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Scientific research, ecosystem preservation and mapping the impact of economic activities on rhodolith habitats were the combined objectives of a study on the State of the art of Rhodolith Research in Brazil recently released by the Brazilian Institute for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (IBP) in technical cooperation with the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA).

Encrusting coralline algae occur in an impressive variety of forms. When these algae grow unattached from the substrate, forming nodules, they are known as rhodoliths. These are formed only from one or more species of calcareous algae, which may or may not be concretionary with other organisms, forming ecologically rich and important habitats.

The initiative is the result of research and reviews of articles published on the subject in journals and master’s and doctoral theses. The study also discusses the potential impacts of a range of economic activities, providing an important contribution to environmental preservation in the oil industry and addressing it as a priority.

Environmental preservation was also a topic of a workshop on Activities Affecting Rhodolith Areas,, organized under a Technical Cooperation Agreement between IBAMA and IBP and held on 17 and 18 August in Rio de Janeiro.