In the early days of our terminal operations in 2017, it was observed that two species of seabirds endangered in Brazil, the Cabot’s tern (Thalasseus acuflavidus) and the South American tern (Sterna hirundinacea), began to use the terminal annually from April to September as a nesting site. We also noted that the chosen areas were not ideal for their reproduction, considering the disturbances caused by vehicle circulation and operational activities, which affected the birds’ behavior and reproductive success.
In this context, we sought sustainable approaches to promote better coexistence between these species and our operational activities. As a result, in 2019, we conducted a diagnostic assessment that led to continuous monitoring actions, management processes, deterrence, and environmental education. By 2022, we identified an opportunity to go further by establishing a robust conservation project named Aves do Açu. This initiative involves research, conservation, mapping of migratory routes, bird management, and environmental education activities involving our employees and the communities. It also envisions expansion to other Conservation Units in the Northern Fluminense Region, with studies on avifauna and flora.

Research, conservation, and management of terns at the Terminal

Research, conservation, and management of coastal birdlife in regional conservation units
Research, conservation, and management of coastal birdlife in regional conservation units
Mapping migratory routes, enhancing local fauna and flora, and expanding activities to conservation units
Based on these action lines, in 2022, we began managing and monitoring the birds’ reproductive activities, including nest protection, monitoring reproductive success, and banding of chicks.

To date, 375 South American tern nests have been identified, monitored, and protected, with 72 in the 2022 breeding season, 213 in 2023, and 90 in 2024.

In 2023 and 2024, 293 and 140 South American tern eggs, respectively, were laid and monitored to track hatching success. In 2022, due to the monitoring methodology used, it was not possible to quantify the total number of eggs laid at the terminal.

So far, the birth of 197 South American tern chicks has been recorded at the terminal: 32 in the 2022 breeding season, 96 in 2023, and 69 in 2024.

In 2024, in addition to the South American tern, a large and dense reproductive colony of Cabot’s tern also formed, underscoring the terminal’s significance for tern reproduction and our responsibility toward seabird conservation. Despite challenges, by isolating the area occupied by the birds during the breeding period, we successfully balanced the reproduction of approximately 3,500 Cabot’s terns with operational activities at the terminal.

A total of 62 South American tern chicks have been banded, with 31 in 2022 and 31 in 2024, along with four adult birds banded during the 2024 field campaign. There was no banding activity in 2023 due to restrictions imposed by the national state of emergency in animal health due to avian flu.

 

Banding is an essential tool in bird studies as it provides information on distribution patterns and migrations, enables the tracking of bird age, estimates demographic parameters, and helps understand the frequency with which birds use specific breeding sites. The data from banded birds are later recorded in the unified database of the National Bird Banding System, National Research, and Conservation Center for Wild Birds (CEMAVE/ICMBio).

With this intensive monitoring, research, and well-planned and executed mitigation strategies, we have transformed the terminal into a strategic area for the reproduction and conservation of these species, also contributing to the National Action Plan for Seabird Conservation (PAN Aves Marinhas/ICMBio). In this sense, Aves do Açu aims to become an incubator and support platform for conservation projects – a reason for which we seek to establish partnerships, solidify the initiative's governance, and enable the project to gain autonomy and independence. These pillars reflect our alignment with sustainability principles in management, which can be shared and replicated by other terminals.