São Sebastião becomes the first whale-friendly port in Brazil

Whenever an animal crosses the canal, an alarm is triggered so that the vessels can reposition themselves and avoid accidents.

The Port of São Sebastião (SP) is the first in Brazil to adopt an international whale protection protocol. Since 2023, all vessels operating at the terminal have followed the guidelines developed by the Great Whale Conservancy, in partnership with the Humpback Whale and Baleia à Vista projects. This pioneering initiative places cetacean conservation at the heart of port operations.

The measure is especially relevant because São Paulo's North Coast is on the route of migratory species that approach the coast every year, also attracting tourists interested in observing these animals. It is estimated that in Brazil, 92% of maritime routes coincide with the paths taken by whales in search of warmer waters for breeding. In this scenario, cargo ships, cruise ships, and smaller vessels are among the greatest threats to these animals.

The initiative began at the private Almirante Barroso Waterway Terminal and was later adopted by the Port of São Sebastião. Since the measures were implemented, there have been no recorded collisions with whales in the region. Whenever an animal crosses the channel, an alarm is triggered, prompting vessels to reposition themselves and prevent accidents.

According to Júlio Cardoso, founder of the Baleia à Vista project and one of the contributors to the safe navigation guide, by the end of July, 695 cetacean sightings had been recorded — a number well above the same period in 2024, when 403 were recorded.

"The Port of São Sebastião is committed to balancing port development with the preservation of marine life. The presence of whales is a privilege of the North Coast, and it's up to us to ensure this spectacle takes place safely," says Ernesto Sampaio, the port's CEO.

The initiative focuses on guiding sailors, crews, and operators on how to avoid collisions and reduce environmental impacts. Key recommendations include keeping the engine in neutral when in the presence of cetaceans, maintaining a minimum distance of 100 meters, and never chasing them or remaining close to them for more than 30 minutes.

The Port of São Sebastião began its maintenance dredging in July, with special attention to protecting whales and turtles. Throughout the work, a professional, supported by drones, will monitor the area for the presence of these animals. If they approach, work will be immediately halted until the animal moves safely away.

Migratory route

The North Coast is one of the main migratory routes for humpback whales in the country. Every year, thousands of whales leave the icy waters of the South Atlantic for the tropical coast of Brazil. In addition to humpback whales, the region is home to at least three other species of whales and seven species of dolphins. According to estimates, around 120,000 tourists visit the North Coast just to observe the whales, generating approximately R$138 million annually for the local economy. The safe navigation guide is available for free download on the official website of the Port of São Sebastião: www.portodesaosebastiao.sp.gov.br .