A quick boat ride around Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro reveals the troubling presence of oil and chemical pollutants in the waters, tainting the iconic scenery that includes Sugarloaf Mountain, the famous granite peaks, and the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue.

In response to this environmental threat, non-governmental organizations 350.org and the Association of Men and Women of the Sea of Guanabara Bay (Rede Ahomar) have developed a mobile app designed to help local fishermen document and report pollution.

The app, named “De Olho na Guanabara” (Eye on Guanabara), was launched in late July, and has since registered 70 users. According to data from 350.org, 27 reports have been reviewed and made public, while 126 additional complaints are under analysis.

Alexandre Anderson de Sousa, a fisherman and president of Rede Ahomar, explained that the app had undergone testing for over two years before its release.

The app isn’t just for fishermen—local residents and environmental activists can also upload photos and videos of suspected oil spills or chemical contamination. These reports are sent to authorities, complete with details on the location of the incident.

“Each report through the app serves as a warning to all of Brazil that one of its most famous landmarks is being sacrificed for an outdated fossil fuel system that also accelerates the climate crisis,” said Luiz Afonso Rosario, a campaign leader at 350.org.

Giselle Menezes, who manages water quality at Rio de Janeiro’s environmental agency, Inea, stated that parts of Guanabara Bay have seen gradual improvement due to investments in sanitation infrastructure. Along with reviewing public complaints, the institute continues to conduct its own monitoring and inspections.

Meanwhile, scientists have observed that local sea turtles are becoming healthier, recovering from a long struggle with a debilitating tumor disease that impacts their mobility, vision, feeding, and eventually leads to death.

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