Seamounts of Cabo Verde: A review of their ecological and economic significance, anthropogenic impacts, and conservation needs
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The deep-sea areas of the Cabo Verde Archipelago remain largely unexplored, with seamounts standing out as the most prominent and abundant geomorphological features. The ecological significance of these underwater structures is well-documented in various regions of the planet, as they often serve as biodiversity hotspots, stepping stones for species connectivity and, in some cases, areas with high levels of endemism. However, the biology and ecology of the seamounts around Cabo Verde are still largely unknown. Preliminary studies of the geomorphology, oceanographic characteristics and ecology of specific features suggest that the Cabo Verde seamount network — comprising 14 known conspicuous seamounts as well as smaller elevations less than 1000 m — harbours high biological diversity. That biodiversity associated with the Cabo Verde seamounts spans a wide range of forms, from microscopic organisms to cetaceans, encompassing both pelagic and benthic communities. Commercial activities associated with seamounts, in particular fishing, are a critical aspect to consider for ecosystem management. Evaluating their current uses, future prospects, and the existing and potential threats the Cabo Verde seamounts face is essential for effective and sustainable marine spatial planning. This study reviews and synthesises the current knowledge on the Cabo Verde seamounts within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), focusing on their environmental and biological aspects, including geology, oceanography, and associated biological communities. Key topics include primary production, zooplankton communities, benthic organisms, large vertebrates such as elasmobranchs, sea turtles, seabirds, and cetaceans, as well as microbes and trophic linkages. Additionally, this review explores the socio-economic dimensions linked to seamounts, highlighting their importance to the local economy and emphasizing the need for effective marine spatial management plans. These considerations are crucial for balancing conservation efforts with sustainable use, ensuring the long-term health of these vital underwater ecosystems.
Source: Progress In Oceanography
Authors: Covadonga Orejas, Beatriz Vinha, Gillian B. Ainsworth, Sarah Saldanha, Teresa Militão, Christian Mohn, Thor H. Hansteen, Sara S. Ratão, Henk-Jan Hoving, Teresa Amaro, Dominique M.J. Anderson, Deusa Araújo, Ana Mafalda Correia, Simon Berrow, Herculano A. Dinis, Rui Freitas, Evandro Lopes, Vanessa Lopes, Pedro Lopez, Thais Macedo, David March, Samir Martins, Diana M. Matos, Fernando Medrano, Tommy Melo, Gilda Monteiro, Ángela Mosquera Giménez, Vitor H. Paiva, Nuno Queiroz, Florian Schütte, Julian B. Stauffer, Albert Taxonera, Celine Van Weelden, Jacob González-Solís, Veerle A.I. Huvenne
Institutions: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Institute for Advanced Study, Centro Oceanográfico de Gijón, University of Salento, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat de la Universitat de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Laboratório Associado TERRA, University of Coimbra, Aarhus University, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Universidade do Porto, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, University of Aveiro, Heriot-Watt University, Associação Projecto Vitó, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Merchants Quay Ireland, University of Edinburgh, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Universitat de València, University of Exeter, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, National Oceanography Centre
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,720
Funders: Institute for Advanced Study, Villum Fonden, MAVA Foundation, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, BirdLife International, Horizon Therapeutics, European Commission, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Generalitat Valenciana, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Marinhos, Universidade de Aveiro, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Natural Environment Research Council, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Awards: G1215877646, Social-Ecological ocean management Applications with Digital Ocean Twins, G200919982, G2149047050, G3534458110, G4090066734, Integration of biodiversity monitoring data into the Digital Twin Ocean, G5772399312, G5983532046, G652904423, G7108743058, G7844759250, Mining impacts on benthic ecosystem functioning (MiBEF), G8472924317, G8867147707
OpenAlex ID: W4414651788