191

Table 3: Results of Mar Atento Project.

Location	Year of start/end of activities	Present at the Expo Mar Atento (Phase 2)	Qualified People (Phase 3)	Registered Vessels	Trained Vessels	Present at Lessons Learn Event (Phase 4)
Anchieta/	2019/	103	57	9	6	13
ES	20222
Itapemirim	2019/	82	60	9	6	10
/ ES	20222
São João	2019/	122	60	17	6	31
da Barra/	20233
RJ
São		82	59	21	6	29
Francisco	2019/
de	20233
Itabapoana
/ RJ
Notes: 1 Phases 1, 2 and 3 were carried out in 2017. After creating phase 4, as an identified improvement opportunity, in 2019 the fourth phase was carried out in these pilot project locations.2 Phases 1, 2 and 3 were carried out in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, activities were interrupted and completed in 2022, with the implementation of phase 4.3 Phases 1 and 2 were carried out in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, activities were interrupted and completed in 2022, with the implementation of phases 3 and 4.

The creation of the Beach Cleanup module, initiated in response to community requests during the pilot project, proved to be a successful addition in 2019 in Anchieta/ES and Itapemirim/ES, followed by implementation in São João da Barra/RJ and São Francisco de Itabapoana/RJ in 2023. The demand for this new module was robust, with nearly all available vacancies filled in the respective municipalities.

Throughout all project phases, particularly in the training phase, active participation demonstrated the positive impact of the Mar Atento Project. Testimonials from participants and social media comments highlighted increased awareness regarding environmental preservation, risks in oil and gas (O&G) activities, and the importance of community involvement in emergency oil spill responses.

The metoceanographic knowledge demonstrated by the fishermen during practical training modules affirmed the achievement of project objectives. The positive reception and results obtained underscore the Mar Atento Project as an effective form of collaboration between the O&G industry and the fishing community, serving as a critical tool for enhancing emergency preparedness and fostering resilient communities.

The project not only fortifies the bonds between the community and the industry but also actively engages local authorities, as exemplified by a real event of an oil spill in the Campos Basin that affected the shoreline of Cabo Frio-RJ. In this instance, fishermen who had participated in the Mar Atento Project proactively collaborated with local authorities and the responsible party to contribute to the response efforts. This practical demonstration showcases the project’s effectiveness in empowering the fishing community to play an active, safe and informed role during emergency situations, fostering a collaborative and resilient approach in addressing environmental challenges.

The Planning phase emerges as a key determinant of project success, emphasizing the importance of understanding community needs and navigating the dynamics of the fishing industry. Proactive communication with local leaders, colony presidents, and fishermen allows for the selection of optimal locations, dates, and times, facilitating greater participation among fishermen.

The database that was built throughout the project emerges as a valuable tool for emergency response, streamlining the identification of capable secondary response resources.

Maintaining updated information in the database, particularly for Vessels of Opportunity (VoOs) and trained fishermen, is crucial for efficient activation during emergencies, primarily facilitated through telephone contact and vessel information.

Moving forward, the primary opportunity for improvement lies in the implementation of refresher training to sustain participants’ knowledge and encourage ongoing dialogue. Regular updates to the VoO and trained fishermen database are imperative, ensuring the availability of current information for activation during emergencies.

Considering the potential for oil and gas exploration along the Brazilian coast and the presence of fishing communities, the Mar Atento Project exhibits the capacity for expansion. Initial steps involve extending the project into the Campos Basin, with possibilities for further expansion into port activities. The receptivity of fishermen and their expressed desire for

more training provide a foundation for considering the feasibility of expansion to new locations and increased training frequencies in previously trained locations.

To validate and refine emergency response mechanisms, it is recommended to include trained members of the fishing community and their vessels in regular industry-led drills and exercises. Such drills offer an opportunity to assess real mobilization times, evaluate community and VoO responsiveness, and ensure comprehension and execution of information shared during training sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry’s emergency response capacity, initiatives such as the publication of documents like APELL (Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level) (UNEP, 2015) underscore the importance of involving communities in the emergency preparedness and response process. The Mar Atento Project stands as a commendable example of this initiative, aiming to engage and train

the fishing community to be proficient in responding to emergencies, particularly those involving oil spills at sea.

Through the implementation of the Mar Atento Project, meaningful partnerships have been forged between the O&G industry, target communities, and local/regional authorities. The enthusiastic interest displayed by fishing communities in training their members has been pivotal to the success and innovation of this endeavor.

Over the project’s duration, approximately 294 members of the fishing community have undergone training in six coastal municipalities within Brazil’s Campos Basin. Additionally, 93 vessels of opportunity have been registered in these locations. The project has culminated in the establishment of a comprehensive database, cataloging trained members of the fishing community and their vessels based on their locations along the Brazilian coast. This database significantly augments the capacity and effectiveness of oil spill responses in the region.

As a tangible outcome of the Mar Atento Project, the O&G industry, local communities, and authorities are now better prepared to respond to potential oil spills. Looking ahead, the future challenges of the Mar Atento Project include increasing the frequency of training sessions, implementing refresher training initiatives, maintaining the accuracy of the database, integrating the participation of fishermen and their vessels in industry-led drills, and expanding the project to encompass additional municipalities along the Brazilian coast. These challenges underscore the project’s commitment to continuous improvement and its mission to foster a resilient and well-prepared community in the face of potential emergencies.

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