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(Universitat de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals) (Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Departamento de Economía Aplicada) (Universitat de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals) (Universidade de Coimbra. Departamento de Ciências da Vida) (Aarhus University. Department of Ecoscience) (Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel) (Universidade do Porto. Departamento de Biologia) (Universidade de Aveiro. Departamento de Biologia) (Universidade do Porto. Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental) (Irish Whale and Dolphin Group) (Universidade Técnica do Atlântico. Instituto de Engenharia e Ciências do Mar (Cabo Verde)) (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals) (Universitat de València. Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva) (Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development Association (Cabo Verde)) (Universitat de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals) (Universidade de Coimbra. Departamento de Ciências da Vida) (Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel) (Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel) (Associação Projeto Biodiversidade (Cabo Verde)) (Universitat de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)| Date: | 2026 |
| 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. |
| Grants: | European Commission 101112823 European Commission 101156488 European Commission 101135583 European Commission 818123 Agencia Estatal de Investigación PID2020-117155GB-I00 |
| Note: | Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2019-000940-M |
| Rights: | Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.  |
| Language: | Anglès |
| Document: | Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada |
| Subject: | Biodiversity ; Biological oceanography ; Cabo Verde ; Macaronesia ; Management ; Marine protected areas ; Protection socioeconomics ; Vulnerable marine ecosystems ; Webnesia ; SDG 14 - Life Below Water |
| Published in: | Progress in Oceanography, Vol. 240 (January 2026) , art. 103579, ISSN 0079-6611 |
