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Protecting Cabo Verde’s Ocean Legacy
Our oceans play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, regulating our climate, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon, protecting against climate impacts, and supporting millions of livelihoods. From the smallest plankton to the largest whales, marine ecosystems are deeply interconnected. However, human pressures such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change are increasingly threatening these fragile systems, making marine conservation more important than ever to ensure the health of our planet and future generations.
Cabo Verde is uniquely positioned within one of the world’s most biologically rich marine regions. Small ocean processes around the islands bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface, creating abundant feeding grounds and making the surrounding seas unusually productive and full of life. With over 800 km of coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone, Cabo Verde’s waters are home to a wide variety of marine species, including seabirds, sea turtles, whales, and sharks.
These waters support both endemic species found nowhere else and large numbers of migratory species, serving as key breeding and feeding grounds. As the ocean is closely linked to the country’s economy and food security, protecting marine biodiversity is not only vital for ecosystems, but also for the long-term resilience of Cabo Verde’s people and environment.
Important habitats and Marine Protected Areas
Of the five nature reserves on Sal, four include significant marine areas protected under national law, each combining a terrestrial zone with a three-hectare stretch of ocean. Murdeira Bay remains the only fully marine-protected area in the entire Cabo Verde archipelago. While these areas are legally safeguarded due to their rich biodiversity, there is still limited capacity and resources for effective implementation and enforcement to ensure that habitats and species are effectively protected.
Much of our conservation work focuses on these reserves, but we also work in key areas outside them—such as the lemon shark nursery at Parda Reef—where we collaborate with local communities to protect marine life. To strengthen long-term conservation efforts, we have proposed the creation of a new protected area at Parda Reef, securing vital areas for future generations
What is Threatening Marine Conservation?
Cabo Verde’s Ocean is under increasing pressure from human activities, putting its biodiversity and coastal communities at risk. Urgent action is needed to protect these vital marine ecosystems for future generations.
Conservation Practices
To combat such threats and pressures, we are implementing various marine conservation methods. Marine conservation is the protection and sustainable management of ocean ecosystems and the species that depend on them. In Cabo Verde, it is especially vital due to the country’s rich biodiversity and reliance on the ocean for food, livelihoods, and tourism.
Despite ongoing efforts, more research, stronger fishing regulation enforcement, and sustainable tourism practices are urgently needed.
Species conservation and scientific research
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Monitoring elasmobranch species around Sal Island
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Assessing lemon shark populations in nursery areas through biometric sampling
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Tracking spatial and temporal distribution of marine megafauna using drones and BRUVs
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Assessing commercial fish stocks around the island
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Conducting biomass studies of key indicator fish species
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Recording diversity, abundance, and distribution of marine species
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Collecting ecological data through community-led initiatives (Guardians of the Sea)
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Collaborating nationally to revise shark conservation and management plans
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Promoting citizen science through megafauna sighting programmes
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Outreach and Community Partnership
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Engaging and building capacity among fishers affected by marine management policies
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Monitoring coastal waters and reporting infractions through the Guardians of the Sea
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Promoting environmental education in schools and community centres
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Running communication campaigns on sustainable fishing and seafood consumption
Implementing fishing practices that reduce bycatch of marine megafauna -
Building technical capacity among fishers and marine tourism workers, encouraging empowerment and participation in decision-making
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Providing training for guides on responsible shark-watching activities
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Conducting surveys with fishers to understand interactions with sharks and dolphins
Cooperative Management of Marine Protected Areas (MPA)
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Collaborating nationally to update and strengthen Marine Protected Area (MPA) management plans
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Proposing a new MPA in partnership with local communities that depend on marine resources
Main Project Partners
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