Biodiversity and environmental pressures associated with the benthic habitats of the marine protected areas on the SP coast

• Grant number: 25/01764-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Luis Americo Conti
• Grantee: Sofia Nunes Morando
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/10107-9 - Marine Protected Areas Habitat Mapping Program, AP.PP

Abstract

This master's project focuses on the characterization and mapping of benthic habitats within the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of São Paulo state. The research aims to identify seabed landscape units and assess the influence of environmental pressures such as fishing and mineral exploitation on these habitats. Data validation will be conducted through sediment sampling, underwater imagery, and statistical analyses. The results will support marine environmental management by providing essential information for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and the conservation of São Paulo's coastal and marine ecosystems.