An international team led by Covadonga Orejas, a researcher at the Gijón Oceanographic Centre of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC); Veerle Huvenne, a researcher at the UK National Oceanography Centre (NOC); and Jacob González-Solís, professor at the Faculty of Biology and the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) of the University of Barcelona, has published the first comprehensive study on the seamounts of the Cape Verde archipelago, their biodiversity, ecological functionality and socio-economic relevance in the journal Progress in Oceanography .
These volcanic formations - at least 14 large mountains and numerous smaller elevations - act as veritable oases of life in the deep ocean, concentrating nutrients and modifying the circulation of underwater currents. This supports exceptional biodiversity, ranging from microorganisms to communities of deep-sea corals and sponges, as well as sharks, turtles, seabirds and cetaceans. Their position between the temperate waters of the North Atlantic and the tropical waters of the South, further enhances their productivity and ecological connectivity.
"The seamounts of Cape Verde are essential refuges for many species, and this study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the relationships between geology, oceanography, biology and socio-economic aspects," explains Covadonga Orejas.
"Understanding how seamounts work is key to planning their protection and ensuring the sustainable use of their marine resources," adds Veerle Huvenne.
"From the perspective of a civil society organization, knowledge about seamounts is crucial for improving marine spatial management and promoting the conservation of Cape Verde's natural resources," says Herculano A. Dinis, executive director of the Projecto Vitó Association in the African country. "These deep ecosystems act as key biodiversity areas and provide strategic information to guide public policy and marine spatial planning. In a country like Cape Verde, where marine protected areas are concentrated exclusively in coastal zones, the study of seamounts paves the way to more integrated and holistic conservation strategies that also include ocean waters," he says.
The article analyses not only the biological richness of these ecosystems, but also the associated human uses, especially artisanal and industrial fishing, as well as the emerging risks linked to maritime traffic and the potential expansion of deep-sea mining.
