Cape Verde seamounts identified as biodiversity hubs in first comprehensive study
An international team has published the first comprehensive assessment of the Cape Verde archipelago’s seamounts in Progress in Oceanography, outlining their biodiversity, ecological function and socio‑economic relevance. These volcanic features – at least 14 large mountains and numerous smaller elevations – concentrate nutrients and modify currents, sustaining rich communities from deep‑sea corals and sponges to sharks, turtles, seabirds and cetaceans. Their position between temperate North Atlantic and tropical South Atlantic waters enhances productivity and ecological connectivity, with implications for marine conservation and nature‑based tourism.
The authors highlight the need for multidisciplinary management to guide protection and sustainable use, while civil society groups call for conservation to extend beyond coastal marine protected areas into offshore waters. The study maps current human uses – notably artisanal and industrial fishing – and flags emerging pressures from maritime traffic and potential deep‑sea mining, underscoring the importance of informed marine spatial planning for long‑term ocean health and destination resilience.
Source: Mirage News