Oil And Gas Exploration In ExxonMobil’s SEAL Project May Affect 52 Conservation Units In The Stretch Between Alagoas And Sergipe, Expert Says

Multinational ExxonMobil Is Planning to Move Forward with the SEAL Project, Aiming to Explore Oil and Gas in a Region of the São Francisco River, Which Could Endanger Both the Environment and the Livelihoods of Several Fishermen, According to Expert Emerson Soares, Researcher and Professor at the Federal University of Alagoas

The multinational ExxonMobil is preparing to explore oil and gas in a stretch near the river basin between Alagoas and Sergipe, close to the estuary of the São Francisco River, for the SEAL Project, which may impact 52 conservation units. The activity could directly affect several communities that rely on the economic activities of Velho Chico. Among them are people like Maria Aparecida da Silva, a member of the Fishermen’s Federation of Alagoas and also a fisherwoman.

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River May Be Threatened by SEAL Oil and Gas Exploration Project, Highlights Researcher and Professor at the Federal University of Alagoas

Residents and fishermen in the region comment that their journey into artisanal fishing began when they were still children. Many started at the age of 4 in Jaraguá, which is the major fishing center of the capital.

However, the tradition of artisanal fishing in the Lower São Francisco region, located in Alagoas, and even the river itself may be threatened by ExxonMobil’s SEAL oil and gas exploration project, according to the researcher and professor at the Federal University of Alagoas.

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Researchers monitoring the technical team studying potential environmental impacts of the SEAL project observe the situation with concern, particularly in the event of a spill. According to Emerson Soares, a researcher and professor at the Federal University of Alagoas who has worked in the region for over 14 years, oil could reach more than 15 km inland, affecting the municipalities of Piaçabuçu (AL), Brejo Grande (SE), getting close to the border with Penedo (AL), depending on the flow of the São Francisco.

ExxonMobil Plans to Explore Oil and Gas

Emerson states that there is little transparency in the process and believes that there should be more oversight from IBAMA regarding the situation, as well as more transparency and information from ExxonMobil itself.

Information should reach traditional communities in a clearer and more discussed manner. So far, the project is in the phase of oil and gas exploration and is still awaiting IBAMA’s license to start searching for natural fuel, which may or may not be present in the region.

ExxonMobil has previously been responsible for socio-environmental impacts, such as the oil spill in Alaska in the late 1980s, which became known as the Exxon Valdez disaster.

More Than 190 Meetings Have Been Held to Discuss ExxonMobil’s Project

The multinational responded in a video and in a statement, affirming that it is following all recommendations and protocols from IBAMA. It is important to remember that the project, which is still in the pre-licensing phase, is located offshore and not in the São Francisco River.

The company also states that its priority is to preserve the health and safety of the community and the environment. Accordingly, it informs that more than 190 meetings have been held with representatives of the communities within the project’s scope. The multinational also held a public hearing related to the topic.

NOTE: The content of this article was originally produced by the news portal Brasil de Fato – BdF Pernambuco. The interview, video materials, and residents’ accounts are the sole responsibility of the mentioned portal; CPG – Click Oil and Gas does not hold the copyright.