THE USE OF SIDESCAN SONAR TO DETECT LARGE BENTHIC MARINE DEBRIS IN NITERÓI HARBOR-GUANABARA BAY/SE BRAZIL

Abstract

Marine debris constitute a global concern that pollutes the world’s oceans, including deep benthic habitats where little is known about the extent of the problem. SideScan Sonar systems are able to provide near-photographic high-resolution images of underwater areas, for a wide variety of objectives, including production of nautical charts and detection of underwater bathymetric features. Lately this technology has been used as a tool to detect debris on the seafloor that may be hazardous for living organisms and finally for humans. Harbor activities were the most common contributors of benthic debris. Little is known about the extent of the problem in the Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, regarding benthic debris distribution and their influence in the bottom sediment. The present study analyzes the spatial distribution and type of marine benthic debris in the area of Niterói Harbour. The study identified great amount of benthic debris, including tires, anchors, cables or linear features, sunken vessels, wooden or metal bars and pillars.