28/11/2015
In a preventive action, fish are being removed from the approach channel to the dam of the hydropower plant of Aimorés, in Minas Gerais. The area was not impacted by the turbidity plume. The initiative, which is part of the efforts to rescue fauna, is being implemented through Brandt Meio Ambiente, a consultancy firm specialized in environmental programs and studies, together with the power plant personnel and local fishermen, who have been hired to participate in this effort. After collection, the fish are taken to other waterways which present the same characteristics as their original habitat.
Samarco is also rescuing the fish in areas where the turbidity plume is more diluted. The species are identified, evaluated, and the healthy specimens are inserted in other rivers, where other specimens of the same species are found. This work is carried out with the authorization and oversight of the Brazilian Institute for Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). The dead fish are being collected separately and disposed of in duly licensed sanitary landfills.
In Espírito Santo, actions for the rescue of fish and crustaceans were executed before the passage of the turbidity plume, pursuant to the technical guidelines of IBAMA and IEMA. The focus was to rescue rare, endemic and endangered species, in order to preserve a gene pool for future repopulation of the Doce River. The removal of dead fish is being performed by the company Bioma Estudos Ambientais, along the entire river course and on the beaches of Regencia and Povoação, in Linhares. After their identification and quantification, the fish are placed in large plastic barrels and taken, on the same day, to a licensed sanitary landfill.
