From Porto to the Ocean

The profound environmental transformations of today are the result of unsustainable practices of exploitation, domination and corruption of civilizations. These actions have not only shaped geography, but have also influenced cultures and economies around the world. The oceans are crucial for international trade and pose environmental challenges that require a more sustainable and conscious approach to ensure the preservation of our planet. The merchant fleet will be severely affected by the effects of climate change, which include coastal storm surges, disruption of tidal systems, more intense tornadoes and extreme tropical cyclones. In addition, thermal stratification will affect the biological productivity of the oceans, altering the transport of nutrients by ocean currents and, consequently, modifying marine, coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Understanding the interaction of ocean currents in regulating heat on the planet and distributing nutrients to ecosystems will allow us to develop more effective strategies for preserving the environment. The expansion of the maritime sector has opened the door to boosting the global economy; However, it was the main vector of marine bioinvasion, which continues to spread through the ballast waters of the global maritime sector. Biofouling not only brings environmental problems, but also economic ones to the merchant fleet, causing significant damage, including increased fuel consumption, vibrations and noise. These factors contribute to poor work quality, affecting the hearing health of the crew. Since ancient times, the exploration of the oceans and the extraction of marine resources have been crucial components for the economic development of nations. Decommissioned ships can contribute to the economic and maritime sector, ensuring the health of coastal-marine ecosystems and maintaining the global climate. The history of maritime exploration is essential to contextualize the current degradation of marine ecosystems and the challenges faced by fishing economies, especially in countries with vast coastal areas, such as Brazil.