Bacia Potiguar

The Bacia Potiguar region is a complex coastal system consisting of dunes, fragments of caatinga, estuarine areas, and mangroves. This unique combination results in a high diversity of habitats, supporting a variety of plants and animals. Additionally, due to its intricate coastal ecosystem network, the region plays a strategic role for several species of migratory birds, particularly shorebirds. The Bacia Potiguar region is known for its economic activities, primarily shrimp farming and sea salt extraction (both carried out in mangrove areas) since the 1970s. Other economic activities include fruit farming, agriculture, cattle raising (in the plateau areas), oil exploration, and, more recently, substantial investment in wind farms near the coastal zone. Furthermore, Bacia Potiguar is home to traditional communities that primarily rely on artisanal fishing and shellfish gathering for their livelihoods.

SAVE Brasil has been monitoring the Bacia Potiguar region since 2015. During this period, it has been observed that the region is visited by 20 Nearctic species of shorebirds during the austral spring and summer, as well as five local shorebird species. The area hosts several species of special concern, including the Red Knot, Whimbrel, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Roseate Terns. The 200 Red Knots recorded at the site represent at least 1% of the Atlantic Coast population of the species. Additionally, Whimbrel estimates have shown peaks of approximately 100 birds, especially during spring migration. The Semipalmated Sandpiper exhibits a small population of about 1,000 individuals wintering in the region. It’s important to note that these figures do not account for any turnover, which certainly occurs in the area. 

The area is also essential for other species present in the region. In this sense, five tern species (including two nationally endangered), Gulls, Osprey, Skimmers, Peregrine Falcons, and the Neotropic Cormorant, stand out. A biodiversity is also found,  specially species that breed on estuaries such as shrimp and saltwater fishes, otters, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and rays. The vegetation is characterized by mangroves, caatinga, and restinga fragments scattered throughout the area. Additionally, the area presents dune vegetation with a proliferation of Algaroba (Prosopis nigra), an exotic species that spread uncontrollably in the region after its use for cattle feed. 

In this area, cattle, pigs, and goats are raised, while fishermen collect fish from both the river and the sea. Women also play an active role in collecting and preparing shellfish from the estuarine beaches.

A portion of the site is overlaid with a state-protected area in Macau City known as the Ponta do Tubarão Sustainable Development Reserve. This area was declared as protected in 2003 due to the commitment of traditional artisanal fishing communities to conservation efforts in the region. Furthermore, this area allows and approves certain economic activities through its management council, primarily related to traditional fishing and tourism. Designation as a WHSRN Site will also serve as an essential complementary management and engagement tool for this protected area.