Environmental Impact Assessment of the Artificial Reef Barcaza Caribe 225 within the Area of Influence of Sociedad Portuaria Río Córdoba, Ciénaga, Magdalena 2025-2026
Extreme oceanographic conditions in December of 2010 caused the capsizing of the barge (Barcaza Caribe 225) carrying nearly 700 tons of coal, near the municipality of Ciénaga within the area of influence of Sociedad Portuaria Río Córdoba. At the request of the Autoridad Nacional de Licencias Ambientales (ANLA), coal recovery operations were undertaken, followed by long-term monitoring of water, marine sediment, and beach quality, together with assessment of hydrobiological communities and fishery resources within and around the barge through 2017. Overall, the studies concluded that, although some monitored environmental variables showed localized or minor changes, the conditions remained stable in the area, indicating a low environmental impact.
Despite the extensive information compiled during the monitoring period and the fact that the sunken barge had developed into an artificial reef, ANLA requested a comprehensive environmental impact assessment for the biotic, abiotic, and socioeconomic components. The assessment aimed to determine the environmental feasibility of either removing the wreck or leaving it in its current condition by evaluating three alternative management scenarios. Thereby identifying the alternative that would provide the most favorable environmental outcome. The study includes the following activities:
