The marine biodiversity of Paraíba sustains artisanal fishing and the way of life for thousands of fishermen along its coast. Furthermore, its beaches of extreme scenic beauty and favorable oceanographic conditions promote visitation and nautical and underwater tourism throughout the year.

Facing challenges related to development, nature conservation, and the sustainable use of the coastal zone, PREAMAR foresees the implementation of a set of socio-environmental actions, based on the use of artificial reefs, with the aim of recovering biodiversity, promoting nautical and underwater tourism, and collaborating with fisheries management in Paraíba.

To carry out these actions, the Polo de Inovação of the Instituto Federal da Paraíba, and the Governo do Estado da Paraíba, through the Companhia de Desenvolvimento da Paraíba (CINEP), are joining forces for the implementation of PREAMAR. The investment value was estimated by CINEP at R$ 2.5 million.

The Program will be developed over four years and aims to deploy 10,000 artificial reef blocks, possibly in 10 points on the shallow continental shelf of the State of Paraíba. The areas will be defined after environmental studies are conducted with the participation of segments related to tourism, fishing, and navigation. Additionally, an area for thematic diving will be defined, and ecological restoration techniques for natural coral environments will be implemented.

According to Professor Cláudio Dybas, from the Cabedelo-Centro Campus of IFPB and Coordinator of PREAMAR, “The program represents a milestone in integrated coastal management in the state, as through research, innovation, and technology, it will dialogue with economic and socio-environmental sectors, and promote Environmental Education in a cross-cutting and curricularized manner.”

The first phase of the work consists of planning, environmental diagnoses, and public meetings with the community. In the second phase of the program, concrete structures will be installed in previously determined locations; finally, the results of the Program's actions will be monitored.

PREAMAR has a multidisciplinary and qualified team, involving researchers from IFPB, UFPB, and external collaborators. Other partnerships will be established throughout the development of the actions.

The signing of the Partnership Agreement between CINEP and IFPB will take place next Tuesday (the 17th), at 10 am, at the Fundação Casa de José Américo, on Avenida Cabo Branco, in João Pessoa. The event will be attended by Governor João Azevedo and the Rector of IFPB, Professor Mary Roberta Meira Marinho, as well as other authorities.

________________________________________

Alessandra Lontra
Press Officer - PREAMAR Program / DGCOM of IFPB

Journalist DRT 3913/PB

Cel. +55 (83) 99675-3199 (CLARO)
E-mail: secom@preamarpb.com.br

________________________________________

Credits

Photo 1 - Praia Formosa, Cabedelo - PB - Photo - @fernando_luiz8

Photo 2 - Baía da Traição - PB - Photo -@fernando_luiz8

Photo 3 - Barra de Mamanguape - PB - Photo - @fernando_luiz82

Photos 4, 5, and 6 - Acervo Mar Aberto/LEAC-UFPB