At the start of terminal operations in 2017, it was observed that two seabird species threatened with extinction in Brazil — the Cabot's tern (Thalasseus acuflavidus) and the South American tern (Sterna hirundinacea) — began using the area annually, between April and September, as a nesting site.

It was also identified that the chosen locations were not the most suitable for breeding, due to vehicle traffic and operational activities, which could impact on the birds' behavior and reproductive success. In this context, we sought sustainable solutions that would allow coexistence between the species and terminal operations. In 2019, on a voluntary basis, a diagnostic assessment was carried out, which guided actions of continuous monitoring, management, deterrence, and environmental education.
By 2022, we identified the opportunity to go further, with the structuring of a conservation project, which was named Aves do Açu. The initiative involved research, conservation, mapping of migratory routes, and bird management, as well as environmental education actions among our employees, suppliers, contractors, and communities.

In 2026, the project advanced with the formalization of a Technical Cooperation Agreement with PETRONAS and Braço Social, incorporating, among other initiatives, satellite telemetry technology into the monitoring of terns. The partnership includes investment in the development and validation of an integrated model for the management and conservation of marine birds in port terminals in the oil & gas sector, reconciling species reproduction with operations.
The model considers aspects such as reproductive and demographic parameters, spatial and migratory dynamics, feeding ecology and sanitary conditions, using T-Oil as a reference. The project also relies on a partnership with the Caruara Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN), focusing on bird observation. Among the initiatives are the creation and maintenance of a trail and an observation structure, CasaMata, as well as the planned expansion to other Conservation Units in Northern Rio de Janeiro, with studies on fauna and flora.

Currently, the Aves do Açu project is structured around different areas of action:

Research, conservation, and management of terns at T-Oil.
Research and monitoring of avifauna in conservation units.
Observation and counting of birds in nearby areas.

Development of research, development and innovation (RD&I) focused on population dynamics, migration, feeding and bird health.

Expansion of migratory route mapping and fauna and flora studies to other areas.
Based on these fronts, in 2022, management and monitoring actions for bird reproduction were initiated, including nest protection, monitoring of reproductive success and banding of chicks and, whenever possible, adults.

To date, 557 nests of South American terns have been identified, monitored and protected: 72 in 2022, 213 in 2023, 90 in 2024 and 182 in 2025.

In 2025, 259 South American tern eggs were recorded, with no need for relocation, which indicates that the measures implemented and the harmonious coexistence with the terminal’s operations have been effective. In previous years, 293 eggs were counted in 2023 and 140 in 2024, all monitored until hatching. In 2022, it was not possible to quantify the total due to the methodology adopted at the time.

In total, 296 South American tern chicks have hatched at the terminal: 32 in 2022, 96 in 2023, 69 in 2024 and 99 in 2025.

In 2024, in addition to the South American tern, the formation of a significant reproductive colony of Cabot’s terns was observed for the first time, expanding the terminal’s importance for the conservation of these birds. In 2025, around 3,000 individuals of this species were recorded in the area. Despite operational challenges, the isolation of the area occupied by the birds during the reproductive period contributed to this result, reinforcing the effectiveness of the measures adopted at T-Oil.

In total, 256 South American terns and Cabot’s terns were banded, including 31 in 2022, 63 in 2024 and 162 in 2025. No banding activity took place in 2023 due to restrictions imposed by the state of sanitary emergency in the country, resulting from the avian flu outbreak.

 

Banding is an important tool for the study of birds, as it provides information on distribution and migration patterns, helps identify the age of individuals, estimate demographic parameters and understand the frequency of use of reproductive sites. The collected data is registered in the National Banding System, coordinated by the National Center for Research and Conservation of Wild Birds (CEMAVE), part of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

With intensive monitoring, research and well-planned and executed mitigation strategies, TOil has become consolidated not only as a strategic area for the conservation of these species, but also as a favorable environment for their reproduction.

In this context, the project’s results — aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development — directly contribute to the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Birds, to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and to Brazil’s Marine Spatial Planning.

As recognition, the Aves do Açu project won 1st place at the 2024 ANTAQ Award, in the category of technical and scientific articles, and received the 2025 Firjan Sustainability Award, in the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services category — reinforcing its reach and relevance.

In this context of strengthening the initiative, the project seeks to consolidate itself as a platform to support other conservation initiatives, expanding partnerships, strengthening governance and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

These results reinforce alignment with sustainability principles in management and demonstrate the potential for replicating the initiatives in other terminals.