The mysterious 'black tide' suffocates Brazil's more than 4,400km coastline

Dense streaks of oil have severely damaged Brazilian beaches for nearly four months, but the cause has not been determined.

Over the past four months, thick, black, streaks of crude oil have spread across Brazil's more than 4,400 km coastline.Oil spills into mangroves and coral reefs, causing the worst oil spill in South American national history.The first day of oil washed up on the Brazilian coast was not well known, but the government report said it was August 30.(Photo: Reuters)

The Brazilian Navy took a sample of the oil to test it and discovered it had the same characteristics as crude oil originating from Venezuela, according to Reuters.Caracas and national oil company PDVSA have denied any involvement in the oil spill.(Photo: Reuters)

In October, the Technical Institute at Rio de Janeiro's Coppe Federal University conducted a study on the origin of oil.Looking at factors such as ocean currents and winds 80 days before the first clusters appeared, the study found that three areas 300 to 600 kilometers off shore could be the source of the oil.The researchers are comparing that information with the ship tracking data but have not published the results.(Photo: Reuters)

However, recent studies conducted by the Brazilian National Space Research Institute (INPE) indicate that oil moved from the southern coast of Africa in April to the Brazilian coast in September. In the photo, Volunteers try to tackle the spill on Itapuama beach in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.(Photo: Telegraph).

A week later, the Brazilian authorities added four tankers to the 'suspects' list: Maran Apollo and Maran Libra of Maran Tankers, Minerva Alexandra of Minerva Marine and Cap Pembroke of Euronav NV.However, all companies have denied involvement in the oil spill.(Photo: Reuters)

Oil slicks have profoundly affected the Brazilian fauna.As of December 16, a total of 159 animals were affected, 109 of which were dead.(Photo: Getty).

The most affected species is sea turtles because they are slower than other species in perceiving threats, according to Francisco Kelmo, director of the Biological Institute of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA).(Photo: BBC).

A series of non-profit organizations have set up barriers to isolate animals from polluted waters.The TAMAR project on sea turtle protection rescued more than 3,000 young sea turtles to avoid the consequences of oil slicks.(Photo: Gard).

More than 100 animals were found with traces of oil and more than 70% of them died.(Photo: Reuters)

The black spots in the image are the beaches that are polluted by oil.(Photo: Reuters)

Experts say that disasters have long-term environmental consequences. 'We do not think the ecosystem balance here can be restored in at least another 10-12 years,' Mr. Kelmo added, adding that the situation was exacerbated by the time oil appeared. mating of animals. 'The damage and consequences to the coastal area and to those who depend on the fishing industry are very serious . '(Photo: Reuters)

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